Hurst Readiness Exam 2 Questions & Answers Graded A++

1. Vital sign checks every 15 min x 4 2. Supine position for 6 hours 3. NPO until return of gag reflex 4. Irrigate NG tube every 2 hours 5. Raise four side rails Rationale 1., & 3. Correct: Vital signs post-procedure are important to monitor for any post-procedure complications such as bleeding or any signs of respiratory compromise. VS are checked frequently for the first-hour post-procedure. Any client who has a scope inserted down the throat and has received numbing medication in the back of the throat to depress the gag reflex should be kept NPO until the gag reflex returns. A 70-year-old client was admitted to the vascular surgery unit during the night shift with chronic hypertension. At 0830, the unlicensed nursing assistant (UAP) reports that the client's BP is 198/94. What would be the best action for the charge nurse to delegate at this time? 1. Ask the UAP to put the client back in bed immediately . 2. Tell the UAP to take the BP in the opposite arm in 15 minutes . 3. Have the LPN/LVN administer the 0900 furosemide and enalapril now. 4. Ask the LPN/LVN to assess the client for pain. Rationale 3. Correct: The nurse should recognize the need for measures to reduce the blood pressure. Administering the client's blood pressure medicine is aimed at correcting the problem. It is appropriate to administer the medications at this time in relation to the time that the next dose is due. A client suffers from migraine headaches. What assessment finding would the nurse expect to find during a migraine attack? 1. Unilateral, pulsating pain quality. 2. Bilateral, pressing/tightening pain quality. 3. Ipsilateral nasal congestion and rhinorrhea. 4. Headache occurs after recovering from a headache treated with narcotics. Rationale 1. Correct: Migraine headaches have a pulsating pain quality, unilateral location, moderate or severe pain intensity, aggravated by or causing avoidance of routine physical activity (walking, climbing stairs). During headache at least one of the following accompanies the headache: nausea and/or vomiting; photophobia and phonophobia. . The nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to the hospital following a severe motor vehicle crash (MVC) in which the client was trapped in the car for several hours. The client is being closely monitored for the development of renal failure. Which assessment finding would warrant immediate reporting? 1. Creatinine 1.1 mg/dl (97.24 mmol/L) 2. Urinary output of 150 mL per hour. 3. Gradual increase of BUN levels. 4. Calcium levels of 9.0 mg/dL (2.25 mmol/L) Rationale 3. Correct. Gradual accumulation of nitrogenous wastes results in elevated BUN and serum creatinine. This is an indication of impaired renal function. A client has been admitted for exacerbation of ulcerative colitis with severe dehydration. What is the best indicator that this client has an actual fluid deficit? 1. Stool count of 10 episodes of diarrhea in 24 hours. 2. Weight increase of 2 kg and a 24 hour output of 1000 mL. 3. Admission weight of 74.3 kg and 2 days later a weight of 72 kg. 4. Daily intake of 2400 mL and an output of 1600 mL, plus diarrheal stools. Rationale 3. Correct: Any acute weight gain or loss is fluid. Weight is the best measurement for fluid loss or gain. Acute weight losses correspond to fluid volume deficits. This client has lost 2.3 kg over a 2 day period, indicating a fluid volume deficit (FVD). The nurse is working with a LPN/VN and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which clients would be appropriate for the nurse to assign to the LPN/VN? 1. In Bucks traction requiring frequent pain medication. 2. 24 hours post appendectomy. 3. Diagnosed with cholelithiasis and scheduled for surgery in the AM. 4. Admitted 6 hours ago in adrenal insufficiency. 5. Client newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Rationale 1., 2., & 3. Correct These clients are stable and require predictable care that can be done appropriately by the LPN/VN The triage nurse in the emergency department (ED) assesses 4 clients. Which client is in need of emergent care? 1. A 52 year old who has a partially amputated finger. 2. A 9 month old with temperature of 103°F (39.4°C). 3. A two year old with excessive drooling and a weak cough. 4. A 28 year old experiencing a migraine headache for three days. Rationale 3. Correct: The two year old is exhibiting signs of respiratory difficulty with excessive drooling and a weak cough. Partial airway obstruction is likely and maybe the result of acute epiglottitis in which rapid progression to severe respiratory distress can occur . Airway takes priority over the other clients. A new nurse has a prescription to insert a feeding tube. The new nurse has never performed the procedure, but learned how to do it while in nursing school. What would be the best action by this nurse? 1. Ask to observe another nurse perform the procedure. 2. Look up how to perform the procedure in the policy and procedure manual. 3. Tell the charge nurse that someone else will have to place the feeding tube down the client. 4. Insert the feeding tube as learned in nursing school. Rationale 2. Correct. The best action for the nurse to take is to look up how the procedure is done in the agency by looking it up in the policy and procedure manual. The nurse could then discuss the procedure with an experienced nurse and ask the nurse to observe the new nurse while inserting the feeding tube. How would the nurse determine the correct size oropharyngeal airway for a client? 1. Select the same size as the little finger of the victim. 2. Measure from the tip of the lips to the epiglottis. 3. Determine the length from the earlobe to the xiphoid process. 4. Measure from the earlobe to the corner of the mouth. Rationale 4. Correct: An airway of proper size will extend from the corner of the client's mouth to the tip of the earlobe on the same side of the client's face A client, who only speaks Spanish, is admitted to the surgical unit. What is the best method for the nurse to inform the client about a pre-surgical procedure? 1. Use an audiotape made in Spanish to inform the client of the pre-surgical procedure. 2. Draw pictures of what the client can expect prior to surgery. 3. Facial expressions and gestures can be used to let the client know what to expect. 4. Enlist the help of a Spanish speaking family friend to tell the client what to expect prior to surgery. Rationale 1. Correct: Audiotapes made in the language of high volume clients who speak a language other than English is helpful to inform clients about admission procedures, room and unit orientation, and pre-surgical procedures. The tapes are received from sources where reliability of information is provided. This is the most reliable option for providing accurate information. To reduce the risk of developing a complication following balloon angioplasty, the nurse should implement which measure? 1. Monitor cardiac rhythm 2. Assess the puncture site every 8 hours 3. Measure urinary output hourly 4. Prevent flexion of the affected leg 5. Avoid lifting buttocks off the bed Rationale 1., 3., 4., & 5. Correct: The primary healthcare provider should be notified of any rhythm changes or report chest pain/discomfort. These could be signs of re-occlusion. Decreased urinary output (UOP) could be due to poor renal perfusion, which can result from decreased cardiac output and shock. Frequent VS and UOP measurements are needed. Flexion should be avoided at the catheter access site to allow time for the clot to stabilize and reduce the risk of bleeding and hematoma formation. The client should avoid lifting the buttocks off the bed because this increases pressure at the insertion site which increases the risk of hematoma formation/bleeding Question: During the insertion of a urinary catheter, the tip of the catheter touches the client's thigh. What action should the nurse take? 1. Wipe the tip of the catheter with alcohol. 2. Call for another urinary catheter and a pair of sterile gloves. 3. Insert the catheter and obtain a prescription for antibiotics. 4. Leave the room to obtain another sterile urinary catheter kit. Rationale 2. Correct: Indwelling catheter insertion is a sterile procedure. If contamination occurs, do not turn back on sterile field. Get on the call light to request another urinary catheter and sterile gloves to continue the procedure. Continuing the procedure with contaminated equipment would jeopardize the client's safety. The nurse is caring for a client on the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The client has frequent hand-washing rituals. Which nursing interventions would be advisable for this client? 1. Allow time for ritual. 2. Provide positive reinforcement for nonritualistic behavior. 3. Provide a flexible schedule for the client. 4. Remove all soap and water sources from the client's environment. 5. Create a regular schedule for taking client to bathroom. Rationale 1., 2. & 5. Correct: Initially meet the client's dependency needs as required to keep anxiety from escalating. Anything that increases the client's anxiety tends to increase the ritualistic behavior. Positive reinforcement for nonritualistic behavior takes the focus off of the ritual. A lack of attention to ritualistic behaviors can help to decrease the ritual. By creating a regular schedule when the client goes to the bathroom, (where the handwashing ritual occurs most frequently) allows the client a structured but limited time for the ritual. This can help give the client a sense of control of the maladaptive behavior until the client can start setting own limits on the behavior and develop more adaptive coping mechanisms An angry client visits the primary healthcare provider's office and requests a copy of their medical records. The client is angry after being placed on hold several times for over 10 minutes when requesting an appointment. What should the nurse tell this client? 1. All client appointment calls are transferred to the scheduling clerk. 2. The client will have to speak to the primary healthcare provider. 3. A copy of the record may be obtained within 24 hours of the request. 4. Medical records must stay within the facility unless requested by another primary healthcare provider. Rationale 3. Correct: The client has the right to the personal medical record. Generally, a period of time is required to get the record copied. The client may be charged for the copy. This assures the client that the request will receive attention Question: A client is preparing to be discharged after a total hip replacement. Which statements, if made by the client, would indicate to the nurse that teaching has been successful regarding prevention of hip prosthesis dislocation? 1. I should not cross my affected leg over my other leg. 2. I should not bend at the waist more than 90 degrees. 3. While lying in bed, I should not turn my affected leg inward. 4. It is necessary to keep my knees together at all times. 5. When I sleep, I should keep a pillow between my legs. Rationale 1., 2., 3. & 5. Correct: One of the most common problems after hip surgery is dislocation. Until the hip prosthesis stabilizes, it is necessary to follow these instructions for proper positioning to avoid dislocation. Flexion and movement of the leg on the affected side past midline should be avoided. 4. Incorrect: The knees should be kept apart at all times. This is called abduction and is needed to keep the new head of the femur (prosthetic device) in the acetabulum and therefore prevent hip dislocation until healing occurs and tissues are strong enough to hold the joint in place. pa-1567 Question: A female client taking captopril for hypertension tells the clinic nurse that she is planning to get pregnant. What recommendation should the nurse make? 1. "Captopril can be taken safely during pregnancy, but we will need to decrease your dose so you do not become hypotensive." 2. "We will need to increase your dose of captopril once you become pregnant." 3. "In order to prevent neural tube defects, start taking folic acid." 4. "Captopril can cause serious harm to an unborn baby, so you must prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. " Rationale 4. Correct: Captopril should not be taken during pregnancy because serious harm (possibly fatal) to the unborn baby can result when taken during pregnancy Question: The RN is caring for a client diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which prescription can the RN delegate to the LPN? 1. Obtain vital signs every 15 minutes. 2. Insert a urinary catheter for hourly urinary outputs. 3. Place a PICC line for fluid management. 4. Provide morphine 1 mg per PCA pump at a 10 minute lockout. Rationale 2. Correct. Inserting a urinary catheter is within the scope of practice for the LPN. This task does not include further assessment of the urinary output, which the RN will perform Which client admitted to the emergency department should the nurse assess first following shift report on assigned clients? 1. Client reporting inability to void and a distended bladder on palpation. 2. Client diagnosed with a confirmed closed fracture of the tibia. 3. Client who has a suspected corneal laceration. 4. Client with abdominal discomfort and a rigid abdomen on palpation. Rationale 4. Correct. A rigid abdomen may indicate bleeding or other causes of peritonitis which takes priority over the other three, more stable clients. This could lead to shock in this client. Conditions requiring immediate treatment include cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, multiple trauma, shock, poisoning, active labor, drug overdose, severe head trauma, and severe respiratory distress Which factors should the nurse include when teaching a parent about risk factors for otitis media? 1. Breast-feeding 2. Contact with siblings 3. Day care attendance 4. Season of the year 5. Age over 5 Rationale 2., 3. & 4. Correct: Contact with siblings, day care attendance, and season of the year all increase a child's risk of developing otitis media. Otitis media usually follows or accompanies an upper respiratory infection or the common cold. The exposure to upper respiratory infections is increased when other siblings are in the home and when the child attends daycare. More upper respiratory infections occur during times when the climate changes and during the winter months. Which interventions should be included in the plan of care for an adult client with constipation? 1. Allow adequate time for defecation. 2. Provide privacy for bowel elimination. 3. Suggest increasing fluid intake (unless contraindicated). 4. Encourage client to increase fiber in the diet. 5. Encourage the client to delay the urge to defecate until after a meal. Rationale 1., 2., 3. & 4. Correct: Clients should have ample time for defecation. Rushing the client may lead to a client ignoring the urge. Since clients may be hesitant to have a bowel movement in the presence of others, privacy should be provided. (The nurse may need to stay with weak or disabled clients.) Increasing fluid intake will lead to softer stools. This makes defecation easier. Fiber deficiencies may contribute to constipation. Fiber in the diet adds bulk to the stools which help them pass more readily through the intestines. The occupational health nurse is caring for an employee after a chemical explosion at the local tire factory. The client reports a foreign body in the right eye. The right eye is watery, and the client reports photophobia. Which nursing action takes priority? 1. Evert eyelid and examine for foreign body. 2. Measure visual acuity. 3. Notify the receiving hospital immediately for the transfer of the client. 4. Place an eye shield over the eye. Rationale 4. Correct: If a foreign body is the result of the explosion or blunt or sharp trauma, the eye should be protected from further damage by placing an eye shield over the eye (or if a shield is not available, a paper cup to prevent rubbing of the eye). Then make arrangements to transport the client for emergency care by an ophthalmologist. If the movement of the unaffected eye creates movement in the affected eye, it may be necessary to cover the unaffected eye also to prevent further injury to the eye from movement The nurse in the emergency department suspects that a client's lesion is caused by anthrax. What assessment question is most important? 1. Have you traveled out of the United States recently? 2. Have you recently worked with any farm animals or any animal-skin products? 3. Have you experienced any gastrointestinal upset recently? 4. Have you eaten any home-canned foods recently? Rationale 2. Correct: Cutaneous anthrax may be contracted by working with contaminated animal-skin products. Anthrax is found in nature and commonly infects wild and domestic hoofed animals. 1. Incorrect: Cutaneous anthrax is also found in the United States, so asking about travel abroad would not be necessary A client was admitted to the medical unit with pneumonia 2 days ago. There is a history of drinking 5-6 martinis every night for the past 2 years. Today, the nurse notes that the client is disoriented to time and place and is seeing imaginary spiders on the ceiling. The nurse cannot understand what the client is saying. What is this client most likely experiencing? 1. Wernicke's Encephalopathy 2. Korsakoff's Psychosis 3. Alcohol Withdrawal 4. Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium Rationale 4. Correct: Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium usually occurs on the second or third day following cessation of or reduction in prolonged, heavy alcohol use. Symptoms are the same as for delirium: Difficulty sustaining and shifting attention. Extremely distractible; disorganized thinking; rambling, irrelevant, pressured, and incoherent speech; impaired reasoning ability; disoriented to time and place; impairment of recent memory; delusions and hallucinations A low income family with children lives in an old, run-down apartment building situated close to a salvage yard in a poor neighborhood. Which area of assessment would be most important for the home health nurse? 1. Immunization status 2. School-related problems