Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following interventions is necessary before insertion of an arterial line into the radial artery?

• A. Ensure that the client does not need surgery
• B. Assess the client's grip strength
• C. Perform an Allen test
• D. Check a serum potassium level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Before inserting an arterial line into the radial artery, it is crucial to perform an Allen test. The Allen test assesses the collateral circulation to the hand by compressing both the radial and ulnar arteries. By occluding the radial artery and releasing the ulnar artery, the nurse can check if the ulnar artery can adequately supply blood to the hand if the radial artery is cannulated. This step ensures that there is adequate circulation to the hand post-insertion of the arterial line. Choice A, ensuring that the client does not need surgery, is not directly related to the insertion of an arterial line and is not a necessary step before the procedure. Choice B, assessing grip strength, is not specific to the vascular status of the hand and does not provide information about the adequacy of collateral circulation. Choice D, checking a serum potassium level, is unrelated to the assessment of radial artery patency and collateral circulation, which are the primary concerns before arterial line insertion.

2. Sinusitis is caused by:

• A. Bacteria
• B. Fungus
• C. Virus
• D. Any of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sinusitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. While bacterial infections are the most common cause, viral or fungal infections can also lead to sinusitis. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Any of the above.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they only represent individual causes of sinusitis, whereas choice D encompasses all possible causes.

3. What is the highest priority for post ECT care?

• A. Observe for confusion
• B. Monitor respiratory status
• C. Reorient to time, place, and person
• D. Document the client's response to the treatment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The highest priority for post ECT care is to monitor respiratory status. This is crucial because a life-threatening side effect of ECT is respiratory arrest. While observing for confusion and reorienting the client are important aspects of post ECT care, they are not as critical as ensuring the client's respiratory status is stable. Documenting the client's response to treatment is also important for maintaining accurate medical records, but it is not the highest priority immediately post ECT.

4. The depressed client verbalizes feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth, typified by statements such as "I'm such a failure"? I can't do anything right!"? The best nursing response would be:

• A. To tell the client this is not true; that we all have a purpose in life.
• B. To remain with the client and sit in silence; this will encourage the client to verbalize feelings.
• C. To reassure the client that you know how the client is feeling and that things will get better.
• D. To identify recent behaviors or accomplishments that demonstrate skill ability.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response in this situation is to reassure the client that you understand how they are feeling and provide hope for improvement. While acknowledging the client's feelings, it is essential to offer support and encouragement. Choice A is not the best response as it dismisses the client's feelings and offers a generalized statement. Choice B, remaining silent, may lead the client to feel unheard or unsupported. Choice D, identifying recent behaviors or accomplishments, may not be as effective in addressing the immediate emotional distress and negative self-talk expressed by the client. Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate response in this scenario, offering empathy and optimism to help the client feel understood and supported.

5. Which information given by a 70-year-old patient during a health history indicates to the nurse that the patient should be screened for hepatitis C?

• A. The patient had a blood transfusion in 2005
• B. The patient used IV drugs about 20 years ago
• C. The patient frequently eats in fast-food restaurants
• D. The patient traveled to a country with poor sanitation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'The patient used IV drugs about 20 years ago.' Any patient with a history of IV drug use should be tested for hepatitis C due to the increased risk of transmission through sharing needles. Blood transfusions given after 1992, when an antibody test for hepatitis C became available, do not pose a risk for hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is not spread by the oral-fecal route, so contaminated food or traveling to countries with poor sanitation are not direct risk factors for hepatitis C.

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