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For a patient with cirrhosis, which of the following nursing actions can the registered nurse (RN) delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
- A. Assessing the patient for jaundice
- B. Providing oral hygiene after a meal
- C. Palpating the abdomen for distention
- D. Assisting the patient to choose the diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Providing oral hygiene after a meal is an appropriate task to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) as it falls within their scope of practice. UAP can assist with basic personal care activities like oral hygiene. Assessing the patient for jaundice and palpating the abdomen for distention involve making clinical assessments that require a higher level of education and training, typically performed by licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) or registered nurses (RNs). Assisting the patient to choose the diet also requires specialized knowledge and would be more appropriate for a nurse to address, considering the complexity of dietary requirements in cirrhosis.
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During a general survey of a patient, which finding is considered normal?
- A. Body mass index (BMI) of 20.
- B. When standing, the patient's base is narrow.
- C. The patient appears older than their stated age.
- D. Arm span (fingertip to fingertip) is greater than the height.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A body mass index (BMI) of 20 is considered normal as the range for a normal BMI is between 19-24. When standing, a patient's base should be wide for stability and proper weight distribution. An older appearance than the stated age may indicate a history of chronic illness or chronic alcoholism. In a general survey, the patient's arm span (fingertip to fingertip) should approximately equal the patient's height. An arm span greater than the height may suggest Marfan syndrome. Therefore, the correct choice is a normal BMI of 20, which falls within the healthy range. Choices B, C, and D all describe abnormal findings that may indicate underlying health conditions or syndromes.
To collect timely, specific information, the nurse is most likely to ask which of the following questions?
- A. Would you describe what you are feeling?
- B. How are you today?
- C. What would you like to talk about?
- D. Where does it hurt?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is, 'Would you describe what you are feeling?' This open-ended question prompts the patient to provide subjective data, offering specific information about their current health status and human responses. This information can help identify actual or potential health issues. Choices B and C are more likely to yield general, nonspecific information. Choice D may lead to a brief response or nonverbal indication of pain location. A more effective approach to gather specific information about pain would be to ask, 'Can you describe any pain you are experiencing?'
Digestion, elimination, and ___________ are the three functions of the digestive system.
- A. constriction
- B. relaxation
- C. absorption
- D. peristalsis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 'absorption.' The three main functions of the digestive system are digestion, absorption, and elimination. Absorption refers to the process of absorbing nutrients and other substances from the digested food into the bloodstream. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: Constriction is not a primary function of the digestive system, relaxation is not a distinct function in this context, and peristalsis is a muscular movement that aids in digestion but is not one of the three main functions of the digestive system.
Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind regarding the use of side rails for a confused patient?
- A. A person of small stature is at increased risk for injury from entrapment.
- B. A history of a previous fall from a bed with raised side rails is significant.
- C. The desire to prevent a patient from wandering is not sufficient reason for the use of side rails.
- D. Creative use of alternative measures indicates respect for the patient's dignity.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When considering the use of side rails for a confused patient, it is crucial for the nurse to understand that individuals of small stature are at a higher risk for injury from entrapment. Studies have shown that people of small stature are more likely to slip through or between the side rails, making them vulnerable to harm. It is essential to prioritize patient safety and avoid potential risks associated with entrapment. Conversely, a history of previous falls from a bed with raised side rails is significant as it indicates a heightened risk for future serious incidents. The desire to prevent a patient from wandering alone does not justify the use of side rails; instead, alternative measures should be creatively employed to respect the patient's dignity and avoid more serious fall-related injuries.
The nurse informs the physical therapy department that the client is too weak to use a walker and needs to be transported by wheelchair. Which step of the nursing process is the nurse engaged in at this time?
- A. Assessment
- B. Planning
- C. Implementation
- D. Evaluation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse is responsible for coordinating the plan of care with other disciplines to ensure the client's safety. This action represents the implementation phase of the nursing process. During the implementation phase, the nurse puts the care plan into action, which includes coordinating with other healthcare team members like the physical therapy department. Assessment involves data gathering, planning involves goal setting, and evaluation involves determining the attainment of client goals.