Nursing Elites

1. You have measured the urinary output of your resident at the end of your 8-hour shift. The output is 25 ounces. What should you do next?

• A. Convert the number of ounces into cc.
• B. Convert the number of ounces into cm.
• C. Immediately report this poor output to the nurse.
• D. Know that 25 ounces of urine is too much in 8 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: You should convert the number of ounces into cc because cc is the unit of measurement used to record intake and output accurately. This urinary output falls within normal limits, so there is no need to report it immediately to the nurse. It is essential to report urinary outputs of less than 30 cc per hour to detect potential issues early. Converting ounces into centimeters (cm) is not appropriate in this context as cm is a unit of length, not volume. Knowing that 25 ounces of urine is too much in 8 hours is inaccurate as it depends on various factors like fluid intake and individual differences.

2. During an examination of a patient's abdomen, the nurse notes that the abdomen is rounded and firm to the touch. During percussion, the nurse notes a drum-like quality of the sounds across the quadrants. How would the nurse interpret this type of sound?

• A. Constipation
• B. Air-filled areas
• C. Presence of a tumor
• D. Presence of dense organs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A musical or drum-like sound (tympany) is heard when percussion occurs over an air-filled viscus, such as the stomach or intestines. This indicates the presence of air-filled areas. Constipation, choice A, does not produce specific percussion sounds and is related to bowel movements rather than the sound produced during percussion. The presence of a tumor, choice C, would not typically produce a drum-like sound but might result in dullness or decreased resonance. Dense organs, choice D, would produce a dull thud sound rather than a drum-like tympanic sound.

3. Which statement best describes evidence-based practice?

• A. Reading and analyzing research reports to determine their implementation in nursing practice
• B. Collecting data to evaluate the efficiency of nursing practice in delivering quality care
• C. Monitoring unit practices to ensure adherence to Joint Commission standards
• D. Using the most effective, current, and applicable information to guide nursing care for the best outcomes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Evidence-based practice involves utilizing the most effective, current, and relevant information to inform nursing care decisions for optimal client outcomes. While research reports and data collection are important components of evidence-based practice, the essence lies in integrating all available information to determine the best course of action. Monitoring compliance with standards, as described in choices A and C, is essential for quality assurance but does not capture the comprehensive nature of evidence-based practice.

4. During an examination, the nurse notices that a female patient has a round "moon"? face, central trunk obesity, and a cervical hump. Her skin is fragile with bruises. The nurse determines that the patient likely has which condition?

• A. Gigantism
• B. Acromegaly
• C. Cushing syndrome
• D. Marfan syndrome

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cushing syndrome is characterized by weight gain and edema with central trunk and cervical obesity (buffalo hump) and a round, plethoric face (moon face). Excessive catabolism in Cushing syndrome causes muscle wasting, weakness, thin arms and legs, reduced height, and thin, fragile skin with purple abdominal striae, bruising, and acne. Gigantism is characterized by increased height and weight and delayed sexual development, which are not present in the patient. Acromegaly results from excessive growth hormone secretion in adulthood, leading to bone overgrowth in specific areas like the face, head, hands, and feet. Marfan syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by a tall, thin stature and distinct features not seen in this patient. The combination of signs described in the question aligns with the clinical presentation of Cushing syndrome.

5. As a charge nurse, what is your primary responsibility for a 50-year-old blind and deaf patient admitted to your floor?

• A. Inform others about the patient's deficits.
• B. Communicate patient safety concerns to your supervisor.
• C. Provide continuous updates to the patient about the social environment.
• D. Provide a secure environment for the patient.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary responsibility of the charge nurse for a blind and deaf patient is to provide a secure environment. Ensuring patient safety is crucial to prevent medical errors and adverse outcomes. By creating a safe environment, the nurse can protect the patient from harm and promote well-being. Option A is incorrect as the focus should be on ensuring patient safety rather than highlighting deficits. Option B is not the primary responsibility in this scenario, as the immediate concern is the patient's safety. Option C is irrelevant and does not address the patient's primary needs, which are safety and security.

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