An unconscious patient is brought to the emergency department. Which of the following assessments should be implemented first?

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Nursing Process Final Exam Questions Questions

Question 1 of 9

An unconscious patient is brought to the emergency department. Which of the following assessments should be implemented first?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The client’s airway should be assessed first. This is because airway management is the top priority in any emergency situation to ensure the patient can breathe. Without a patent airway, the patient's oxygenation and ventilation will be compromised, leading to serious complications or death. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because assessing the airway takes precedence over determining the reason for admission, reviewing medications, or assessing past medical history in an unconscious patient. These other assessments are important but not as critical as securing the airway to maintain the patient's breathing and oxygenation.

Question 2 of 9

A client seeks medical evaluation for fatigue, night sweats, and a 20-lb weight loss in 6 weeks. To confirm that the client has been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the nurse expects the physician to order:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the Western blot test with ELISA. First, ELISA is used as a screening test for HIV antibodies. If positive, a confirmatory test like Western blot is needed to detect specific antibodies. Western blot is highly specific and confirms the presence of HIV antibodies. E-rosette immunofluorescence is not typically used for HIV diagnosis. Quantification of T-lymphocytes is used to monitor disease progression in HIV but does not confirm HIV infection. ELISA alone is not confirmatory; it needs to be followed by a more specific test like Western blot.

Question 3 of 9

What is the primary purpose of the implementation step in the nursing process?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To carry out the plan of care. In the nursing process, implementation is the phase where nurses put the established care plan into action by delivering the interventions outlined to meet the client's needs. This step is crucial as it ensures that the care plan is executed effectively and efficiently. Establishing priorities (A) is done during the planning phase, identifying client outcomes (C) is part of the evaluation phase, and validating nursing diagnoses (D) is typically done during the assessment phase, not implementation.

Question 4 of 9

Which of the following nursing interventions is appropriate after a lumbar puncture?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Have the patient lie flat for 6 to 8 hours after a lumbar puncture to prevent complications like post-lumbar puncture headache. Lying flat helps maintain CSF pressure and reduce the risk of leakage. B: Keeping the patient from eating or drinking for 4 hours is not necessary after a lumbar puncture. C: Monitoring pedal pulses q4h is irrelevant to post-lumbar puncture care. D: Keeping the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees for 24 hours is not recommended after a lumbar puncture as it may increase the risk of complications.

Question 5 of 9

Which of the ff is an important nursing intervention for HIV positive clients?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Providing referral to support groups and resources for information is essential for HIV positive clients as it offers emotional support, education, and access to resources for managing the condition. Step 2: Support groups provide a safe space for clients to share experiences, seek advice, and reduce feelings of isolation. Step 3: Resources for information help clients stay informed about their condition, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications. Step 4: Referral to support groups and resources promotes holistic care and enhances the client's overall well-being. Summary: Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not address the specific needs of HIV positive clients and may even pose risks to their health. Option D is the most appropriate intervention as it focuses on comprehensive support and empowerment for clients.

Question 6 of 9

A nurse is getting ready to discharge a patient who has a problem with physical mobility. What does the nurse need to do before discontinuing the patient’s plan of care?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because before discontinuing a patient's plan of care related to physical mobility, the nurse needs to evaluate whether the patient goals and outcomes have been met. This step ensures that the patient has achieved the desired level of physical mobility improvement and is ready to safely continue their care at home. A: Determining whether the patient has transportation to get home is important but not directly related to the patient's physical mobility goals and outcomes. C: Establishing a follow-up appointment is important but does not directly address the evaluation of the patient's physical mobility improvement. D: Ensuring that the patient's prescriptions are filled is crucial for medication management but does not specifically evaluate the patient's physical mobility progress.

Question 7 of 9

A client has just completed a course in radiation therapy and is experiencing radio-dermatitis. The most effective method of treating the skin is to:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apply a cream or lotion to the area. This is because radio-dermatitis is a common side effect of radiation therapy, causing skin irritation and dryness. Applying a cream or lotion helps to moisturize the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Washing the area with soap can further irritate the skin. Leaving the skin alone may prolong discomfort and delay healing. Avoiding creams or lotions can worsen dryness and discomfort. Overall, applying a suitable cream or lotion is the most effective method to alleviate symptoms and support skin recovery in radio-dermatitis.

Question 8 of 9

Which of the following would indicate that the patient has a normal corneal light reflex?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a normal corneal light reflex involves light being reflected at the same spot in both eyes. This indicates that both eyes are aligned properly and focusing light in the same direction. Choice A is incorrect because it refers to accommodation, not the corneal light reflex. Choice B is incorrect as convergence is related to eye movement, not the corneal light reflex. Choice C is incorrect as pupil constriction in response to light is known as the pupillary light reflex, not the corneal light reflex.

Question 9 of 9

The nurse has entered a client’s room to find the client diaphoretic (sweat-covered) and shivering, inferring that the client has a fever. How should the nurse best follow up this cue and inference?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Measure the client’s oral temperature. This is the best follow-up because it directly assesses the client's body temperature, providing objective data to confirm the presence of fever. It is essential to gather accurate information to guide appropriate interventions. Asking a colleague for assistance (B) may not address the immediate need for temperature assessment. Giving the client a clean gown and warm blankets (C) may provide comfort but does not address the need for temperature measurement. Obtaining an order for blood cultures (D) is not the initial priority when the client is showing signs of fever; temperature measurement is the first step in assessing the client's condition.

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