Nursing Elites

1. While auscultating heart sounds, the nurse hears a murmur. Which of these instruments would be used to assess this murmur?

• A. Electrocardiogram
• B. Bell of the stethoscope
• C. Diaphragm of the stethoscope
• D. Palpation with the nurse's palm of the hand

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instrument to assess a murmur while auscultating heart sounds is the bell of the stethoscope. An electrocardiogram is used to measure the heart's electrical activity, not to assess murmurs. Palpation with the nurse's palm of the hand is a method to assess pulses or textures, not heart murmurs. The diaphragm of the stethoscope is typically used for high-pitched sounds like breath, bowel, and normal heart sounds, whereas the bell is more suitable for soft, low-pitched sounds such as murmurs or extra heart sounds.

2. An Asian-American woman is experiencing diarrhea, which is believed to be "cold"? or "yin."? What should the nurse recognize that the woman may likely try to treat it?

• A. Foods that are "hot"? or "yang"?
• B. Readings and Eastern medicine meditations
• C. High doses of medicines believed to be "cold"?
• D. No treatment because diarrhea is an expected part of life.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the Asian-American woman is believed to be experiencing diarrhea due to a "cold"? or "yin"? imbalance. According to the yin/yang theory, yang represents heat and yin represents cold. Therefore, to balance the cold nature of the diarrhea, the woman may try to treat it by consuming foods that are considered "hot"? or "yang"?. This aligns with the concept that cold foods are eaten with a hot illness, and hot foods are eaten with a cold illness. Choices B, C, and D do not align with the yin/yang theory and are not relevant to addressing the imbalance associated with the cold nature of the diarrhea.

3. A client on the nursing unit is terminally ill but remains alert and oriented. Three days after admission, the nurse observes signs of depression. The client states, 'I'm tired of being sick. I wish I could end it all.' What is the most accurate and informative way to record this data in a nursing progress note?

• A. Client appears to be depressed, possibly suicidal
• B. Client reports being tired of being ill and wants to die
• C. Client does not want to live any longer and is tired of being ill
• D. Client states, 'I'm tired of being sick. I wish I could end it all.'

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Subjective data includes thoughts, beliefs, feelings, perceptions, and sensations that are apparent only to the person affected and cannot be measured, seen, or felt by the nurse. This information should be documented using the client's exact words in quotes. The other options indicate that the nurse has drawn the conclusion that the client no longer wishes to live. From the data provided, the cues do not support this assumption. A more complete assessment should be conducted to determine if the client is suicidal.

4. When printing out an EKG, a nurse notices that the QRS complexes are extremely small. What should be the next step?

• A. Alert the physician immediately as this is a sign of impending cardiac arrest.
• B. Check to see that all leads are attached and rerun the EKG.
• C. Increase the sensitivity control to 20 mm deflection.
• D. Decrease the run speed to 50.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increasing the sensitivity control to 20 mm deflection will double the sensitivity, allowing for better observation of the small QRS complexes. This step is crucial in obtaining a clearer EKG reading. Choice A is incorrect because small QRS complexes do not necessarily indicate impending cardiac arrest; it's more likely a technical issue. Choice B is not the first step to take when small QRS complexes are observed; it's important to adjust the settings first. Choice D is incorrect because decreasing the run speed to 50 is not the appropriate action for this situation; adjusting the sensitivity control is more relevant to improve the visualization of the complexes.

5. Which of the following is an organizational factor that affects workplace violence directed at nurses?

• A. Clients who have short hospital stays
• B. The presence of security guards
• C. Restricted client areas
• D. Understaffing of nursing personnel

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Understaffing of nursing personnel is a critical organizational factor that can contribute to workplace violence directed at nurses. When there are too few nurses on duty due to understaffing, it can lead to delays in care delivery and inadequate attention to clients' needs. This situation can result in heightened frustration, aggression, or violence from clients or their families towards the nursing staff. On the other hand, the presence of security guards (Choice B) may enhance safety in the workplace and deter violence, making it an incorrect choice. Clients who have short hospital stays (Choice A) and restricted client areas (Choice C) are not directly linked to organizational factors that promote workplace violence against nurses, making them incorrect choices.

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