Nursing Elites

1. When caring for a patient with a colostomy, which nursing action is most important?

• A. Monitor the colostomy for signs of infection.
• B. Empty the colostomy bag when it is half full.
• C. Encourage the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• D. Apply a skin barrier to prevent irritation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Emptying the colostomy bag when it is half full is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a colostomy. This practice helps prevent leakage, reduces the risk of skin irritation, and promotes patient comfort. Monitoring for signs of infection (Choice A) is essential but not as crucial as maintaining proper colostomy care. Encouraging the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals (Choice C) can be beneficial for colostomy patients but is not as critical as ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag. Applying a skin barrier to prevent irritation (Choice D) is important, but ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag takes precedence in preventing complications associated with a colostomy.

2. A client with hyperthyroidism is prescribed propranolol. Which finding indicates that the propranolol is effective?

• A. The client reports an increase in weight
• B. The client has a decrease in blood pressure
• C. The client reports an increase in energy
• D. The client's respiratory rate has increased

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a decrease in blood pressure is an expected outcome when propranolol, a beta-blocker, is effectively managing hyperthyroidism. Propranolol helps control symptoms such as tachycardia and hypertension associated with hyperthyroidism. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because weight gain, increased energy, and an increased respiratory rate are not direct indicators of propranolol's effectiveness in treating hyperthyroidism.

3. A charge nurse is discussing HIPAA with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse include in the teaching as an example of a HIPAA violation?

• A. Posting the name of the nurse providing care on a client's communication board
• B. Discussing the client's new medication with a hospital pharmacist
• C. Faxing requested medical information for a client who is transferring to another facility
• D. Emailing the client's positive hepatitis results from an unencrypted server

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Emailing client information through an unencrypted server is a HIPAA violation because it can lead to data breaches. Choices A, B, and C do not violate HIPAA. Posting the name of the nurse providing care on a client's communication board does not disclose sensitive health information. Discussing the client's new medication with a hospital pharmacist is a routine healthcare practice. Faxing requested medical information for a client who is transferring to another facility is a secure way to transmit healthcare data.

4. A patient is admitted with signs of stroke. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse anticipate as the priority?

• A. CT scan
• B. MRI
• C. X-ray
• D. Ultrasound

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A CT scan is the priority diagnostic test to identify and confirm the location and severity of a stroke.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative. Which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Elevated temperature
• B. Low blood pressure
• C. Decreased urine output
• D. Increased heart rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a postoperative client, decreased urine output is a crucial finding as it can indicate impaired kidney function or inadequate fluid balance. Prioritizing assessment and intervention for decreased urine output is essential to prevent complications like acute kidney injury. Elevated temperature, low blood pressure, and increased heart rate are also important, but they may not be as urgent or directly related to kidney function in a postoperative client.

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