Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following syndromes associated with incomplete lesions of the spinal cord results from damage to one-half of the spinal cord?

• A. Brown-Séquard syndrome
• B. posterior cord syndrome
• C. central cord syndrome
• D. cauda equina syndrome

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Brown-Séquard syndrome is indeed associated with incomplete lesions of the spinal cord, and it specifically results from damage to one-half of the spinal cord. This syndrome manifests as ipsilateral motor paralysis, ipsilateral loss of vibration and proprioception, and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation. Posterior cord syndrome mainly involves the loss of proprioception and vibratory sense, while sparing motor function and pain sensation. Central cord syndrome typically presents with more weakness in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities due to central spinal cord damage. Cauda equina syndrome affects the nerve roots at the level of the conus medullaris, leading to symptoms like lower extremity weakness, numbness, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.

2. A nurse in charge of a long-term care facility who is working with a nursing assistant on the night shift prepares to take a break. To ensure client safety during the break, which actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.

• A. Asking the nursing assistant to contact the health care provider during the nurse’s break if a client’s pain medication is not effective
• B. Informing the nursing assistant that she is leaving the nursing unit to get a cup of coffee from a vending machine in the lobby
• C. Asking the nursing assistant to administer a medication placed at the client's bedside if the client awakens
• D. Conducting client rounds before taking the break

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse is responsible for ensuring client safety at all times and must not leave the nursing unit for any reason during the shift. The nurse’s break should be taken in a designated area located on the nursing unit. Before taking the break, the nurse should check all clients to ensure that they are safe and comfortable and that their needs have been met. Conducting client rounds before taking the break is crucial to assess the clients' conditions and address any immediate needs, ensuring their safety. Asking the nursing assistant to contact the health care provider during the nurse’s break is not appropriate as the nurse should handle this responsibility. Leaving the nursing unit to get coffee is not recommended as the nurse should stay within the unit to respond promptly to any client needs. Asking the nursing assistant to administer medication or make clinical decisions is outside the scope of their practice and should not be delegated.

3. Several passengers aboard an airliner suddenly become weak and suffer breathing difficulty. The diagnosis is likely to be:

• A. Outbreak of Asian flu.
• B. Chemical exposure.
• C. Bacterial pneumonia.
• D. Allergic reaction.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most likely cause of groups of individuals suddenly experiencing similar signs of illness all at once is a chemical exposure. In this scenario, considering the sudden onset of symptoms in multiple passengers on an airliner, the symptoms are more indicative of a chemical exposure rather than Asian flu, bacterial pneumonia, or an allergic reaction. Asian flu, bacterial pneumonia, and allergic reactions do not typically manifest in a way that would affect a group of individuals simultaneously. Therefore, the correct diagnosis in this case is likely to be a chemical exposure.

4. Ethical and moral issues concerning restraints include all of the following except:

• A. emotional impact on the client and family
• B. dignity of the client
• C. client's quality of life
• D. policies and procedures

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'policies and procedures.' While policies and procedures are important for guidance and structure, they do not inherently involve ethical or moral considerations. The emotional impact on the client and family, the dignity of the client, and the client's quality of life are all directly related to ethical and moral concerns when it comes to the use of restraints. These factors are crucial in ensuring that the use of restraints is not only physically necessary but also ethically justifiable and respects the individual's rights and well-being. Therefore, options A, B, and C are all aspects that touch upon ethical and moral dimensions in the context of restraints.

5. A client turns her ankle. She is diagnosed as having a Pulled Ligament. This should be documented as a:

• A. sprain.
• B. strain.
• C. subluxation.
• D. dislocation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A sprain is the correct term for the excessive stretching of a ligament, which is what happens when a ligament is pulled. A strain involves muscle tissue. Subluxation refers to a partial dislocation, and dislocation is a complete displacement of bones in a joint. In this case, since it's a pulled ligament, the most appropriate term is a sprain.

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