Nursing Elites

1. While documenting on a paper form, the nurse realizes they have made a mistake writing the progress note. What should the nurse do?

• A. Use a black marker to fully cover up the mistake.
• B. Do not make any changes to the progress note but explain later in the note that a mistake was made and note what should have been written.
• C. Use whiteout to cover over the mistake and write over it.
• D. Inform the client about the mistake and offer to provide a corrected copy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the scenario described, it is essential for the nurse not to alter the original progress note. Option B is the correct course of action as it maintains the integrity of the documentation while acknowledging the error for transparency and accuracy. Using a black marker (Option A) or whiteout (Option C) can be seen as an attempt to conceal the mistake, which is not in line with professional standards. Option D is incorrect because the mistake should be addressed within the documentation itself, not by informing the client directly about it.

2. Which of the following syndromes associated with incomplete lesions of the spinal cord results from damage to one-half of the spinal cord?

• A. Brown-Séquard syndrome
• B. posterior cord syndrome
• C. central cord syndrome
• D. cauda equina syndrome

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Brown-Séquard syndrome is indeed associated with incomplete lesions of the spinal cord, and it specifically results from damage to one-half of the spinal cord. This syndrome manifests as ipsilateral motor paralysis, ipsilateral loss of vibration and proprioception, and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation. Posterior cord syndrome mainly involves the loss of proprioception and vibratory sense, while sparing motor function and pain sensation. Central cord syndrome typically presents with more weakness in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities due to central spinal cord damage. Cauda equina syndrome affects the nerve roots at the level of the conus medullaris, leading to symptoms like lower extremity weakness, numbness, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.

3. The ICU nurse caring for a client who has just been declared brain dead can expect to find evidence of the client's wishes regarding organ donation:

• A. on the client's driver's license.
• B. in the client's safety deposit box.
• C. in the client's last will and testament.
• D. on the client's insurance card.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In most states, indication of organ donor status is found on the client's driver's license, making it easily accessible for decision-making in critical situations like declaring brain death. Evidence in a last will and testament or a safety deposit box may not be promptly available. Information about organ donation is typically not included on insurance cards. The primary care physician's health record documentation could also be a relevant source for the ICU nurse. Therefore, the correct answer is finding evidence of the client's wishes regarding organ donation on the client's driver's license.

4. What is the purpose of the hydraulic lift (Hoyer lift)?

• A. To assist clients who have had orthopedic surgery.
• B. To assist clients who are unable to stand and extremely obese clients.
• C. To assist clients of all ages in a hospital setting.
• D. To assist clients with special needs.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The purpose of the hydraulic lift, also known as the Hoyer lift, is to facilitate safe transfers for clients who cannot stand or are extremely obese. It is specifically designed for assisting clients who are unable to stand and for those who are too heavy for healthcare workers to lift safely. Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose of a hydraulic lift is not related to orthopedic surgery. Choice C is incorrect because it is too broad and does not capture the specific use of the hydraulic lift. Choice D is incorrect because the lift is not solely for clients with special needs but rather for those who cannot stand or are extremely obese.

5. When planning task assignments for five clients on the skilled nursing unit in a long-term care facility, which task should a licensed practical nurse (LPN) assign to another LPN?

• A. Bathing a client who is confused and requires assistance with a shower
• B. Administering regular insulin in accordance with a sliding-dosage scale every 4 hours to a client with diabetes mellitus
• C. Assisting a client requiring a bed bath and frequent ambulation with a cane
• D. Transporting a client who must be accompanied to physical therapy twice during the shift

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assigning tasks, the nurse must consider the skills and educational level of the nursing staff. The nursing assistant may be assigned tasks like caring for a confused client, assisting with a shower or a bed bath, ambulating a client with a cane, and accompanying a client to physical therapy. The LPN is educated to administer medications like regular insulin in accordance with a sliding scale. This task requires a higher level of training and knowledge than the tasks that can be delegated to a nursing assistant. Administering insulin involves assessing blood glucose levels, calculating dosages, and understanding the effects of insulin therapy on the client's condition. Therefore, the correct answer is administering regular insulin to a client with diabetes mellitus. Choices A, C, and D involve tasks that are within the scope of practice of a nursing assistant, not an LPN.

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