Nursing Elites

1. When is a depressed client at highest risk for attempting suicide?

• A. Immediately after admission, during one-to-one observation
• B. 7 to 14 days after initiation of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy
• C. Following an angry outburst with family
• D. When the client is removed from the security room

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Depressed clients are at the highest risk of attempting suicide 7 to 14 days after starting antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. During this time, they may start to regain energy but still feel hopeless, which can increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because immediate post-admission, after an angry outburst with family, or when removed from a security room are not specific periods known to be associated with the highest risk of suicide in depressed clients.

2. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit has received change-of-shift report and will care for four clients. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to an assistive personnel (AP)?

• A. Updating the plan of care for a client who is postoperative
• B. Reinforcing teaching with a client who is learning to walk using a quad cane
• C. Reapplying a condom catheter for a client who has urinary incontinence
• D. Applying a sterile dressing to a pressure injury

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C - 'Reapplying a condom catheter for a client who has urinary incontinence.' This task falls within the scope of duties for an assistive personnel (AP). Updating care plans (Choice A), reinforcing teaching (Choice B), and applying sterile dressings (Choice D) typically require a higher level of training and expertise, making them tasks that should not be assigned to an AP. Assigning appropriate tasks based on skill levels ensures safe and effective patient care.

3. A patient with stomatitis is receiving oral care education from a nurse. Which instructions will the nurse provide?

• A. Avoid commercial mouthwashes.
• B. Avoid normal saline rinses.
• C. Brush with a hard toothbrush.
• D. Brush with an alcohol-based toothpaste.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a patient with stomatitis is to avoid commercial mouthwashes. Commercial mouthwashes often contain alcohol and other ingredients that can irritate the already inflamed oral mucosa in patients with stomatitis. Avoiding commercial mouthwashes helps prevent further irritation and discomfort. Choice B is incorrect because normal saline rinses are gentle and can help soothe the oral mucosa in patients with stomatitis. Choice C is incorrect because a soft toothbrush should be used to prevent further irritation or injury to the gums. Choice D is incorrect because an alcohol-based toothpaste can be too harsh and drying for patients with stomatitis.

4. A client is reporting pain to a nurse. When documenting the quality of the client's pain on an initial pain assessment, the nurse should record which of the following client statements?

• A. "I'm having mild pain."
• B. "The pain is like a dull ache in my stomach."
• C. "I notice that the pain gets worse after I eat."
• D. "The pain makes me feel nauseous."

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When documenting the quality of pain, it is essential to record the client's description of how the pain feels in their own words. Choice A simply states the intensity of pain but does not describe its quality. Choices C and D provide information related to aggravating factors and associated symptoms, respectively, but they do not describe the quality of pain. Therefore, choice B, which describes the pain as a dull ache in the stomach, is the most appropriate statement to document for assessing the quality of the client's pain.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to insert an IV catheter into a client’s arm prior to initiating IV fluid therapy. Which of the following interventions should the healthcare professional implement to prevent infection?

• A. Thread the catheter up to the hub
• B. Use a sterile technique throughout the procedure
• C. Clean the insertion site with alcohol only
• D. Use gloves but not a mask during the procedure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using a sterile technique throughout the procedure is essential to prevent infection when inserting an IV catheter. This includes maintaining aseptic conditions, using sterile equipment, and following proper hand hygiene practices. Choice A is incorrect because threading the catheter up to the hub does not specifically address infection prevention. Choice C is incorrect as cleaning the insertion site with alcohol only may not provide adequate disinfection, as it is essential to use an antiseptic solution to reduce microbial load. Choice D is incorrect as wearing gloves alone is not sufficient protection against infection; a mask should also be worn to prevent the spread of microorganisms through respiratory secretions.

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