Nursing Elites

1. Which of these actions illustrates the correct technique for a nurse when assessing oral temperature with a glass thermometer?

• A. Wait 30 minutes if the patient has ingested hot or iced liquids.
• B. Leave the thermometer in place for 3 to 4 minutes if the patient is afebrile.
• C. Shake the glass thermometer down to 35.5°C before taking the patient's temperature.
• D. Place the thermometer at the base of the tongue and ask the patient to close his or her lips.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct technique for assessing oral temperature with a glass thermometer involves leaving the thermometer in place for 3 to 4 minutes if the patient is afebrile and up to 8 minutes if the patient is febrile. Waiting 30 minutes if the patient has ingested hot or iced liquids is incorrect; instead, the nurse should wait 15 minutes in such cases. Shaking the glass thermometer down to 35.5°C, not 37.5°C, is the correct procedure before taking the patient's temperature. Placing the thermometer at the base of the tongue, not the front, and asking the patient to close their lips is the proper way to position the thermometer. Therefore, the correct answer is to leave the thermometer in place for 3 to 4 minutes if the patient is afebrile and up to 8 minutes if the patient is febrile.

2. In addition to standard precautions, the nurse caring for a patient with rubella would plan to implement what type of precautions?

• A. Droplet precautions
• B. Airborne precautions
• C. Contact precautions
• D. Universal precautions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rubella is an illness transmitted by large-particle droplets, so the nurse should implement droplet precautions in addition to standard precautions. Airborne precautions are used for diseases spread through small particles in the air, such as tuberculosis, varicella, and rubeola. Contact precautions are utilized for diseases transmitted by direct contact with the patient or their environment. Universal precautions and body substance isolations are part of the CDC's standard precautions recommendations, but do not specifically address the transmission route of rubella.

3. A registered nurse who usually works in a spinal rehabilitation unit is floated to the emergency department. Which of these clients should the charge nurse assign to this RN?

• A. A middle-aged client who says, "I took too many diet pills"? and "my heart feels like it is racing out of my chest."?
• B. A young adult who says, "I hear songs from heaven. I need money for beer. I quit drinking two (2) days ago for my family. Why are my arms and legs jerking?"?
• C. An adolescent who has been on pain medications for terminal cancer with an initial assessment finding of pinpoint pupils and a relaxed respiratory rate of 11.
• D. An elderly client who reports having taken a "large crack hit"? 10 minutes prior to walking into the emergency room.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assigning a floated nurse from another unit to a client in the emergency department, the goal is to choose a patient with minimal anticipated immediate complications. In this scenario, the adolescent with terminal cancer who has been on pain medications and presents with pinpoint pupils and a relaxed respiratory rate of 11 is the most stable option. These assessment findings indicate opioid toxicity, which, while serious, has the least risk of immediate complications compared to the other clients. Choice A involves a middle-aged client experiencing symptoms of possible cardiac issues due to diet pill overdose, which requires urgent intervention. Choice B presents a young adult with concerning symptoms of potential psychosis or substance withdrawal, requiring immediate attention. Choice D involves an elderly client who recently used crack, posing a high-risk situation that requires prompt evaluation and intervention. Therefore, the correct choice is the adolescent with opioid toxicity, as this client has the least immediate risk of complications among the options provided.

4. The healthcare professional is preparing to measure the length, weight, chest, and head circumference of a 6-month-old infant. Which measurement technique is correct?

• A. Measuring the infant's length using a tape measure
• B. Weighing the infant on an electronic standing scale
• C. Measuring the chest circumference at the nipple line with a tape measure
• D. Measuring the head circumference by wrapping the tape measure around the head

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For accurate measurements, specific techniques are required for different parameters in infants. Measuring the chest circumference involves encircling the chest at the nipple line. Length should be measured on a horizontal measuring board. Weight should be measured using a platform-type balance scale. Head circumference measurement entails ensuring the tape is aligned at the eyebrows and prominent frontal and occipital bones for the widest span. Therefore, the correct technique for measuring the chest circumference is at the nipple line with a tape measure. The other options are incorrect because length should be measured on a horizontal board, weight should be measured on a balance scale, and head circumference should be measured around the head, not over the nose and cheekbones.

5. As a valued member of the team on your nursing care unit, you are trying to determine whether the team is doing well. Which of the following is a sign that your team is successful?

• A. Conflict occurs but is seen as an opportunity for team growth and development.
• B. No negative feelings are expressed, leading to everyone being happy and satisfied.
• C. Mistakes are not tolerated and result in disciplinary action.
• D. People avoid taking risks and stick to the status quo.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: One of the key indicators of a successful team is the ability to handle conflict positively. Conflict, when managed well, can lead to team growth and development. Choice B is incorrect because suppressing negative feelings does not indicate team success; open communication is crucial. Choice C is incorrect as successful teams view mistakes as learning opportunities rather than resorting to disciplinary action. Choice D is incorrect because successful teams are often innovative and willing to take risks rather than maintaining the status quo.

Similar Questions