The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a preoperative patient. Which test result should be brought to the attention of the surgeon immediately?
- A. Serum K+ of 3.8 mEq/L
- B. Hemoglobin of 15 g/dL
- C. Blood glucose of 100 mg/dL
- D. White blood cell (WBC) count of 18,500/µL
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An elevated WBC count indicates potential infection, requiring immediate attention.
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Which of the following would be appropriate to delegate to the nursing assistant?
- A. Assist the child to remove outer clothing
- B. Advise the parent to use acetaminophen instead of aspirin
- C. Explain the need for cool fluids
- D. Prepare and administer a tepid bath
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Removing outer clothing is a simple task that does not require clinical judgment.
How should the nurse respond to Mrs. West’s statement, “Oh well, I have already lived my life anyway.”
- A. “Oh, you have nothing to worry about Mrs. West. We’re going to take good care of you.”
- B. “You feel that your life is ending, Mrs. West? Can you tell me more about your feelings?”
- C. “Your doctor is one of the best and our surgical staff is excellent.”
- D. “The x-rays indicate that your tumor is accessible and the surgery will cure your problem.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging the patient to express feelings fosters trust and understanding.
What is the most common cause of amblyopia?
- A. Strabismus
- B. Cataracts
- C. Astigmatism
- D. Glaucoma
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Strabismus, or misalignment of the eyes, is the leading cause of amblyopia in children.
Priority Decision: The husband and daughter of a Hispanic woman dying from pancreatic cancer refuse to consider using hospice care. What is the first thing the nurse should do?
- A. Assess their understanding of what hospice care services are.
- B. Ask them how they will care for the patient without hospice care.
- C. Talk directly to the patient and family to see if she can change their minds.
- D. Accept their decision since they are Hispanic and prefer to care for their own.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should assess their understanding of hospice care services to ensure they are making an informed decision based on accurate information rather than assumptions or cultural biases.
A nurse in an emergency room is caring for a client who sustained partial-thickness burns to both lower legs, chest, face, and both forearms. Which of the following is the priority action the nurse should take?
- A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
- B. Inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries.
- C. Administer intravenous pain medication.
- D. Draw blood for a complete blood cell (CBC) count.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries. This is the priority action because inhalation injuries can be life-threatening due to airway compromise. The nurse should assess for soot in the mouth, facial burns, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. This allows for prompt intervention if respiratory distress is present.
A: Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority as it does not address the immediate life-threatening issue.
C: Administering pain medication is important but not the priority over assessing for inhalation injuries which could lead to respiratory distress.
D: Drawing blood for a CBC count is not the priority as it does not address the immediate threat to the client's airway.
Nokea