Nursing Elites

1. Which intervention reduces reservoirs of infection in a healthcare setting?

• A. Placing capped needles and syringes in puncture-resistant containers
• B. Keeping bedside table surfaces clean and dry
• C. Changing dressings that become wet or soiled
• D. Placing tissues and soiled dressings in paper bags

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Placing capped needles and syringes in puncture-resistant containers is the correct intervention to reduce infection reservoirs in healthcare settings. This practice helps prevent accidental needle-stick injuries and contains potentially infectious materials properly. Keeping bedside table surfaces clean and dry (choice B) is essential for preventing the spread of infections but does not directly address reducing reservoirs of infection. Changing dressings that become wet or soiled (choice C) is important for wound care but does not specifically target infection reservoirs. Placing tissues and soiled dressings in paper bags (choice D) is a proper waste disposal practice but does not directly reduce reservoirs of infection in a healthcare setting.

2. Which intervention is most effective for managing a patient with constipation?

• A. Increase the patient's fluid intake.
• B. Administer a stool softener as prescribed.
• C. Provide the patient with a high-fiber diet.
• D. Teach the patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention for managing constipation in a patient is to administer a stool softener as prescribed. Stool softeners help relieve constipation by making the stool easier to pass, especially in postoperative patients. Increasing fluid intake can be beneficial but may not address the underlying cause of constipation. While a high-fiber diet is important for bowel health, it may not provide immediate relief for constipation. Teaching a patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers is not recommended for managing constipation as it can lead to adverse effects like increasing intra-abdominal pressure.

3. A nurse manager is implementing a quality improvement project to reduce the number of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections at the facility. Which of the following actions should the nurse manager take first?

• A. Develop an MRSA protocol for implementation.
• B. Provide educational in-services for staff.
• C. Evaluate outcomes resulting from interventions.
• D. Conduct a chart review to evaluate precipitating factors of clients who develop MRSA.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Conducting a chart review to evaluate the precipitating factors of clients who develop MRSA is the initial step in reducing these infections. By identifying factors contributing to MRSA infections, the nurse manager can develop targeted interventions. Developing an MRSA protocol (choice A) and providing educational in-services (choice B) would be premature without understanding the specific factors at play. Evaluating outcomes (choice C) should come after implementing interventions based on the findings from the chart review.

4. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for amoxicillin clavulanate to treat pharyngitis. Which statement indicates understanding?

• A. I will double my dose if I miss one
• B. I should take this medication on an empty stomach between meals
• C. I will take the medication until my sore throat goes away
• D. I will stop taking this medication if I develop itching

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client should never double the dose if a dose is missed. This can lead to an overdose, which can cause serious adverse effects. Instead, the client should take the next dose as scheduled or consult the provider for guidance.

5. The patient has been in bed for several days and needs to be ambulated. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Dangle the patient at the bedside.
• B. Encourage isometric exercises.
• C. Suggest a high-calcium diet.
• D. Maintain a narrow base of support.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Dangle the patient at the bedside.' When a patient has been in bed for an extended period and needs to be ambulated, it is essential to dangle the patient at the bedside first. Dangling involves helping the patient sit on the edge of the bed with their legs over the side before standing up. This action helps prevent orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from lying down to standing up, which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Encouraging isometric exercises (choice B) or suggesting a high-calcium diet (choice C) are not the first actions to take before ambulating a patient. Maintaining a narrow base of support (choice D) is related to assisting with ambulation but is not the initial step that should be taken.

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