Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following statements best describes footdrop?

• A. The foot is permanently fixed in the dorsiflexion position
• B. The foot is permanently fixed in the plantar flexion position
• C. The toes of the foot are permanently fanned
• D. The heel of the foot is permanently rotated outward

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Footdrop results in the foot becoming permanently fixed in a plantar flexion position, not dorsiflexion. This position points the toes downward. The client may be unable to put weight on the foot, making ambulation difficult. Footdrop can be caused by immobility or chronic illnesses that cause muscle changes, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease. Choice A is incorrect because footdrop leads to plantar flexion, not dorsiflexion. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a different condition known as 'toe fanning.' Choice D is incorrect as it describes an external rotation of the heel, which is not a characteristic of footdrop.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an enteral feeding through a gastrostomy tube. Before administering the feeding, the healthcare professional aspirates some stomach contents and checks the pH. The result is 3.9. What is the next action of the healthcare professional?

• A. Administer the feeding as ordered
• B. Pull the feeding tube out approximately 3 cm
• C. Flush the feeding tube with 60 cc of water
• D. Contact the physician

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the pH of the aspirated stomach contents is 4 or less, it indicates that the gastrostomy tube is in the stomach, confirming correct placement. A pH of 3.9 falls within this range, so the healthcare professional can proceed with administering the enteral feeding. There is no need to adjust the tube placement, flush with water, or contact the physician in this situation as the tube is appropriately positioned for feeding.

3. The nurse is unable to palpate the right radial pulse on a patient. What would the nurse do next?

• A. Auscultate over the area with a fetoscope.
• B. Use a goniometer to measure the pulsations.
• C. Use a Doppler device to check for pulsations over the area.
• D. Check for the presence of pulsations with a stethoscope.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a nurse is unable to palpate a radial pulse, the next step is to use a Doppler device to check for pulsations over the area. Doppler devices are specifically designed to augment pulse or blood pressure measurements. Auscultating with a fetoscope is used to listen to fetal heart tones and is not relevant in this scenario. Goniometers are used to measure joint range of motion and are not used to assess pulses. Stethoscopes are primarily used to auscultate breath, bowel, and heart sounds, not to check for pulsations in peripheral pulses. Therefore, the correct course of action when unable to palpate a pulse is to utilize a Doppler device to assess for pulsations in the radial pulse area.

4. Which body plane divides the body into right and left sides?

• A. Frontal Plane
• B. Medial Plane
• C. Median Plane
• D. Transverse Plane

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the Median Plane, also known as the sagittal plane. It divides the body into right and left sides. The Frontal Plane, or coronal plane, divides the body into front and back sections. The Transverse Plane divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically divide the body into right and left sides.

5. What does the medical term 'diaphoresis' mean?

• A. Profuse vomiting
• B. Profuse sweating
• C. Gasping for air
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Profuse sweating. Diaphoresis is a medical term that refers to excessive sweating. It is commonly seen in emergency situations such as heart attacks or diabetic episodes. Choice A, 'Profuse vomiting,' is incorrect as diaphoresis is not related to vomiting. Choice C, 'Gasping for air,' is also incorrect as it refers to difficulty breathing, not sweating. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as diaphoresis specifically relates to sweating.

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