In the emergency room, a nurse is responsible for triaging four clients injured in a motor vehicle accident. Which of the following clients should receive priority in care?
- A. A 10-year-old with lacerations on the face
- B. A 15-year-old with sternal bruises
- C. A 34-year-old with a fractured femur
- D. A 50-year-old with a dislocated elbow
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The 15-year-old with sternal bruises should receive priority in care as this client might be experiencing airway and oxygenation problems. Airway issues take precedence in triage. The 10-year-old with lacerations on the face, although looking bad, is not in immediate distress. The 34-year-old with a fractured femur should be immobilized but can be seen after the client with sternal bruising. The 50-year-old with a dislocated elbow can also be seen later as dislocated elbows are not life-threatening compared to potential airway compromise.
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After talking to the nurse, the charge nurse should:
- A. Report the incident to the Board of Nursing
- B. File a formal reprimand
- C. Terminate the nurse
- D. Charge the nurse with a tort
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The appropriate action after discussing the problem with the nurse is to document the incident and file a formal reprimand. Reporting to the Board of Nursing may be necessary if the behavior persists or harm occurs to the client, but it is not the initial step. Termination should be considered if the issue continues despite warnings. Charging the nurse with a tort is not a suitable course of action in this situation as a tort refers to a wrongful act against a client or their belongings, not an appropriate disciplinary measure. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.
What should the charge nurse do after overhearing the patient care assistant speaking harshly to the client with dementia?
- A. Change the patient care assistant's assignment
- B. Explore the interaction with the patient care assistant
- C. Discuss the matter with the client's family
- D. Initiate a group session with the patient care assistant
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The best action for the charge nurse to take is to explore the interaction with the patient care assistant. This step allows for clarification of the situation and direct addressing of the issue. Changing the patient care assistant's assignment (choice A) might be necessary, but understanding the situation should come first. Discussing the matter with the client's family (choice C) as an initial step could escalate the situation. Initiating a group session with the patient care assistant (choice D) could be considered later as a preventive measure to avoid similar incidents in the future.
The client is visiting a home health client with osteoporosis. The client has a new prescription for alendronate (Fosamax). Which instruction should be given to the client?
- A. Rest in bed after taking the medication for at least 30 minutes
- B. Avoid rapid movements after taking the medication
- C. Take the medication with water only
- D. Allow at least 1 hour between taking the medicine and taking other medications
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client is prescribed alendronate (Fosamax), instructing them to avoid rapid movements after taking the medication is crucial to prevent esophageal irritation. Resting in bed after taking the medication for at least 30 minutes (choice A) is not necessary and can increase the risk of side effects. While taking the medication with water only (choice C) is generally recommended, the key instruction to prevent esophageal irritation is to avoid rapid movements. Allowing at least 1 hour between taking the medicine and other medications (choice D) is not specifically related to the administration of alendronate and is not the primary concern when giving instructions to the client.
Which of the following roommates would be most suitable for the client with myasthenia gravis?
- A. A client with hypothyroidism
- B. A client with Crohn's disease
- C. A client with pyelonephritis
- D. A client with bronchitis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most suitable roommate for the client with myasthenia gravis is the client with hypothyroidism because they are quiet. A client with Crohn's disease (choice B) would be up to the bathroom frequently due to gastrointestinal issues, which could disturb the roommate with myasthenia gravis. A client with pyelonephritis (choice C) suffering from a kidney infection will need to urinate frequently, causing disturbances. A client with bronchitis (choice D) will be coughing, potentially disrupting the rest and quiet environment needed by a roommate with myasthenia gravis to manage their symptoms effectively.
Which action by the novice nurse indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. The nurse fails to wear gloves when removing a dressing.
- B. The nurse applies an oxygen saturation monitor to the earlobe.
- C. The nurse elevates the head of the bed to check blood pressure.
- D. The nurse places the extremity in a dependent position to acquire a peripheral blood sample.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The novice nurse failing to wear gloves when removing a dressing indicates a need for further teaching to emphasize infection control practices. This action can lead to the spread of infections. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they demonstrate proper nursing skills and techniques. Applying an oxygen saturation monitor to the earlobe, elevating the head of the bed to check blood pressure, and placing the extremity in a dependent position to acquire a peripheral blood sample all reflect understanding of correct procedures in patient care.