Nursing Elites

1. Which assessment data indicates the need for the nurse to include the problem 'Risk for falls' in a client’s plan of care?

• A. Recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL
• B. Opioid analgesic received one hour ago
• C. Stooped posture with an unsteady gait
• D. Expressed feelings of depression

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The administration of opioid analgesics can impair balance and increase the risk of falls, justifying the inclusion of 'Risk for falls' in the client’s care plan. Choice A, a recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL, is not directly related to the risk of falls. Choice C, stooped posture with an unsteady gait, may indicate a risk for falls, but the direct influence of opioid analgesics on balance is more immediate. Choice D, expressed feelings of depression, while important, is not a direct indicator of the immediate risk for falls associated with opioid analgesic use.

2. A healthcare professional is teaching a new colleague about the correct administration of subcutaneous (subQ) injections. Which instruction should the healthcare professional include?

• A. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle for subQ injections
• B. Aspirate for blood return before injecting the medication
• C. Pinch the skin before inserting the needle
• D. Massage the site after administering the injection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pinching the skin before inserting the needle is essential in elevating the subcutaneous tissue away from the muscle. This technique ensures that the medication is administered into the correct tissue layer, promoting proper absorption and decreasing the risk of injecting into muscle tissue.

3. A client's blood pressure reading is 156/94 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Inform the client that the blood pressure is high and that the reading needs to be verified by another nurse.
• B. Contact the healthcare provider to report the reading and obtain a prescription for an antihypertensive medication.
• C. Replace the cuff with a larger one to ensure a proper fit for the client and increase arm comfort.
• D. Compare the current reading with the client's previously documented blood pressure readings.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first in this situation is to compare the current blood pressure reading with the client's previously documented readings. This comparison will provide valuable information about what is normal for this specific client, helping to determine if the current reading represents a significant change or if it falls within the client's usual range. By reviewing the client's past readings, the nurse can assess trends, variations, and if the current reading is an isolated high value or part of a pattern, guiding appropriate decision-making. Informing the client about the high reading (Choice A) or contacting the healthcare provider for medication (Choice B) should come after assessing the client's history. Replacing the cuff (Choice C) is not necessary at this point and does not address the immediate need to compare the readings for appropriate intervention.

4. A client is admitted to the hospital with intractable pain. What instruction should the nurse provide the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who is preparing to assist this client with a bed bath?

• A. Take measures to promote as much comfort as possible.
• B. Report any signs of drug addiction to the nurse immediately.
• C. Wait until the client's pain is gone before assisting with personal care.
• D. This client's pain will be difficult to manage, as the cause is unknown.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) preparing to assist a client with intractable pain is to take measures to promote as much comfort as possible. Intractable pain is resistant to relief, so ensuring comfort during all activities, including a bed bath, is crucial to enhance the client's well-being and quality of care.

5. When assisting a client with right-sided hemiplegia to get into a wheelchair, how should the nurse position the wheelchair?

• A. On the left side of the bed facing the foot of the bed.
• B. On the right side of the bed facing the head of the bed.
• C. Perpendicular to the bed on the right side.
• D. Facing the bed on the left side of the bed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Positioning the wheelchair on the left side of the bed facing the foot of the bed is the correct approach when assisting a client with right-sided hemiplegia. Placing the wheelchair on the left side allows the client to stand on their unaffected foot and pivot to sit down safely. This positioning facilitates a smoother transfer and helps maintain the client's stability during the process. Choice B is incorrect because positioning the wheelchair on the right side facing the head of the bed would make it challenging for the client to transfer due to their right-sided hemiplegia. Choice C is incorrect as placing the wheelchair perpendicular to the bed on the right side may not provide the necessary space and angle for a safe transfer. Choice D is incorrect as facing the bed on the left side of the bed does not provide the optimal position for the client to transfer from the bed to the wheelchair effectively.

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