In a disaster where a building has collapsed, which victim should a nurse attend to first?
- A. A victim who has died of multiple serious injuries
- B. A victim with a partial amputation of a leg who is bleeding profusely
- C. An alert victim who has numerous bruises on the arms and legs
- D. A hysterical victim who has sustained a head injury
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a disaster situation like a building collapse, the nurse should attend to the victim with a partial amputation of a leg who is bleeding profusely first. This victim is at immediate risk of severe blood loss, which can be life-threatening. It is crucial to address life-threatening injuries like severe bleeding before attending to other less urgent cases. The victim with the amputation requires immediate intervention to control bleeding and stabilize their condition. Victims who are already deceased or have less urgent injuries can be attended to after addressing the critical cases.
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A patient is admitted and is placed on fall precautions. The nurse teaches the patient and family about fall precautions. Which action will the nurse take in accordance with hospital policy?
- A. Encourage visitors during visiting hours.
- B. Keep the patient on fall precautions until discharge.
- C. Check on the patient every shift.
- D. Raise all four side rails.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because patients on fall precautions need continuous monitoring until discharge to prevent falls. While encouraging visitors during visiting hours (Choice A) is important for the patient's well-being, it is not related to fall precautions. Checking on the patient every shift (Choice C) is an essential nursing intervention, but keeping the patient on fall precautions is more specific to preventing falls. Raising all four side rails (Choice D) is not recommended as it can restrict the patient's mobility and is considered a restraint practice.
A patient with severe pain and leg swelling is admitted. What should the nurse assess for?
- A. Check for signs of deep vein thrombosis.
- B. Assess for compartment syndrome.
- C. Increase the patient's fluid intake.
- D. Prepare the patient for surgery to relieve pain.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a patient presents with severe pain and leg swelling, the nurse should assess for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can develop due to increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to compromised circulation and potential tissue damage. It is crucial to identify compartment syndrome promptly as it may require immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Checking for signs of deep vein thrombosis (Choice A) is also important in a patient with leg swelling, but in this scenario, the focus should be on assessing for compartment syndrome due to the severity of the symptoms. Increasing fluid intake (Choice C) may not address the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms. Preparing the patient for surgery (Choice D) without a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis is premature and may not be the appropriate initial intervention.
A nurse manager assigns a nursing assistant a task outside of their role. What should the nursing assistant do?
- A. Follow the manager's directive
- B. Report the task to the charge nurse
- C. Refuse to perform the task
- D. Perform the task and document later
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If a nurse manager assigns a nursing assistant a task that is outside of their role, the nursing assistant should report the task to the charge nurse. This is important because the charge nurse can provide guidance on whether the task is appropriate for the nursing assistant to perform. Choice A is incorrect because blindly following a directive that is outside of the nursing assistant's scope could lead to negative consequences. Choice C might not be the best course of action initially, as it's important to seek clarification first. Choice D is also not the best option because performing a task outside of one's role without proper authorization can pose risks to both the patient and the nursing assistant.
The nurse is caring for a group of medical-surgical patients. A fire has been reported in an adjacent wing of the hospital. What should the nurse do to ensure the patients' safety?
- A. Wait until the fire department arrives before taking action.
- B. Close all doors.
- C. Identify evacuation routes.
- D. Move bedridden patients in their beds.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a fire emergency, it is crucial to close all doors to contain smoke and fire, helping to protect the patients. This action can prevent the spread of fire and smoke to the area where patients are located. Identifying evacuation routes is also important for a timely and orderly evacuation if necessary. Waiting for the fire department to arrive before taking action (Choice A) can waste valuable time and put patients at risk. Moving bedridden patients in their beds (Choice D) can be dangerous during a fire and should be avoided as it can expose patients and staff to more risks.
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.
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