Nursing Elites

1. Which preventive measure can be employed to decrease the risk of compartment syndrome?

• A. The administration of a potassium-sparing diuretic for heart failure
• B. A bivalve cast for a skeletal fracture
• C. A cerebral diuretic to decrease intracranial pressure after a head injury
• D. A chest tube to restore normal intrathoracic pressure after a pneumothorax

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A bivalve cast can help decrease the risk of compartment syndrome by providing space for swelling, thus preventing the build-up of pressure within the muscles. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they are not directly related to preventing compartment syndrome. Choice A is more focused on managing heart failure, choice C on reducing intracranial pressure, and choice D on restoring intrathoracic pressure after a pneumothorax, which are not relevant to preventing compartment syndrome.

2. A nurse is assessing an older adult client who was brought to the emergency department by his son, who reports that the client fell at home. The nurse suspects elder abuse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. File an incident report.
• B. Ask the client about his injuries with the son present.
• C. Ask the client's son to go to the waiting area.
• D. Treat and discharge the client

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to ask the client's son to go to the waiting area. This allows the nurse to interview the client independently to assess for signs of elder abuse without the son's potential influence. Filing an incident report may be necessary later but is not the immediate action required. Asking about injuries with the son present could lead to biased responses or intimidation. Treating and discharging the client without addressing the suspicion of elder abuse would neglect the nurse's responsibility to ensure the client's safety.

3. Nurses on an inpatient care unit are working to help reduce unit costs. Which of the following actions is appropriate to include in the cost-containment plan?

• A. Store opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
• B. Return unused supplies from the bedside to the unit's supply stock.
• C. Wait to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full.
• D. Use clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Using clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care is a cost-effective measure without compromising care quality. This choice helps in reducing costs without compromising patient safety. Storing opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours (Choice A) may lead to contamination risks. Returning unused supplies to the unit's supply stock (Choice B) can be inefficient and lead to potential waste. Waiting to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full (Choice C) may pose safety hazards and not directly impact cost savings.

4. What does the mnemonic device ABCDE stand for?

• A. Allergy, bleeding, chemicals, dietary, environment
• B. Allergy, bleeding, cardio, diabetes, endocrine
• C. Allergy, bleeding, cardio, digestive, endocrine
• D. Allergy, bleeding, cortisone, diabetes, emboli

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Allergy, bleeding, cortisone, diabetes, emboli.' The ABCDE mnemonic is used in healthcare to help remember key assessment points. Choice A is incorrect as 'chemicals' and 'dietary' are not part of the ABCDE assessment. Choice B is incorrect as 'cardio' is not part of the ABCDE mnemonic. Choice C is incorrect as 'cardio' and 'digestive' are not part of the ABCDE mnemonic.

5. Which of the following healthcare providers can legally have access to all, or part, of a patient's medical record because they have a 'need to know'? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Student nurses caring for a particular patient
• B. Registered nurses when they are not caring for a particular patient
• C. The Vice President for nursing who is investigating a patient fall
• D. Licensed practical nurses caring for a particular patient

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Student nurses, licensed practical nurses, the Vice President for nursing investigating a fall, and quality assurance nurses have a 'need to know' basis to access patient records. Registered nurses who are not directly involved in the care of a patient do not have a legitimate reason or 'need to know' to access that patient's medical records, making choice B the correct answer. The Vice President for nursing investigating a specific incident and licensed practical nurses directly involved in a patient's care have legitimate reasons to access the medical records, ensuring continuity and quality of care.

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