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. Select the stage of shock that is accurately paired with its characteristic.

• A. The initial stage of shock: Hyperventilation occurs and the blood pH rises.
• B. The compensatory stage of shock: Hypoxia occurs and lactic acid rises.
• C. The progressive stage of shock: Histamine is released; fluid and proteins leak into surrounding tissues and the blood thickens.
• D. The refractory stage of shock: Potassium ions leak out; sodium ions build up, and metabolic acidosis increases.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The progressive stage of shock is accurately described as the stage where histamine is released, leading to fluid and proteins leaking into surrounding tissues and the blood thickening. In this stage, the body's compensatory mechanisms are overwhelmed, resulting in a cascade of events that worsen the shock state. Choice A is incorrect as hyperventilation and a rise in blood pH are more characteristic of the compensatory stage. Choice B is incorrect as hypoxia and a rise in lactic acid are more typical of the progressive stage. Choice D is incorrect as the described electrolyte imbalances and metabolic acidosis are more aligned with the refractory stage of shock.

3. A nurse is preparing to discharge a client who requires home oxygen. The equipment company has not yet delivered the oxygen tank. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Send an oxygen tank from the facility home with the client
• B. Instruct the client's family to contact the insurance provider about the oxygen equipment
• C. Contact social services about the delivery of the oxygen equipment
• D. Notify the provider about the delayed oxygen tank delivery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to contact social services about the delivery of the oxygen equipment. This ensures that the necessary equipment is delivered to the client's home promptly. Choice A is incorrect because sending an oxygen tank from the facility is not a sustainable solution and may lead to legal and safety issues. Choice B is incorrect as contacting the insurance provider is not the appropriate course of action to address the delayed delivery. Choice D is also incorrect because notifying the provider about the delay may not directly lead to the timely delivery of the oxygen equipment.

4. Which of the following foods enhances the absorption of an iron supplement?

• A. Orange juice
• B. Green beans
• C. Fortified milk
• D. Baked potato

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Orange juice. Orange juice enhances the absorption of an iron supplement due to its high vitamin C content. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plant-based foods and iron supplements. Green beans, fortified milk, and baked potato do not have the same level of vitamin C as orange juice, making them less effective in enhancing iron absorption.

5. A nurse is comparing the rate of medication errors on the medical unit to the rate from a medical unit in a magnet hospital. Which of the following quality improvement methods is the nurse using?

• A. Structure audit
• B. Benchmarking
• C. Risk benefit analysis
• D. Root cause analysis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Benchmarking. Benchmarking involves comparing performance metrics with those from other units or institutions, which is exactly what the nurse is doing by comparing the rate of medication errors on their medical unit to the rate from a medical unit in a magnet hospital. Choice A, Structure audit, is not relevant to this scenario as it focuses on assessing the physical, organizational, or procedural structures in a healthcare setting. Choice C, Risk benefit analysis, involves weighing the potential risks and benefits of a particular course of action, not comparing performance metrics. Choice D, Root cause analysis, is a method used to identify the underlying causes of problems or adverse events, not to compare performance metrics between units.

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