Nursing Elites

1. Which of these is not a symptom of Serotonin Syndrome?

• A. edema
• B. fever
• C. confusion
• D. tremors

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Serotonin syndrome, caused by an excess of serotonin, typically presents with symptoms such as altered mental status (confusion), neuromuscular abnormalities (tremors), and autonomic dysfunction (fever). Edema, which refers to swelling caused by fluid retention in the body tissues, is not a common symptom associated with serotonin syndrome. Therefore, the correct answer is 'edema.' Choice A, 'edema,' is the correct answer as it is not typically seen in serotonin syndrome. Choice B, 'fever,' is a symptom of serotonin syndrome, as it can cause autonomic dysfunction. Choice C, 'confusion,' is a common symptom due to altered mental status in serotonin syndrome. Choice D, 'tremors,' is also a common symptom due to neuromuscular abnormalities in serotonin syndrome.

2. A nurse calculates a newborn infant's Apgar score 1 minute after birth and determines that the score is 6. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

• A. Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• B. Gently stimulate the infant by rubbing his back while administering oxygen
• C. Recheck the score in 5 minutes
• D. Provide no action except to support the infant's spontaneous efforts

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Apgar score is a method for rapidly evaluating an infant's cardiorespiratory adaptation after birth. The nurse assigns scores in five areas: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex response, and color, totaling the scores. A score of 8 to 10 requires no action other than supporting the infant's spontaneous efforts and observation. A score of 4 to 7 indicates the need to gently stimulate the infant by rubbing his back while administering oxygen. If the score is 1 to 3, the infant requires resuscitation. Therefore, in this scenario with an Apgar score of 6, the correct action is to gently stimulate the infant by rubbing his back while administering oxygen. Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation would be excessive at this point, and rechecking the score in 5 minutes may delay necessary interventions. Providing no action except to support the infant's spontaneous efforts is insufficient for a score of 6, indicating the need for stimulation and oxygen administration.

3. A nurse is assisting with data collection on an older client who will be seen by a physician in a health care clinic. When the nurse asks the client about sexual and reproductive function, the client reports concern about sexual dysfunction. What should be the nurse's next action?

• A. Document the client's concern in the medical record.
• B. Report the client's concern to the health care provider.
• C. Tell the client that sexual dysfunction is not a normal age-related change.
• D. Ask the client about medications he is taking.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is not a normal process of aging. The prevalence of chronic illness and medication use is higher among older adults than in the younger population. Illnesses and medications can interfere with the normal sexual function of older men and women. It is crucial to assess the medications the client is taking as they could be contributing to the reported sexual dysfunction. While documenting the concern and informing the healthcare provider are important steps, the immediate priority is to gather information on the medications that could be impacting the client's sexual function. Therefore, the nurse's next action should be to ask the client about the medications he is taking.

4. When obtaining a health history on a menopausal woman, which information should a nurse recognize as a contraindication for hormone replacement therapy?

• A. family history of stroke
• B. ovaries removed before age 45
• C. frequent hot flashes and/or night sweats
• D. unexplained vaginal bleeding

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When obtaining a health history on a menopausal woman, unexplained vaginal bleeding should be recognized as a contraindication for hormone replacement therapy. This is because it can be a sign of underlying issues that need to be addressed before starting hormone therapy. A family history of stroke is not a contraindication for hormone replacement therapy unless the woman herself has a history of stroke or blood-clotting events. Ovaries removed before age 45 is not a contraindication for hormone replacement therapy. Frequent hot flashes and/or night sweats can be relieved by hormone replacement therapy; therefore, they are not contraindications.

5. An LPN is tasked with checking the narcotic count on a medical-surgical unit. Which statement by the LPN requires further investigation?

• A. "I need a witness when I waste the leftover narcotics in the client's PCA pump."?
• B. "I am going to check the facility's policy for how to dispose of this controlled substance."?
• C. "I left the narcotics box unlocked after confirming the beginning of shift count was correct."?
• D. "The end of shift narcotics count is incorrect and needs to be reported."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The LPN's statement about leaving the narcotics box unlocked after confirming the beginning of shift count was correct requires further investigation. Narcotics should be locked and kept in a secure place during the shift to prevent unauthorized access and ensure patient safety. This statement raises concerns about medication security, which is critical in preventing diversion and ensuring patient safety. The other statements demonstrate appropriate actions: A) The LPN acknowledges the need for a witness when wasting leftover narcotics, ensuring proper documentation and accountability during medication waste. B) Checking the facility's policy for proper disposal of controlled substances shows awareness of regulatory compliance regarding controlled substances. D) Recognizing an incorrect end-of-shift narcotics count and planning to report it reflects the LPN's responsibility in maintaining accurate records and addressing discrepancies, which is essential for medication safety and accountability.

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