While assessing a patient who has undergone a recent CABG, the nurse notices a mole with irregular edges and a bluish color. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Recommend a dermatological consult to the physician.
- B. Note the location of the mole and contact the physician via telephone.
- C. Note the location of the mole and follow-up with the attending physician through the medical record and a phone call.
- D. Remove the mole with a sharp debridement technique, following approval from the charge nurse.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should note the location of the mole and follow up with the attending physician through the medical record and a phone call. This action is appropriate because a mole with irregular edges and a bluish color raises concern for melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Recommending a dermatological consult (Choice A) might delay the evaluation and management of the mole. Contacting the physician via telephone (Choice B) may not provide a documented record of the observation. Removing the mole without proper evaluation (Choice D) could be dangerous and is not within the nurse's scope of practice.
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While making rounds at 3 am, the nurse discovers a small fire in a client's room. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Remove the client from the room immediately.
- B. Leave the client's room to obtain a fire extinguisher.
- C. Instruct a nurse tech to pull the fire alarm.
- D. Evacuate all clients from the unit.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During a fire emergency, the priority is the safety of the individual in the room where the fire is located. Removing the client from the room immediately is the first step in the RACE acronym for fire safety: Rescue/Remove, Alarm, Contain, and Extinguish. This action ensures the client's safety before addressing the fire itself. Choice B is incorrect as leaving the client's room to obtain a fire extinguisher can delay the immediate removal of the client from the danger. Choice C is incorrect as pulling the fire alarm should be done after ensuring the client's safety. Choice D is incorrect as evacuating all clients from the unit should come after ensuring the safety of the individual in immediate danger.
The nurse is preparing for a dressing change on a full thickness burn to the flank area. The orders include irrigating the wound with each dressing change. To irrigate the wound, what will the nurse use?
- A. Sterile saline
- B. Distilled water
- C. Betadine scrub
- D. Tap water
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When irrigating a wound, especially in the case of a full-thickness burn, it is crucial to use a solution that is gentle and non-irritating to the tissues. Sterile saline is the preferred choice for wound irrigation as it is isotonic and does not cause additional damage to the already compromised tissue. Distilled water lacks the electrolytes present in saline, Betadine scrub is not used for irrigation due to its potential to be cytotoxic, and tap water may introduce contaminants and microorganisms to the wound.
Which action by a graduate nurse would require the charge nurse to intervene?
- A. Walking in the hallway outside the operating room without a hair covering
- B. Putting on a surgical mask, gown, and cap before entering the operating room
- C. Wearing a surgical mask into the holding area
- D. Wearing scrubs from home into the nursing station
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is walking in the hallway outside the operating room without a hair covering. In healthcare settings, it is crucial to adhere to infection control measures, which include wearing appropriate attire to prevent the spread of pathogens. Walking in the hallway outside the operating room without a hair covering violates these infection control protocols, necessitating immediate intervention by the charge nurse. Choices B and C are incorrect because putting on surgical attire before entering the operating room and wearing a surgical mask into the holding area are both standard practices that promote patient safety and infection control. Choice D is also incorrect as wearing scrubs from home into the nursing station, while not ideal, is not a violation that warrants immediate intervention compared to breaching infection control protocols near sensitive areas like the operating room.
When auscultating breath sounds, the nurse auscultates over the following locations:
- A. Trachea and lateral areas of thoracic cage
- B. Anterior and posterior aspects of all lung fields
- C. The mid section as well as the lateral section of the lungs
- D. The mid-clavicular to mid-axillary lines comparing side to side
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anterior and posterior aspects of all lung fields. When auscultating breath sounds, it is essential to listen to the front (anterior) and back (posterior) aspects of all lung fields. This comprehensive approach allows for a thorough assessment of breath sounds throughout the lungs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is too limited as it only focuses on the trachea and lateral areas, not covering all lung fields. Choice C is also too limited, referring to specific sections of the lungs (mid section and lateral section). Choice D is incorrect as it suggests comparing specific lines on the chest (mid-clavicular to mid-axillary), which is not a standard practice for auscultating breath sounds.
What is the best position for a client immediately following a bilateral salpingooophorectomy?
- A. Fowler's
- B. Modified Sims
- C. Side lying
- D. Flat supine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best position for a client immediately following a bilateral salpingooophorectomy is side lying. This position promotes comfort with the knees flexed and ensures proper airway management. Fowler's position (Choice A) would not be ideal as it involves sitting at a 90-degree angle, potentially causing discomfort after this procedure. Modified Sims position (Choice B) is typically used for rectal examinations, not for post-surgical management. Flat supine (Choice D) may not be the best choice immediately after surgery as it does not provide the same level of comfort and airway protection as side lying with knees flexed.