Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following items of subjective client data would be documented in the medical record by the nurse?

• A. Client's face is pale
• B. Cervical lymph nodes are palpable
• C. Nursing assistant reports client refused lunch
• D. Client feels nauseated

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Client feels nauseated.' Subjective data refers to the client's sensations, feelings, and perception of their health status. It can only be reported by the client as it is based on their personal experiences. The feeling of nausea is a subjective symptom that the client experiences and can provide insight into their health condition. Choices A and B represent objective data, as they describe observable or measurable findings that can be detected by the nurse. Choice C involves information reported by someone other than the client, making it indirect and not purely subjective.

2. During a heritage assessment, which question is most appropriate for the nurse to ask?

• A. "Do you smoke?"?
• B. "What is your religion?"?
• C. "Do you have a history of heart disease?"?
• D. "How many years have you lived in the United States?"?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a heritage assessment, it is crucial for the nurse to ask questions related to a person's country of ancestry, years in the United States, cultural practices, beliefs, and values. By asking about the number of years lived in the United States, the nurse can gain insights into the individual's cultural background and heritage. Options B, C, and A are not directly related to assessing heritage. Asking about religion only addresses one aspect of heritage, while smoking history and health history do not provide a comprehensive view of a person's heritage.

3. What is the BEST blood collection location for a newborn?

• A. the AC
• B. the veins of the forehead
• C. the heel
• D. the fingertips

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When collecting blood from newborns, it is safest and most commonly done by collecting blood from the lateral or medial aspect of the baby's heel. This location is preferred due to the accessibility of the veins and the minimal discomfort caused to the newborn. Veins in the forehead are not commonly used for blood collection in newborns. The fingertips are not optimal for blood collection in newborns due to their small size and the potential for causing discomfort. The AC (antecubital) area, typically used in adults for blood collection, is not recommended for newborns due to the size of their veins and the potential risk of injury.

4. While percussing over the liver of a patient, the nurse notices a dull sound. What should the nurse do?

• A. Consider this a normal finding
• B. Palpate this area for an underlying mass
• C. Reposition the hands and attempt to percuss in this area again
• D. Consider this finding as abnormal and refer the patient for additional treatment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When percussing over relatively dense organs, such as the liver or spleen, a dull sound is a normal finding due to the organ's density. This occurs because the sound waves produced by tapping on the organ travel through the dense tissue, resulting in a dull sound. Therefore, the correct action for the nurse in this scenario is to consider a dull sound over the liver as a normal finding. Palpating for an underlying mass (Choice B) is not indicated based on the percussion finding alone. Repositioning the hands and repeating the percussion (Choice C) may not change the dull sound over the liver. Referring the patient for additional treatment (Choice D) without understanding the normal percussion findings over the liver would be premature. Thus, the most appropriate action is to interpret the dull sound as a normal finding.

5. The nurse is preparing to assess a patient’s abdomen by palpation. How should the nurse proceed?

• A. Avoid palpating reportedly “tender” areas as this may cause pain.
• B. Palpate tender areas quickly to minimize patient discomfort.
• C. Initiate the assessment with deep palpation while encouraging the patient to relax and take deep breaths.
• D. Begin the assessment with light palpation to detect surface characteristics and to acclimate the patient to touch.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct approach is to begin the assessment with light palpation to detect surface characteristics and to acclimate the patient to touch. This allows the nurse to first assess surface features before proceeding to deeper palpation. Starting with light palpation also helps the patient become more comfortable with being touched, creating a smoother examination experience. Palpating tender areas quickly, as suggested in choice B, can increase patient discomfort. Deep palpation, as in choice C, is typically performed after light palpation to avoid discomfort and ensure proper assessment. Avoiding palpation of tender areas first, as in choice A, helps prevent causing unnecessary pain and should be done towards the end of the assessment.

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