Nursing Elites

1. Your patient had a stroke, or CVA, five years ago. The resident still has right-sided weakness. You are ready to transfer the resident from the bed to the wheelchair. The wheelchair should be positioned at the _____________.

• A. head of the bed on the patient's right side
• B. head of the bed on the patient's left side
• C. bottom of the bed on the patient's right side
• D. bottom of the bed on the patient's left side

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The wheelchair should be positioned at the head of the bed on the resident's left side. This positioning allows the resident to use their stronger left side to assist with the transfer, compensating for the right-sided weakness. Placing the wheelchair at the head of the bed on the patient's right side (Choice A) would not utilize the stronger left side, which is crucial for the transfer. Similarly, positioning the wheelchair at the bottom of the bed on either side (Choices C and D) would not facilitate optimal assistance from the resident's stronger side during the transfer process.

2. A nurse is completing an incident report about a medication error that she made when she accidentally administered too much insulin to a diabetic client. All of the following are components of this documentation EXCEPT:

• A. The reason for administering the wrong dose
• B. The type of drug involved
• C. The amount of insulin that was given
• D. Any adverse effects on the client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When completing an incident report for a medication error, it is essential to include factual information such as the type of drug involved, the amount administered, and any adverse effects on the client. However, stating the reason for administering the wrong dose should be avoided in documentation. The focus should be on reporting what happened rather than assigning blame or admitting fault. This approach helps in ensuring a thorough and accurate account of the medication error without introducing subjective elements that could complicate the investigation or resolution process. Therefore, the correct answer is 'The reason for administering the wrong dose.' Choices A, B, and D are vital components of incident report documentation, providing crucial details that help in understanding the error and its impact on the client.

3. A physician has ordered that a client must be placed in a high Fowler's position. How does the nurse position this client?

• A. The client is placed face-down
• B. The client lies on his back with his head lower than his feet
• C. The client lies on his back with the knees drawn up toward the chest
• D. The client is sitting with the backrest at a 90-degree angle

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A high Fowler's position is a modification of the semi-Fowler's position, in which the client is seated with arms resting at the sides or in the lap. The high Fowler's position requires that the client's head and upper chest are elevated, and the backrest is at a 90-degree angle. This position supports breathing and appropriate chest wall movement, making it easier for the client to breathe. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because a high Fowler's position involves the client being in a sitting position with the backrest at a 90-degree angle, not being face-down, lying with the head lower than the feet, or lying on the back with knees drawn up towards the chest.

4. One of your patients is dependent on a mechanical ventilator for their respiratory needs. The patient cannot breathe on their own. Suddenly, the lights in the patient's room and the entire nursing unit go off. You realize that the electric power has been lost. What is the first thing that you should do for this patient?

• A. Plug the ventilator into the red outlet in the room.
• B. Plug the ventilator into the blue outlet in the room.
• C. Use an Ambu bag to ventilate the patient.
• D. Call the doctor about this emergency.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In healthcare facilities, emergency generators are in place in case of power outages. The red outlets in patient rooms are connected to the emergency generator and provide power during such situations. By plugging the ventilator into the red outlet, you ensure that the patient's mechanical ventilation needs are met despite the power loss. Using an Ambu bag or calling the doctor should be secondary actions after ensuring the ventilator is powered correctly. Plugging the ventilator into the blue outlet is incorrect and can result in the ventilator not functioning during a power outage.

5. What is a common error when taking a pulse?

• A. Placing the index finger on the radial artery located on the thumb side of a patient's wrist.
• B. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure.
• C. Counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four.
• D. None of the above will cause errors.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is counting the pulse for 15 seconds and multiplying the number by four. To accurately assess a patient's heart rate or pulse, it is crucial to count the pulse for a full minute. Counting for only 15 seconds and then multiplying by four may result in an inaccurate heart rate calculation. This approach could miss arrhythmias or intermittent pulsations that could be vital indicators of the patient's condition. Placing the index finger on the radial artery, which is located on the thumb side of the patient's wrist, is the correct technique for taking a pulse. Noting a pulse as 'weak' when the pulsation disappears upon adding pressure is a valid observation and not an error in itself. Therefore, the most common error in this scenario is incorrectly calculating the pulse rate by multiplying a 15-second count by four.

Similar Questions