Nursing Elites

1. Which nursing action will most likely increase a patient's risk for developing a health care-associated infection?

• A. Uses a sterile bottled solution more than once within a 24-hour period.
• B. Uses surgical aseptic technique to suction an airway.
• C. Uses a clean technique for inserting a urinary catheter.
• D. Uses a cleaning stroke from the urinary meatus toward the rectum.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Using a clean technique for inserting a urinary catheter increases the risk for healthcare-associated infections. Invasive procedures like catheter insertion require a sterile technique to prevent introducing pathogens into the urinary tract. Choices A and B demonstrate appropriate infection control measures by emphasizing the use of sterile or aseptic techniques. Choice D represents an incorrect technique that can lead to the introduction of bacteria from the rectum into the urinary tract, potentially causing infections.

2. A healthcare provider is caring for a client who has heart failure and is prescribed enalapril. The provider should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Question: When a client with heart failure is prescribed enalapril, monitoring for hyperkalemia is essential. Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that can lead to an increase in potassium levels in the blood. This adverse effect can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because enalapril does not typically cause hypertension, hypokalemia, or hyperglycemia as adverse effects. It's essential for healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring potassium levels when clients are on ACE inhibitors like enalapril.

3. A nurse is assessing a client following a head injury and a brief loss of consciousness. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 12
• B. Edematous bruise on the forehead
• C. Small drops of clear fluid in the left ear
• D. Pupils are 4 mm and reactive to light

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Clear fluid draining from the ear may indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which is a serious complication following a head injury. Reporting this finding is crucial as it may require immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and D are not as concerning as a CSF leak. A GCS score of 12 is relatively high, indicating a mild level of consciousness alteration. An edematous bruise on the forehead is a common physical finding after a head injury. Pupils that are 4 mm and reactive to light suggest normal pupillary function.

4. A nurse enters a client's room to administer a prescribed medication, and the client asks about the medication. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

• A. Give detailed information about the medication, including its potential side effects.
• B. Refer the client to the healthcare provider for more information.
• C. Give a brief explanation and administer the medication.
• D. Ask another nurse to explain the medication and proceed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse when a client asks about a medication is to refer the client to the healthcare provider for more information. This ensures that the client receives accurate and detailed information from the appropriate source. Providing detailed information or a brief explanation as choices A and C suggest may not be within the nurse's scope of practice and could potentially lead to misinformation or confusion. Asking another nurse to explain the medication, as in choice D, may not guarantee accurate information, so it is best to involve the healthcare provider directly.

5. The nurse is caring for a patient who is susceptible to infection. Which instruction will the nurse include in an educational session to decrease the risk of infection?

• A. Teaching the patient to take a temperature
• B. Teaching the patient to select nutritious foods
• C. Teaching the patient about the effects of alcohol
• D. Teaching the patient about fall prevention

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Teaching the patient to select nutritious foods. A nutritious diet plays a crucial role in strengthening the body's immune system, making it more capable of fighting off infections. Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients found in healthy foods support immune function and overall health. Teaching the patient about taking a temperature (choice A) may be important for monitoring for signs of infection but does not directly decrease the risk of infection. Teaching about the effects of alcohol (choice C) and fall prevention (choice D) are important aspects of patient education but are not directly related to decreasing the risk of infection in a susceptible patient.

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