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A nurse is caring for a patient with an infection. Which laboratory result is most important to monitor?
- A. White blood cell count (WBC)
- B. C-reactive protein (CRP)
- C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: White blood cell count (WBC). Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial when caring for a patient with an infection as it helps assess the body's response to the infection. An elevated white blood cell count often indicates an active infection or inflammation, while a decreasing count may signal improvement or potential complications. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are nonspecific markers of inflammation and not as specific to monitoring infection progression as the white blood cell count. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity and blood volume, but they are not the primary indicators for monitoring infection.
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When caring for a patient with a colostomy, which nursing action is most important?
- A. Monitor the colostomy for signs of infection.
- B. Empty the colostomy bag when it is half full.
- C. Encourage the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- D. Apply a skin barrier to prevent irritation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Emptying the colostomy bag when it is half full is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a colostomy. This practice helps prevent leakage, reduces the risk of skin irritation, and promotes patient comfort. Monitoring for signs of infection (Choice A) is essential but not as crucial as maintaining proper colostomy care. Encouraging the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals (Choice C) can be beneficial for colostomy patients but is not as critical as ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag. Applying a skin barrier to prevent irritation (Choice D) is important, but ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag takes precedence in preventing complications associated with a colostomy.
A nurse manager notices a discrepancy in a nurse's narcotics record. What is the appropriate action?
- A. Ask the nurse for clarification about the record.
- B. Report the discrepancy to the pharmacy.
- C. Report the issue to the nurse manager immediately.
- D. Ignore the discrepancy as a clerical error.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The appropriate action when a nurse manager notices a discrepancy in a nurse's narcotics record is to report the discrepancy to the pharmacy. Reporting such discrepancies is crucial to ensure accountability and patient safety. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse manager should not confront the nurse directly without proper investigation. Choice C is incorrect because reporting to the nurse manager may not address the issue effectively. Choice D is incorrect because ignoring the discrepancy can compromise patient safety and violates protocols.
The emergency department has been notified of a potential bioterrorism attack. Which action by the nurse is priority?
- A. Prepare for potential posttraumatic stress related to this bioterrorism attack.
- B. Transport patients quickly and efficiently through the elevators.
- C. Monitor for specific symptoms related to the bioterrorism attack.
- D. Manage all patients using standard precautions.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During a potential bioterrorism attack, the priority for the nurse is to manage all patients using standard precautions. This approach ensures the safety of both patients and healthcare providers by preventing the spread of potential bioterrorism-related illnesses. Option A is incorrect because managing patient care and safety through standard precautions takes precedence. Option B is incorrect as patient transport should also be done while adhering to infection control measures. Option C is incorrect as monitoring for specific symptoms is important but not the priority when all patients need to be managed with standard precautions.
A client expresses concern about hair loss during chemotherapy. What should the nurse suggest?
- A. Encourage the client to cut their hair short before chemotherapy begins.
- B. Offer resources for wigs and head coverings.
- C. Assure the client that hair loss will be minimal.
- D. Ignore the client's concerns about hair loss.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During chemotherapy, hair loss is a common side effect. Offering resources for wigs and head coverings can help the client cope with this change in appearance, maintain self-esteem, and feel more comfortable during the process. Encouraging the client to cut their hair short does not address the emotional impact of hair loss and may not be the client's preference. Assuring the client that hair loss will be minimal may provide false hope as significant hair loss is a common occurrence. Ignoring the client's concerns is not appropriate and goes against the principles of providing holistic and compassionate care.
While providing care to a group of patients, which patient should the nurse see first?
- A. A patient after knee surgery who needs range of motion exercises
- B. A patient on bed rest who has renal calculi and needs to go to the bathroom
- C. A bedridden patient who has a reddened area on the buttocks who needs to be turned
- D. A patient with a hip replacement on prolonged bed rest reporting chest pain and dyspnea
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should see the patient with a hip replacement experiencing chest pain and dyspnea first because these symptoms could indicate a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention. The other patients also need care, but urgent assessment and intervention are crucial in the case of potential pulmonary embolism to prevent serious complications or death.