Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following patients is at greatest risk for developing pressure ulcers?

• A. An alert chronic arthritic patient treated with steroids and aspirin
• B. An 88-year-old incontinent patient with gastric cancer who is confined to bed at home
• C. An apathetic 63-year-old COPD patient receiving nasal oxygen via cannula
• D. A confused 78-year-old patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) who requires assistance to get out of bed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. An elderly patient who is incontinent, bedridden, and suffering from a serious illness like gastric cancer is at the highest risk for developing pressure ulcers. Being bedridden and incontinent increases the pressure on certain areas of the body, leading to tissue damage and the development of pressure ulcers. Additionally, the patient's age and underlying health condition further contribute to their risk. It is crucial to identify and address such risk factors promptly to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers in vulnerable patients.

2. When is the most appropriate time for obtaining a sputum specimen for culture?

• A. Early in the morning
• B. After the patient eats a light breakfast
• C. After aerosol therapy
• D. After chest physiotherapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Obtaining a sputum specimen early in the morning is the most appropriate time because secretions have accumulated overnight. This timing provides the best sample with the least contamination, leading to more accurate culture results and aiding in diagnosing respiratory infections effectively.

3. The nurse observes that Mr. Adams begins to have increased difficulty breathing. She elevates the head of the bed to the high Fowler position, which decreases his respiratory distress. The nurse documents this breathing as:

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Eupnea
• C. Orthopnea
• D. Hyperventilation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Orthopnea is a condition where a person experiences difficulty breathing when lying flat but finds relief when sitting up or standing. Elevating the head of the bed to the high Fowler position helps alleviate this symptom. Tachypnea refers to rapid breathing, eupnea is normal breathing, and hyperventilation is breathing excessively fast or deep.

4. Which action would break sterile technique while preparing a sterile field for a dressing change?

• A. Using sterile forceps instead of sterile gloves to handle a sterile item
• B. Touching the outside wrapper of sterilized material without sterile gloves
• C. Placing a sterile object at the edge of the sterile field
• D. Pouring out a small amount of solution (15 to 30 ml) before pouring it into a sterile container

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Touching the outside wrapper of sterilized material without sterile gloves can introduce contaminants and compromise the sterility of the item. It is crucial to maintain strict adherence to sterile technique to prevent infections and ensure patient safety during procedures.

5. What is a nurse's role in health promotion?

• A. Conducting health risk appraisals
• B. Educating clients to be effective health consumers
• C. Implementing worksite wellness programs
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A nurse plays a crucial role in health promotion by educating clients to be effective health consumers. This involves empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health, access appropriate healthcare services, and engage in healthy behaviors to prevent illness and promote well-being. The other choices are not entirely accurate in describing the primary role of a nurse in health promotion. While nurses may conduct health risk appraisals and implement worksite wellness programs as part of their responsibilities, their central focus is on educating and empowering individuals to take control of their health.

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