Which nursing activity is within the scope of practice for the practical nurse?
- A. Complete an admission assessment in the normal newborn nursery
- B. Discontinue a central venous catheter that has become dislodged
- C. Observe a client rotate the subcutaneous site for an insulin pump
- D. Monitor a continuous narcotic epidural for a postoperative client
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Observe a client rotate the subcutaneous site for an insulin pump.' This activity is within the scope of practice for a practical nurse as it involves observing and ensuring proper technique for using an insulin pump, which aligns with their training and responsibilities. Choices A, B, and D are beyond the typical scope of practice for a practical nurse. Completing an admission assessment for a newborn nursery is usually performed by a registered nurse. Discontinuing a dislodged central venous catheter and monitoring a narcotic epidural require advanced skills and knowledge, usually carried out by registered nurses or advanced practice nurses.
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During a community health fair, a nurse is providing education on the effects of smoking. What is the most important information to include?
- A. Smoking can lead to cosmetic issues like tooth staining.
- B. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
- C. Smoking temporarily elevates mood and alertness.
- D. Smoking is an expensive habit.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide.' This information is crucial as it highlights the severe health risks associated with smoking, emphasizing the importance of cessation for overall health. Choice A is incorrect because cosmetic issues like tooth staining are not as significant as the life-threatening consequences of smoking. Choice C is incorrect because although smoking may temporarily elevate mood and alertness due to nicotine, this does not outweigh the serious health implications. Choice D is incorrect as while smoking is indeed an expensive habit, the focus should be on the health-related consequences to stress the urgency of quitting.
The client with hypertension is being taught about lifestyle changes. Which recommendation is most important to include?
- A. Increase sodium intake
- B. Engage in regular physical activity
- C. Consume a diet high in saturated fats
- D. Limit fluid intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for managing hypertension as it helps lower blood pressure. Regular exercise can improve heart health, increase circulation, and contribute to overall well-being, all of which are beneficial for individuals with hypertension. Choice A, increasing sodium intake, is incorrect as reducing sodium is recommended for hypertension to help lower blood pressure. Choice C, consuming a diet high in saturated fats, is incorrect as a diet high in saturated fats can negatively impact blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Choice D, limiting fluid intake, is incorrect as maintaining adequate hydration is important for overall health and not directly related to hypertension management.
A client reports feeling dizzy and light-headed when standing up. What is the nurse's best initial action?
- A. Instruct the client to sit or lie down
- B. Monitor blood pressure and pulse
- C. Administer an anti-dizziness medication
- D. Increase fluid intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor blood pressure and pulse. When a client reports feeling dizzy and light-headed when standing up, the nurse's best initial action should be to monitor the client's blood pressure and pulse. These symptoms are indicative of orthostatic hypotension, which can be confirmed by changes in blood pressure and pulse when moving from lying to standing positions. Instructing the client to sit or lie down may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause. Administering an anti-dizziness medication should not be the initial action without assessing vital signs first. Increasing fluid intake is important for overall health but is not the priority in this situation where vital sign monitoring is needed to assess for orthostatic hypotension.
A client with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is being discharged with a prescription for epoetin alfa (Epogen). What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
- B. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- C. Expect to feel better immediately.
- D. Avoid foods high in potassium.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor your blood pressure regularly.' Epoetin alfa (Epogen) can lead to hypertension as a side effect, so it is essential for clients with CKD to monitor their blood pressure regularly. Choice A is incorrect because epoetin alfa does not need to be taken on an empty stomach. Choice C is incorrect because the client should not expect immediate improvement upon starting the medication. Choice D is incorrect because while monitoring potassium intake is important in CKD, the question specifically pertains to epoetin alfa and its side effects, not potassium intake.
When preparing to administer blood to a client, what is the most important action to ensure client safety during this procedure?
- A. Check the client's blood type compatibility
- B. Monitor the client for signs of transfusion reaction
- C. Verify the correct client and blood product with another healthcare professional
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most important action to ensure client safety during a blood transfusion is to implement multiple safety checks. Checking the client's blood type compatibility is crucial as it helps prevent major transfusion reactions. Monitoring the client for signs of transfusion reaction is essential to detect any adverse reactions early. Verifying the correct client and blood product with another healthcare professional adds an extra layer of safety by ensuring the right blood is administered to the right patient. Choosing 'All of the above' (Option D) is the correct answer because each action plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the client during a blood transfusion. Options A, B, and C are not exclusive; they complement each other to provide comprehensive safety measures.