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 charge nurse on an obstetrical unit is preparing the shift assignment. Which of the following clients should be assigned to an RN who has floated from a medical-surgical unit?

• A. A client who is at 32 weeks of gestation and has premature rupture of membranes
• B. A multigravida client who has preeclampsia and is receiving misoprostol for induction of labor
• C. A primigravida client who is 1 day postoperative following a Cesarean section and has a PCA pump
• D. A client who has gestational diabetes and is receiving biweekly nonstress tests

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A nurse who floated from a medical-surgical unit would be appropriate to care for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a Cesarean section and has a PCA pump. This client requires monitoring of the postoperative incision site, pain management through the PCA pump, and assessment for any signs of complications related to the surgery. Assigning this client to an RN with experience in postoperative care aligns with providing specialized and appropriate care. Choices A, B, and D involve conditions or procedures specific to obstetrics that would be better managed by a nurse with obstetrical experience, making them incorrect choices for the floated RN.

3. Which of the following is considered an internal disaster?

• A. A patient fall
• B. The massive spread of pneumonia
• C. A computer hacking episode
• D. Unexpected staff absences due to illness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A computer hacking episode is considered an internal disaster as it disrupts the internal operations of the healthcare facility, compromising data security and potentially impacting patient care. Choices A, B, and D do not directly relate to internal disasters in a healthcare setting. A patient fall is a patient safety issue, the massive spread of pneumonia is a public health concern, and unexpected staff absences due to illness may affect staffing levels but are not typically classified as internal disasters.

4. Which healthcare-associated infection poses the greatest risk for patients?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Catheter-related infections
• C. Intravenous line infections
• D. C. difficile

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Catheter-related infections pose the greatest risk for patients in healthcare settings. Catheters are invasive devices that can introduce pathogens directly into the bloodstream, leading to severe infections. Pneumonia, intravenous line infections, and C. difficile infections are serious concerns as well, but catheter-related infections are particularly risky due to the direct access they provide for pathogens to enter the body.

5. Serge, who has diabetes mellitus, is taking oral agents and is scheduled for a diagnostic test that requires him to be NPO. What is the best plan of action for the nurse regarding Serge's oral medications?

• A. Administer the oral agents immediately after the test.
• B. Notify the diagnostic department and request orders.
• C. Notify the physician and request orders.
• D. Administer the oral agents with a sip of water before the test.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best plan of action for the nurse is to notify the physician and request orders regarding Serge's oral medications. By involving the physician, the nurse ensures that appropriate instructions are obtained, considering Serge's medical condition and the need for NPO status for the diagnostic test. Administering the medications without medical guidance (choice A) can be risky, as it may affect the test results. Notifying the diagnostic department (choice B) is not the most direct and appropriate action; the physician is the primary healthcare provider responsible for medication orders. Administering the medications with water before the test (choice D) is not advisable when the patient is supposed to be NPO, as it can interfere with the test requirements.

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