Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following lab values would indicate symptomatic AIDS in the medical chart? (T4 cell count per deciliter)

• A. Greater than 1000 cells per deciliter
• B. Less than 500 cells per deciliter
• C. Greater than 2000 cells per deciliter
• D. Less than 200 cells per deciliter

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A T4 cell count of less than 200 cells per deciliter indicates symptomatic AIDS. This severe depletion of T4 cells signifies advanced HIV infection and a significantly compromised immune system. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because T4 cell counts above 2000, above 1000, or below 500 cells per deciliter, respectively, are not indicative of symptomatic AIDS.

2. The nurse is caring for a burn victim with a skin graft to the hand. The area is pale and mottled but has good capillary refill. What is the nurse's best action at this time?

• A. Warm the room
• B. Submerge the hand in warm water
• C. Order a K pad and apply to hand
• D. Have the client exercise the fingers to increase blood flow

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a burn victim with a skin graft to the hand, exhibiting pale and mottled skin but good capillary refill, is to warm the room. By warming the room, the nurse helps promote circulation and maintain a conducive environment for healing. Submerging the hand in warm water can pose a risk of injury or infection to the graft site. Ordering a K pad and applying it to the hand may not be necessary at this time and could potentially cause harm. Having the client exercise the fingers to increase blood flow is also not recommended as it may interfere with the healing process of the skin graft.

3. When teaching bleeding precautions to a client with leukemia, the PN should include which of the following instructions?

• A. Use a soft toothbrush.
• B. Use dental floss daily.
• C. Hold pressure on any scrapes for 1-2 minutes.
• D. Use a triple-edged razor.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Use a soft toothbrush.' A soft toothbrush is recommended because it is less likely to cause the gums to bleed in clients with leukemia, who are at risk of bleeding due to overcrowding of white cells at the expense of other cell types like platelets. Choice B, 'Use dental floss daily,' is incorrect because dental floss is contraindicated and can make the gums bleed in clients with leukemia. Choice C, 'Hold pressure on any scrapes for 1-2 minutes,' is incorrect because when clotting is impaired, pressure should be held for 5-10 minutes or longer until the bleeding stops. Choice D, 'Use a triple-edged razor,' is incorrect because an electric razor should be used instead of a triple-edged razor to prevent small cuts and bleeding in clients with leukemia.

4. A client had a Caesarean delivery and is postpartum day 1. She asks for pain medication when the nurse enters the room to do her shift assessment. The client states that her pain level is an 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. What should be the nurse's priority of care?

• A. Give the pain medication and return in an hour for further assessment to allow time for the medication to work.
• B. Complete the postpartum assessment and then give the client pain medication.
• C. Give the pain medication first, do a quick assessment while administering the medication to ensure the pain is not caused by a complication, and return for the full assessment after the client's pain has subsided.
• D. Instruct the patient to do relaxation exercises to relieve her discomfort.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pain management is a priority, so the nurse should immediately provide pain medication. However, the nurse should conduct a quick assessment while administering the medication to ensure that a complication, such as hemorrhage, hasn't caused the increased pain. A complete assessment can wait until the pain subsides. Controlling pain will enable the client to move, eliminating other potential complications of delivery and facilitating bonding with the infant. Relaxation techniques can act as an adjunct therapy but by themselves are not usually effective for pain management during the early post-Caesarean period.

5. What is the priority nursing action for a laboring client dilated to 6 cm receiving an epidural?

• A. Continuous monitoring of maternal blood pressure.
• B. Frequent auscultation of the fetal heart rate.
• C. Administering an IV fluid bolus of at least 500 cc.
• D. Frequent monitoring of the maternal temperature.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action for a laboring client dilated to 6 cm receiving an epidural is continuous monitoring of maternal blood pressure. This is crucial because epidural anesthesia can lead to a precipitous drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous for both the mother and fetus by reducing cardiac output and placental perfusion. While frequent auscultation of the fetal heart rate is important, it is not the priority in this situation. Administering an IV fluid bolus of at least 500 cc may not be necessary if the client's blood pressure is stable. Monitoring the maternal temperature is also essential but takes precedence over blood pressure monitoring.

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