Which of the following best describes a proficient nurse?
- A. A nurse who has little experience with a specified population and uses rules to guide performance
- B. A nurse who has an intuitive grasp of a clinical situation and quickly identifies the accurate solution
- C. A nurse who sees actions in the context of daily plans for patients
- D. A nurse who sees a patient's situation as a whole, with long-term goals for the patient, rather than as a list of tasks to be performed
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a proficient nurse should have a holistic view of the patient's situation, focusing on long-term goals rather than just completing tasks. This approach ensures comprehensive care and better outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as it implies reliance on rules over experience. Choice B is incorrect because intuition alone may not always lead to the best solution. Choice C is incorrect as it emphasizes daily plans rather than long-term goals.
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A 70-year-old woman who loves to garden has small, flat, brown macules over her arms and hands. She asks, "What causes these liver spots?' The nurse tells her:
- A. They are signs of decreased hematocrit related to anemia.
- B. They are due to destruction of melanin in your skin due to exposure to the sun.
- C. They are clusters of melanocytes that appear after prolonged sun exposure.
- D. They are areas of hyperpigmentation related to decreased perfusion and vasoconstriction.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the small, flat, brown macules described are consistent with lentigines (commonly known as age or liver spots), which are clusters of melanocytes that appear after prolonged sun exposure. This explanation directly addresses the patient's question about the cause of the spots and is supported by the clinical presentation.
Choice A is incorrect because decreased hematocrit related to anemia would not cause these specific skin changes. Choice B is incorrect as destruction of melanin due to sun exposure would result in lighter spots, not dark brown macules. Choice D is incorrect because hyperpigmentation related to decreased perfusion and vasoconstriction would present differently and not primarily on sun-exposed areas like the arms and hands.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of myocardial infarction. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?
- A. Administering pain medication.
- B. Monitoring vital signs and oxygen saturation.
- C. Encouraging deep breathing exercises.
- D. Providing nutritional education.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring vital signs and oxygen saturation. This is the priority intervention because it allows the nurse to assess the patient's current cardiac status and detect any potential complications early. Monitoring vital signs provides crucial information on the patient's cardiovascular stability, while oxygen saturation levels indicate adequate tissue perfusion. Administering pain medication (A) can be important but not the priority. Deep breathing exercises (C) and providing nutritional education (D) are important but not as immediate as monitoring vital signs and oxygen saturation in a patient with a history of myocardial infarction.
A patient is post-operative following a total hip replacement. The nurse should prioritize which of the following to prevent complications?
- A. Monitoring for signs of infection.
- B. Encouraging early ambulation.
- C. Administering pain medications regularly.
- D. Providing wound care and dressing changes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation. This is crucial post-total hip replacement to prevent complications such as blood clots, pneumonia, and muscle weakness. Early ambulation helps improve circulation, prevent stiffness, and promote faster recovery. Monitoring for infection (A) is important but not the top priority. Administering pain medications (C) and wound care (D) are essential but do not address the primary goal of preventing complications post-operatively.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is post-operative following a hip replacement. The nurse should educate the patient to avoid which of the following to prevent hip dislocation?
- A. Crossing the legs at the knees.
- B. Sitting with the feet flat on the floor.
- C. Sleeping on the affected side.
- D. Using assistive devices for ambulation.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Crossing the legs at the knees. This position can cause hip dislocation due to the twisting motion it creates on the hip joint. When the legs are crossed at the knees, it puts stress on the hip joint, potentially leading to dislocation.
Choice B: Sitting with the feet flat on the floor is a safe position that does not put undue stress on the hip joint.
Choice C: Sleeping on the affected side can also increase the risk of hip dislocation due to the pressure and weight placed on the hip joint in this position.
Choice D: Using assistive devices for ambulation is important for stability and support, and it does not directly contribute to hip dislocation if used correctly.
The nurse is performing a review of systems on a 76-year-old patient. Which of the following statements is correct for this situation?
- A. The questions asked are identical for all ages.
- B. The interviewer will start incorporating different questions for patients 70 years of age and older.
- C. Additional questions are reflective of the normal effects of aging.
- D. At this age, a review of systems is not necessary; just focus on current problems.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct as additional questions in a review of systems for a 76-year-old patient should address age-related changes. This allows for better assessment of potential health issues specific to older adults. Choice A is incorrect as questions may vary based on age. Choice B is incorrect as age alone does not dictate question changes. Choice D is incorrect as a review of systems is important at all ages for comprehensive patient assessment.