Nokea
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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A healthcare provider gives a verbal order for a medication. The nurse is uncomfortable with the order and questions its appropriateness. What should the nurse do?
- A. Refuse to administer the medication and document the refusal.
- B. Clarify the order with the provider before proceeding.
- C. Administer the medication and monitor the patient.
- D. Call a pharmacy consult to discuss the medication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when uncomfortable with a verbal order for medication is to clarify the order with the provider before proceeding. This ensures patient safety by confirming the appropriateness of the order and prevents any potential harm. Choice A is incorrect because refusing to administer the medication without clarification may delay necessary treatment for the patient. Choice C is incorrect as administering the medication without clarification could pose risks if the order is indeed inappropriate. Choice D is also incorrect as the first step should be direct clarification with the provider before involving others.
What is the nurse's priority intervention for a patient who has developed a pressure ulcer?
- A. Apply a dressing to the ulcer.
- B. Reposition the patient every 2 hours.
- C. Provide the patient with pain medication.
- D. Clean the ulcer with normal saline.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to reposition the patient every 2 hours. Repositioning helps prevent the worsening of pressure ulcers by relieving pressure on affected areas and promoting blood circulation, which aids in healing. Applying a dressing (choice A) is important but not the priority compared to repositioning. Providing pain medication (choice C) is essential for comfort but does not address the root cause of the pressure ulcer. Cleaning the ulcer with normal saline (choice D) is part of wound care but does not take precedence over repositioning to prevent further tissue damage.
A nurse is caring for a client with a new colostomy. What is the nurse's responsibility regarding stoma care?
- A. Educate the client on how to care for the stoma independently.
- B. Contact the stoma nurse to assist the client with care.
- C. Delegate the care of the stoma to a nursing assistant.
- D. Wait until the next shift to address the stoma care.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to contact the stoma nurse to assist the client with care. Stoma nurses are specially trained to provide guidance on stoma care, especially for clients with new ostomies. Instructing the client to care for the stoma independently (Choice A) may not be appropriate initially as they may need professional guidance. Delegating the care of the stoma to a nursing assistant (Choice C) is not recommended as specialized care is required. Waiting until the next shift (Choice D) is not ideal as stoma care should not be delayed.
The nurse is caring for a patient in the hospital. The nurse observes the nursing assistive personnel (NAP) turning off the handle faucet with bare hands. Which professional practice principle supports the need for follow-up with the NAP?
- A. The nurse is responsible for providing a safe environment for the patient.
- B. This step is crucial in the process of handwashing.
- C. Different scopes of practice allow for procedure modifications.
- D. Leaving the water running wastes resources and money.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The nurse is responsible for providing a safe environment for the patient. In this situation, the nurse should follow up with the nursing assistive personnel (NAP) who turned off the handle faucet with bare hands to ensure infection control practices are maintained. This action is crucial to prevent the spread of infections in the hospital setting. Choice B is incorrect because the question is not specifically about handwashing procedures but about infection control practices. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the potential risk of infection transmission. Choice D is incorrect as it is unrelated to the main concern of infection control in this scenario.
A patient with heart failure needs education on fluid restrictions. What is the most important information to provide?
- A. Monitor the patient's weight daily.
- B. Provide the patient with a fluid restriction plan.
- C. Instruct the patient to avoid salty foods.
- D. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important information to provide to a patient with heart failure regarding fluid restrictions is to provide them with a fluid restriction plan. This plan helps the patient manage their fluid intake effectively, which is crucial in preventing complications associated with heart failure. Monitoring weight daily can be a part of the plan but is not the most important. Instructing the patient to avoid salty foods is beneficial but not as crucial as having a structured fluid restriction plan. Encouraging the patient to increase fluid intake would be counterproductive and potentially harmful in a patient with heart failure.