Which of these patients is most appropriate for the intensive care unit (ICU) charge nurse to assign to an RN who has floated from the medical unit?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a patient with viral meningitis requiring IV antibiotics may have rapidly changing conditions that necessitate close monitoring and prompt intervention. The floated RN from the medical unit may have experience managing infectious diseases and IV medications. Choice B: The 23-year-old with a recent craniotomy is stable post-surgery and may not require immediate ICU-level care. Choice C: The 30-year-old with an ICP monitor after a head injury a week ago is likely stable and may not need the specialized care of the ICU. Choice D: The 61-year-old with increased ICP and hyperventilation therapy requires specialized care and expertise in managing neurocritical care, which the floated RN may not have.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Peripheral edema. Peripheral edema is the accumulation of fluid in the extremities, indicating fluid volume overload. This is due to increased hydrostatic pressure in the capillaries. Dry mucous membranes (A) suggest dehydration, decreased skin turgor (B) is also a sign of dehydration, and postural hypotension (D) is often associated with hypovolemia. Peripheral edema is the most specific finding for fluid volume overload as it directly reflects an excess of fluid in the body.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct technique for assessing the carotid arteries is to auscultate for bruits before palpating. This is important because listening for bruits can indicate the presence of any abnormal sounds or blockages in the arteries, which can affect the palpation results. Palpating before auscultating may disrupt any potential bruits that should be detected. Auscultating both arteries simultaneously (Choice A) is not recommended as it may lead to missing subtle differences between the two sides. Palpating both arteries simultaneously (Choice B) is not ideal as it may not allow for accurate assessment of each artery individually. Palpating the arteries firmly to assess for strength (Choice D) is not recommended as excessive pressure can lead to inaccurate results and potential harm.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the Weber test is performed by striking a tuning fork and placing it on the patient's forehead. This causes vibrations that are conducted through the skull to both cochleas. In a normal hearing individual, the sound will be heard equally in both ears. If there is unilateral conductive hearing loss, the sound will be louder in the affected ear, and if there is unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, the sound will be louder in the unaffected ear. Choice A is incorrect because the Weber test does not involve whispering words for the patient to repeat. Choice C is incorrect because it describes the Rinne test, not the Weber test. Choice D is incorrect because it does not involve identifying different tones, but rather assessing for lateralization of sound.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Accommodation is the correct answer because it refers to the ability of the eye to adjust its focus when moving between objects at different distances. When the pupils constrict while focusing on a near object, it indicates the eye is accommodating to improve clarity for close-up vision. Convergence (B) is the coordinated movement of both eyes towards a near object, not pupil constriction. Refraction (C) is the bending of light as it passes through the eye, not the pupil's response. Visual acuity (D) is the sharpness of vision, not related to pupil constriction during accommodation.