Unit 1 Full Set

A physician writes an order for ampicillin 1 gram every 6 hours for a client. What is missing in this order? A) Time B) Amount C) Route D) Frequency

Ans: C Feedback: The medication order does not identify a route.

Which of the following guidelines should a nursing instructor provide to nursing students who are now responsible for assessing their clients? A) "Assessment data about the client should be collected continuously." B) "Assess your client after receiving the nursing report and again before giving a report to the next shift of nurses." C) "Assess your client at least hourly if the client's vital signs are unstable, and every two hours if the vital signs are stable." D) "Assessment data should be collected prior to the physician rounding on the unit."

A) Assessment data about the client should be collected continuously

After assessment of a client in an ambulatory clinic, the nurse records the data on the computer. The nurse recognizes which of the following as objective data? A) Auscultation of the lungs B) Complaint of nausea C) Sensation of burning in her epigastric area D) Belief that demons are in her stomach

A) Auscultation of the lungs

The nurse is conducting a nursing history of a client with a respiratory rate of 30, audible wheezing, and nasal flaring. During the interview, the client denies problems with breathing. What action should the nurse take next? A) Clarify discrepancies of assessment data with the client. B) Validate client data with members of the health care team. C) Document all data collected in the nursing history and physical examination. D) Seek input from family members regarding the client's breathing at home.

A) Clarify discrepancies of assessment data with the client

A client is brought to the emergency department in an unconscious condition. The client's wife hands over the previous medical files and points out that the client had suddenly fallen unconscious after trying to get out of bed. Which of the following is a primary source of information? A) Client's wife B) Medical documents C) Test results D) Assessment data

A) Client's wife

A novice nurse collects data on a newly admitted client. Upon evaluation of this data, the nurse provides an erroneous interpretation. What is a corrective action for this interpretation? A) Encourage the novice nurse to independently observe the same situation with a peer, validate the data, and discuss the situation afterward. B) Encourage the novice nurse to develop his or her own tool for data collection. C) Encourage the novice nurse to collect and interpret the data for the client repeatedly, until the novice nurse arrives at the correct interpretation. D) Encourage the novice nurse to meet with the nurse manager to discuss the situation and seek mentoring for communication skills.

A) Encourage the novice nurse to independently observe the same situation with a peer, validate the data, and discuss the situation afterward

The nurse is using a systematic approach to the collection of assessment data. The nurse uses an assessment guide that uses a hierarchy of five life requirements universal to all persons. What model for organizing the assessment data is the nurse using? A) Human Needs (Maslow) model B) Functional Health Patterns model C) Human Response Patterns model D) Body System model

A) Human needs (Maslow) model

The nurse observes the client as he walks into the room. What information will this provide the nurse? A) Information regarding the client's gait B) Information regarding the client's personality C) Information regarding the client's psychosocial status D) Information on the rate of recovery from surgery

A) Information regarding the client's gait

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? A) Measure the client's oral temperature. B) Ask a colleague for assistance. C) Give the client a clean gown and warm blankets. D) Obtain an order for blood cultures.

A) Measure the client's oral temperature

The nurse is performing an assessment of a client who has a small wound on the knee, collecting cues about the client's health status. Which of the following would the nurse identify as a subjective cue? A) Sharp pain in the knee B) Small bloody drainage on dressing C) Temperature of 102 degrees F D) Pulse rate of 90 beats per minute

A) Sharp pain in the knee

An unconscious patient is brought to the emergency department. Which of the following assessments should be implemented first? A) The client's airway should be assessed. B) The nurse should determine the reason for admission. C) The nurse should review the client's medications. D) The client's past medical history is assessed.

A) The client's airway should be assessed

A nurse who collected and organized data during a client history realizes that there is not enough information to plan interventions. Which of the following would be the best remedy to prevent this from happening in the future? A) The nurse should practice interviewing strategies. B) The nurse should modify data collection tool. C) The nurse should determine specific purpose of data collection. D) The nurse should update the database.

A) The nurse should practice interviewing strategies

A nurse is assisting with lunch at a nursing home. Suddenly, one of the residents begins to choke and is unable to breathe. The nurse assesses the resident's ability to breathe and then begins CPR. Why did the nurse assess respiratory status? A) To identify a life-threatening problem B) To establish a database for medical care C) To practice respiratory assessment skills D) To facilitate the resident's ability to breathe

A) To identify a life-threatening problem

When documenting subjective data, the nurse should do which of the following? A) Use the client's own words placed in quotation marks. B) Paraphrase the information stated by the client. C) Validate the information with the client's family prior to documentation. D) Record the information using nonspecific words.

A) Use the client's own words placed in quotation marks

Which of the following are examples of breaches of client confidentiality? Select all that apply. A) A nurse discusses a client with a coworker in the elevator. B) A nurse shares her computer password with a relative of a client. C) A nurse checks the medical record of a client to see who should be called in an emergency. D) A nurse updates the employer of a client regarding the client's return to work. E) A nurse uses a computer to document a client's response to pain medication.

A, B, D Feedback: Nurses may use computers to document client data as long as they are not in a public area, and as long as the computer is shut down following the entries. A nurse can also check the medical record for a relative to call in case of an emergency. All the other examples are violations of client confidentiality.

Which of the following are examples of incidental disclosures of client health information that are permitted? Select all that apply. A) A nurse working in a physician's office puts out a sign-in sheet for incoming clients. B) Two nurses are overheard talking about a client through the door of an empty client room. C) A nurse places a client chart in a holder on the examining room door with the name facing out. D) A nurse leaves an x-ray on a light board in the hallway that leads to the examining rooms. E) A nurse calls out the name of a client who is seated in the waiting room.

A, B, E A nurse working in a physician's office puts out a sign-in sheet for incoming clients.; Two nurses are overheard talking about a client through the door of an empty client room; A nurse calls out the name of a client who is seated in the waiting room. Feedback: Permitted incidental disclosures of PHI include using sign-in sheets without the reason for visit; the possibility of a conversation being overheard if measures are taken to be private; placing a client chart on the door with the face pages facing inward; placing an x-ray on a light board as long as it is not unattended; calling the name of a waiting patient; and leaving appointment reminders on answering machines (provided only a minimal amount of information is given).

Which of the following examples of client data needs to be validated? Select all that apply. A) A client has trouble reading an informed consent, but states he does not need glasses. B) An elderly client explains that the black and blue marks on his arms and legs are due to a fall. C) A nurse examining a client with a respiratory infection documents fever and chills. D) A client in a nursing home states that she is unable to eat the food being served. E) A pregnant client is experiencing contractions that are two minutes apart.

A, B; A client has trouble reading an informed consent, but states he does not need glasses; An elderly client explains that the black and blue marks on his arms and legs are due to a fall.

Which of the following are examples of common factors in a client that may influence assessment priorities? Select all that apply. A) Diet and exercise program B) Standing in the community C) Ability to pay for services D) Developmental stage E) Need for nursing

A, D, E

Which of the following data regarding a client with a diagnosis of colon cancer are subjective? Select all that apply. A) The client's chemotherapy causes him nausea and loss of appetite B) The client became teary when his daughter from out of state came to the bedside. C) The client's ileostomy put out 125 mL of effluent in the past four hours. D) The patient is unwilling to manipulate or empty his ostomy bag. E) The patient has been experiencing fatigue in recent weeks.

A, E; The client's chemotherapy causes him nausea and loss of appetite, The patient has been experiencing fatigue in recent weeks.

A client's diagnosis of pneumonia requires treatment with antibiotics. The corresponding order in the client's chart should be written as ... A) Avelox (moxifloxacin) 400 mg daily B) Avelox (moxifloxacin) 400 mg Q.D. C) Avelox (moxifloxacin) 400 mg qd D) Avelox (moxifloxacin) 400 mg OD

A- Avelox (moxifloxacin) 400 mg daily Feedback: Among the JCAHO's list of "do not use" abbreviations are Q.D., qd, and OD when denoting a once-per-day drugadministration. Because of the potential for misinterpretation and consequent drug errors, the JCAHO recommendswriting "daily" in the order.

The nurses who provide care in a large, long-term care facility utilize charting by exception (CBE) as the preferred method of documentation. This documentation method may have which of the following drawbacks? A) Vulnerability to legal liability since nurse's safe, routine care is not recorded B) Increased workload for nurses in order to complete necessary documentation C) Failure to identify and record client problems and associated interventions D) Significant differences in the charting between nurses due to lack of standardization

A- Vulnerability to legal liability since nurse's safe, routine care is not recorded Feedback: A significant drawback to charting by exception is its limited usefulness when trying to prove high-quality safe care in response to a negligence claim made against nursing. CBE is generally less time-consuming than alternate methods of documentation, and both standardization of charting and identification of client-specific problems are possible within this documentation framework.

A nurse is administering a liquid medication to an infant. Where will the nurse place the medication to prevent aspiration? A) Between the gum and the cheek B) In front of the teeth and gums C) On the front of the tongue D) Under the tongue

Ans: A Feedback: A dropper is used to give infants or very young children liquid medications while holding them in a sitting or semisitting position. The medication is placed between the gum and the cheek to prevent aspiration.

The medical chart of a newly admitted client notes a penicillin allergy, yet the physician has just written an order for an antibiotic in the same drug family after reviewing the client's wound culture and sensitivity. How should the nurse respond to this situation? A) Withhold the medication until the potential drug allergy has been addressed by the care team. B) Administer the medication and increase the frequency of assessments in the hours that follow. C) Substitute an antibiotic with similar action, but which is from a different drug family. D) Discuss the severity, signs and symptoms of the drug allergy with the client in order to ascertain the risks of administration.

Ans: A Feedback: Client safety is paramount, and the nurse has a responsibility to ensure that a potential threat of harm is identified and dealt with promptly. It is beyond the nurse's scope of practice to independently substitute another drug, and it would be unsafe to administer the drug in light of this revelation. The nurse would not administer the drug even if the client stated that his or her allergy is mild.

The nurse is preparing to administer a medication via a nasogastric tube. What guideline is appropriate for the nurse to follow when administering a drug via this route? A) Flush the tube with water between each drug administered. B) Position the client supine prior to administering the drug. C) Administer the medication at a cold temperature. D) If connected to suction, do not reconnect to suction for five minutes after drug administration.

Ans: A Feedback: Guidelines to consider when administering a drug via nasogastric tube include positioning the client with the head of the bed elevated, administering the medication at room temperature for the client's comfort, flushing the tube with water between each drug administered, and avoiding the use of suction for 20 to 30 minutes after the drug is administered.

What does the nurse do to verify an order for a medication listed on a medication administration record (MAR)? A) Compare it with the original physician's order. B) Ask another nurse what the drug is. C) Look up the drug in a textbook. D) Call the pharmacist for verification.

Ans: A Feedback: In many institutions, the medication order is copied onto the client's medication record. The nurse is responsible for checking that the medication order was transcribed correctly by comparing it with the original physician's order.

A nurse at a health care facility has to instill ear drops in a client. The nurse knows that which of the following techniques varies for an adult and child client? A) Manipulation of the client's ear to straighten the auditory canal B) Dilution of the medication drops before instilling in the client's ear C) Position in which the client remains until medication reaches the eardrum D) Amount of time before instilling medication in the client's opposite ear

Ans: A Feedback: The nurse should be aware that the method of manipulation of the client's ear to straighten the auditory canal varies between an adult and child. In a young client, the nurse pulls the ear down; in an adult client, the nurse pulls the ear up and back. The medication is not diluted; the number of medication drops instilled is as per the physician's prescription, and does not depend on the client's age. The position in which the client remains until the medication reaches the eardrum, and the amount of time before instilling medication in the client's opposite ear, does not differ with the age of the client.

A nurse needs to administer a prescribed dose of a narcotic medication to a client with acute neck pain. Which of the following precautions should the nurse take when storing narcotic medications? A) In a double-locked drawer B) In a single container C) In a self-contained packet D) In disguised containers

Ans: A Feedback: The nurse should place narcotic drugs in a double-locked drawer. Narcotics are controlled substances, meaning that federal laws regulate their possession and administration. Health care facilities keep narcotics in a double-locked drawer, box, or room on the nursing unit. A narcotic drug may not be placed in a single container, self-contained packet, or in disguised containers.

Which of the following clients receives a drug that requires parenteral route? A) A woman who has been ordered intravenous antibiotics B) A woman who takes a diuretic pill each morning C) A man with emphysema who uses nebulized bronchodilators D) A man who has an antifungal ointment applied to his skin rash daily

Ans: A Feedback: The parenteral route includes such methods as intravenous administration and injections. Pills are given by an oral route and a nebulizer is administered by the pulmonary route. An ointment is a topical medication.

A nurse is converting the dosage of a medication to a different unit in the metric system. The medication label specifies the drug as being 0.5 g per tablet. The order is for 500 mg. How many tablets will the nurse give? A) 1 B) 2 C) 5 D) 10

Ans: A Feedback: To convert in the metric system from a smaller unit to a larger unit, move the decimal point three places to the right. As 0.5 g = 500 mg, the nurse would administer one tablet.

A nurse at the health care facility is preparing the medication dosage for a client. Why should the nurse read and compare the label on the medication with the MAR at least three times (before, during, and after) while preparing the medication for administration? A) Ensures that the right medication is given at the right time by the right route B) Complies with the medical order and ensures that the right dose is given C) Ensures that the medication has been administered to the right client D) Demonstrates timely administration and compliance with the medical order

Ans: A Feedback: When preparing the medications for administration, the nurse reads and compares the label on the medication with the MAR at least three times. This is to ensure that the right medication is given at the correct time, and by the correct route. The nurse calculates the doses to comply with the medical order and ensure that the right dose is given. Before administration, the nurse identifies the client by checking the wristband or asking the client's name. This is to ensure that the medication is given to the right person. The nurse should plan to administer the medications within 30 to 60 minutes of their scheduled time, which demonstrates timely administration and compliance with the medical order.

A client diagnosed with anemia is receiving a blood transfusion. The client develops urticaria accompanied by wheezing and dyspnea not long after the transfusion starts. The nurse interprets this as indicative of which of the following? A) Allergic reaction B) Side effect C) Toxicity D) Antagonism

Ans: A Feedback: With urticaria, hives, wheezing, and dyspnea are the symptoms of severe allergic reaction, which is due to an anaphylactic reaction. Minor adverse effects are called side effects. Many side effects are essentially harmless and can be ignored. Toxicity results from overdosage or buildup of medication in the blood due to impaired metabolism and excretion. Antagonism is a drug interaction by which drug effects decrease.

Which of the following abbreviations is on the list of the Joint Commission do not use abbreviations? Select all that apply. A) U (unit) B) QD (daily) C) NPO (nothing per os) D) mL (milliliters) E) gt (greater than)

Ans: A, B, E Feedback: The words "unit", "daily", "greater than" and "less than" should be spelled out. NPO, mL, and mcg are acceptable abbreviations.

The "Rights of Medication Administration" help to ensure accuracy when administering medications. Which of the following represent these five rights? Select all that apply. A) Medication B) Client C) Prescribing physician D) Pharmacy E) Dosage F) Route

Ans: A, B, E, F Feedback: To prevent medication errors, always ensure that the: (1) Right medication is given to the (2) right client in the (3) right dosage through the (4) right route at the (5) right time.

A hospital utilizes the SOAP method of charting. Within this model, which of the nurse's following statements would appear at the beginning of a charting entry? A) "Client complaining of abdominal pain rated at 8/10." B) "Client is guarding her abdomen and occasionally moaning." C) "Client has a history of recent abdominal pain." D) "2 mg Dilaudid PO administered with good effect"

Ans: A- "Client complaining of abdominal pain rated at 8/10." Feedback: The SOAP method of charting (Subjective data, Objective data, Assessment, Plan) begins with the information provided by the client, such as a complaint of pain. The nurse's objective observations and assessments follow, with interventions, actions, and plans later in the charting entry.

A nurse organizes client data using the SOAP format. Which of the following would be recorded under "S" of this acronym? A) Client complaints of pain B) Client history C) Client's chief complaint D) Client interventions

Ans: A- Client complaints of pain Feedback: The SOAP format (subjective data, objective data, Assessment [the caregiver's judgment about the situation], plan) is used to organize data entries in the progress notes of the POMR. A client complaint of pain is subjective data (S).

A nurse uses informatics to plan nursing care for a client. Which three terms best describes this science as it is applied to nursing? A) Data, information, knowledge B) Process, documentation, analysis C) Research, controls, variables D) Hypothesis, nursing, practice

Ans: A- Data, information, knowledge Feedback: According to the ANA Scope and Standards of Nursing Informatics Practice, nursing informatics is a specialty that integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, and knowledge in nursing practice. Nursing informatics facilitates the integration of data, information, and knowledge to support clients, nurses, and other providers in their decision-making in all roles and settings. This support is accomplished through the use of information structures, information processes, and information technology (ANA,2001, p. vii).

A nurse caring for a client who is being treated by three physicians uses the source-oriented format for documentation. What are the benefits of using this format of documentation? A) Information is documented in separate forms by each health care personnel. B) It is a unified, cooperative approach for resolving the client's problems. C) It is organized at one location according to the client's health problems. D) It is compiled to facilitate communication among health care professionals.

Ans: A- Information is documented in separate forms by each health care personnel. Feedback: Source-oriented documentation is a record organized according to the source of documented information. This type of record contains separate forms on which health care personnel make written entries about their own specific activities in relation to the client's care. The problem-oriented method of recording demonstrates a unified, cooperative approach to resolving the client's problems. Source-oriented records are organized at numerous locations; there is not one location for information. The problem-oriented record is compiled to facilitate communication among health care professionals.

What is the primary purpose of an incident report? A) Means of identifying risks B) Basis for staff evaluation C) Basis for disciplinary action D) Format for audiotaped report

Ans: A- Means of identifying risks Feedback: An incident report, also termed a variance or occurrence report, is a tool used by health care agencies to document the occurrence of anything out of the ordinary that results in, or has the potential to result in, harm to a client, employee, or visitor. Incident reports should not be used for disciplinary action against staff members.

The nurse managers of a home health care office wish to maximize nurses' freedom to characterize and record client conditions and situations in the nurses' own terms. Which of the following documentation formats is most likely to promote this goal? A) Narrative notes B) SOAP notes C) Focus charting D) Charting by exception

Ans: A- Narrative notes Feedback: One of the advantages of a narrative notes model of documentation is that it allows nurses to describe clinical encounters in their own terms, as they understand them. Other documentation formats, such as SOAP notes, focus charting, and charting by exception, are more rigidly delineated and allow nurses less latitude in their documentation.

Which one of the following methods of documentation is organized around client diagnoses rather than around patient information? A) Problem-oriented medical record (POMR) B) Source-oriented record C) PIE charting system D) Focus charting

Ans: A- Problem-oriented medical record (POMR) Feedback: The POMR is organized around a client's problems rather than around sources of information. With POMRs, all healthcare professionals record information on the same forms. The advantages of this type of record are that the entire healthcare team works together in identifying a master list of client problems and contributes collaboratively to the plan of care.

A student has reviewed a client's chart before beginning assigned care. Which of the following actions violates client confidentiality? A) Writing the client's name on the student care plan B) Providing the instructor with plans for care C) Discussing the medications with a unit nurse D) Providing information to the physician about laboratory data

Ans: A- Writing the client's name on the student care plan Feedback: Students using client records are bound professionally and ethically to keep in strict confidence all the information they learn from those records. The student may discuss care with the instructor, medications with a staff nurse, and laboratory data with the physician. The student should not use actual client names or other identifiers in written assignments or oral reports.

A physician has ordered that a medication be given "stat" for a client who is having an anaphylactic drug reaction. At what time would the nurse administer the medication? A) At the next scheduled medication time B) Immediately after the order is noted C) Not until verifying it with the client D) Whenever the client asks for it

Ans: B Feedback: A stat order is a single order, and it is carried out immediately. This is a legal order. The nurse would not wait until the next scheduled medication time or verify the order with the client. With a p.r.n. order, the client receives medication when it is requested or required.

A nurse has administered an intramuscular injection. What will the nurse do with the syringe and needle? A) Recap the needle; place it in a puncture-resistant container. B) Do not recap the needle; place it in a puncture-resistant container. C) Break off the needle, place it in the barrel, and throw it in the trash. D) Take off the needle and throw the syringe in the client's trash can.

Ans: B Feedback: After use, needles and syringes are placed in a puncture-resistant container without being recapped. This prevents needlestick injuries, because most occur during recapping.

A client who is taking an oral narcotic for pain relief tells the nurse he is constipated. What is this common response to narcotics called? A) Therapeutic effect B) Adverse effect C) Toxic effect D) Idiosyncratic effect

Ans: B Feedback: Although therapeutic effect is the desired outcome of medication administration, sometimes adverse effects occur. Adverse effects (such as constipation from narcotics) often are predictable and can usually be tolerated. Toxic effects (toxicities) are specific groups of symptoms related to drug therapy that carry risk for permanent damage or death. An idiosyncratic effect(sometimes called paradoxical effect) is any unusual or peculiar response to a drug that may manifest itself by over-response, under-response, or even the opposite of the expected response.

Medications administered that are renal toxic should have frequent assessments of which blood values? A) AST and ALT B) BUN and creatinine C) WBC and platelets D) RBC and differential

Ans: B Feedback: If medications are known to cause kidney dysfunction, kidney function tests (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen) should be frequent.

What would a nurse instruct a client to do after administration of a sublingual medication? A) "Take a big drink of water and swallow the pill." B) "Try not to swallow while the pill dissolves." C) "Swallow frequently to get the best benefit." D) "Chew the pill so it will dissolve faster."

Ans: B Feedback: Sublingual and buccal medications should not be swallowed, but rather held in place so that complete absorption takes place.

A nurse is teaching an older adult at home about taking newly prescribed medications. Which information would be included? A) "You can identify your medications by their color." B) "I have written the names of your drugs with times to take them." C) "You won't forget a medication if you count them every day." D) "Don't worry if the label comes off; just look at the shapes."

Ans: B Feedback: Teach clients the names of drugs rather than distinguishing drugs by color. Manufacturers may vary the color of generic drugs, and the visual changes associated with aging may make it more difficult to identify medications by color. Medications should not be identified by counting or by shapes.

A client complains to the nurse-in-charge about another nurse on night shift. The client says that he kept calling the nurse but she never responded. Further, when he questioned the nurse, she said that she had other patients to take care of. The nurse-in-charge is aware that the client can be very demanding. What is an appropriate response for the nurse? A) "I am sorry that you had to suffer this way. The nurse on night duty should be fired." B) "It's hard to be in bed and ask for help. You ring for a nurse who never seems to help." C) "You seem to be impatient. The nurses work very hard and they do whatever they can." D) "I can see that you are angry. What the nurse did is wrong, and it won't happen again."

Ans: B Feedback: The nurse should empathize with the client to perceive how the client is feeling. The nurse shares his or her perception with the client, which makes him comfortable to share his anxieties, fear, and concerns. The first response conveys pity on the client, which is inappropriate. In the third response, the nurse is taking the side of the nursing staff and the client may not like it. The fourth response is non therapeutic.

A client with dry skin has been prescribed inunction. Which of the following should the nurse do to promote absorption of the ointment? A) Shaking the contents of the ointment B) Applying inunction with a cotton ball C) Rubbing the ointment into the skin D) Warming the inunction before application

Ans: C Feedback: In order to promote absorption, the nurse should rub the ointment into the client's skin. Shaking the contents would mix the contents uniformly, whereas applying the with a cotton ball would distribute the substance over a wide area. Warming the ointment before application would provide comfort.

A nurse is showing an older adult client the correct method of self-administering an insulin injection at home. Which of the following points should the nurse tell the client in order to avoid lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy? A) Change the needle daily with each injection. B) Rotate the site with each injection. C) Apply local anesthetic to the injection site. D) Massage the injection site for 10 minutes.

Ans: B Feedback: The nurse should tell the client to rotate the injection site each time an insulin injection is administered to prevent lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy. In case of an insulin injection, the needle need not be changed daily but rather after a specific period specified by the manufacturer on the injection. Local anesthetic need not be applied to the injection site when administering insulin as the needle used causes very little discomfort. There is also no need to massage the injection site when insulin is administered. Massaging is contraindicated when heparin is administered, because this can increase the tendency for local bleeding.

Which medication system allows for client independence? A) Unit dose system B) Self-administered medication system C) Automated medication-dispensing system D) Bar Code Medication Administration

Ans: B Feedback: The self-administered system allows the client independence and responsibility. It also allows nursing supervision, education, and evaluation for client compliance and safety medication management prior to facility discharge.

In which of the following cases should a progress note be written? Select all that apply. A) For any nurse-client interaction B) When admitting a client C) When receiving a client postoperatively D) When assisting a client with ADLs E) When a procedure is performed

Ans: B, C, E Feedback: A progress note should be written in the following instances: upon admission, transfer to another unit, and discharge; when a procedure is performed; upon receiving a client postoperatively or post procedure; upon communicating with physicians regarding critical client information (e.g., abnormal lab value result); or for any change in client status.

Alice Jones, a registered nurse, is documenting assessments at the beginning of her shift. How should she sign the entry? A) Alice J, RN B) A. Jones, RN C) Alice Jones D) AJRN

Ans: B- A. Jones, RN Feedback: Each entry is signed with the first initial, last name, and title. In this case, A. Jones, RN, is correct.

Which of the following methods of documenting client data is least likely to hold up in court if a case of negligence is brought against a nurse? A) Problem-oriented medical record B) Charting by exception C) PIE charting system D) Focus charting

Ans: B- Charting by exception Feedback: Charting by exception is a shorthand documentation method that makes use of well-defined standards of practice; only significant findings or "exceptions" to these standards are documented in narrative notes. A significant drawback to charting by exception is its limited usefulness when trying to prove high-quality safe care in response to a negligence claim made against nursing.

A nurse is documenting client information using PIE charting. Which information would the nurse expect to document? A) Client assessment B) Intervention carried out C) Written plan of care D) Multidisciplinary interventions

Ans: B- Intervention carried out Feedback: In the PIE notes, the nurse documents the problem, intervention and evaluation. Thus the nurse would document the intervention carried out. Client assessment is not a part of the PIE notes, because this information is recorded on flowsheets for each shift. Although the PIE system uses a nursing plan-of-care format, there is no written plan of care. The PIE system is not multidisciplinary; it provides a documentation system for nursing only.

A physician's order reads "up ad lib." What does this mean in terms of client activity? A) May walk twice a day B) May be up as desired C) May only go to the bathroom D) Must remain on bed rest

Ans: B- May be up as desired Feedback: The abbreviation "up ad lib" means the client may be up as desired.

A nurse is documenting information about a client in a long-term care facility. What is used in a Medicare-certified facility as a comprehensive assessment and as the foundation for the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI)? A) PIE system B) Minimum data set C) OASIS D) Charting by exception

Ans: B- Minimum data set Feedback: Long-term care documentation is specified by the RAI with the minimum data set forming the foundation for theassessment. This is required in all facilities certified to participate in Medicare or Medicaid. OASIS is used in the home healthcare industry.

A client with allergy has been advised to have an allergy test. The nurse needs to administer an injection to the client for allergy testing. Which of the following injection routes is most suitable for allergy testing? A) Subcutaneous B) Intramuscular C) Intradermal D) Intravenous

Ans: C Feedback: Intradermal injection routes are commonly used for tuberculin tests and allergy testing because they are administered between the layers of the skin. A subcutaneous injection is not suitable because it is administered more deeply than an intradermal injection; whereas, an intramuscular injection is administered in one muscle or muscle group. Intravenous injection is also not suitable because it is instilled into veins.

A nurse at a health care facility administers a prescribed drug to a client and does not record doing so in the medical administration record. The nurse who comes during the next shift, assuming that the medication has not been administered, administers the same drug to the client again. The nurse on the previous shift calls to inform the health care facility that the administration of the drug to this client in the earlier shift was not recorded. What should the nurse on duty do immediately upon detection of the medication error? A) Report the incident to the physician. B) Report the incident to the supervising nurse. C) Check the client's condition. D) Fill in the accident report sheet.

Ans: C Feedback: On detection of the medication error, the nurse should immediately check the client's condition. When medication errors occur, nurses have an ethical and legal responsibility to report them to maintain the client's safety. As soon as the nurse recognizes an error, he or she should check the client's condition and report the mistake to the prescriber and supervising nurse immediately. Health care agencies have a form for reporting medication errors called an incident sheet or accident sheet.

What is the name of the process by which a drug moves through the body and is eventually eliminated? A) Pharmacology B) Pharmacotherapeutics C) Pharmacokinetics D) Pharmacodynamics

Ans: C Feedback: Pharmacokinetics is the process by which a drug moves through the body and is eventually eliminated.

A physician has ordered peak and trough levels of a medication. When would the nurse schedule the trough level specimen? A) Before administering the first dose B) Immediately after the first dose C) 30 minutes before the next dose D) 24 hours after the last dose

Ans: C Feedback: The trough level is the point when the drug is at its lowest concentration, and the specimen is usually drawn in the 30- minute interval before the next dose. The peak level, in contrast, is the highest plasma concentration of the drug.

A student nurse is administering medications through a nasogastric tube connected to continuous suction. How will the student do this accurately? A) Briefly disconnect tubing from the suction to administer medications, then reconnect. B) Realize this can't be done, and document information. C) Disconnect tubing from the suction before giving drugs, and clamp tubing for 20 to 30 minutes. D) Leave the suction alone and give medications orally or rectally.

Ans: C Feedback: To administer medications to clients with a nasogastric tube connected to continuous suction, disconnect the tubing from the suction, administer the medications one at a time, and then clamp the tubing for 20 to 30 minutes after administration to allow absorption.

Which of the following data entries follows the recommended guidelines for documenting data? A) "Client is overwhelmed by the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer." B) "Client's kidneys are producing sufficient amount of measured urine." C) "Following oxygen administration, vital signs returned to baseline." D) "Client complained about the quality of the nursing care provided on previous shift."

Ans: C- "Following oxygen administration, vital signs returned to baseline." Feedback: The nurse should record client findings (observations of behavior) rather than an interpretation of these findings, and avoid words such as "good," "average," "normal," or "sufficient," which may mean different things to different readers. The nurse should also avoid generalizations such as "seems comfortable today." The nurse should avoid the use of stereotypes or derogatory terms when charting, and should chart in a legally prudent manner.

What is the nurse's best defense if a client alleges nursing negligence? A) Testimony of other nurses B) Testimony of expert witnesses C) Client's record D) Client's family

Ans: C- Client's record Feedback: The client record is the only permanent legal document that details the nurse's interactions with the client. It is the best defense if a client or client surrogate alleges nursing negligence.

A nurse has access to computerized standardized plans of care. After printing one for a client, what must be done next? A) Date it and put it in the client's record. B) Sign it and put it in the Kardex. C) Individualize it to the specific client. D) Use it as printed, based on common needs.

Ans: C- Individualize it to the specific client. Feedback: Standardized care plans that identify common problems and needs with relation to select client cohorts may be used. Unless such care plans are individualized to a specific client, however, they may not address individual client needs.

A nurse in a nursing home is writing a note that addresses the care a resident has received during the day and the resident's response to care. What type of note does this represent? A) PIE note B) Flowsheet C) Narrative note D) SOAP note

Ans: C- Narrative note Feedback: A narrative note in a skilled nursing facility might include the type of morning care, nutritional intake, client activity pattern, and comfort measures provided, along with the client's response.

A newly hired nurse is participating in the orientation program for the health care facility. Part of the orientation focuses on the use of the SOAP (subjective, objective, assessment, and plan) method for documentation, which the facility uses. The nurse demonstrates understanding of this method by identifying which of the following as the first step? A) Plan of care B) Data, action, and response C) Problem selected D) Nursing activities during a shift

Ans: C- Problem selected Feedback: The SOAP method begins by selecting a problem from a list. PIE (problems, interventions, and evaluation) notes incorporate the plan of care into the progress notes. Focus DAR notes organize entries by data, action, and response. The narrative notes are used to record relevant client and nursing activities throughout a shift.

A client taking insulin has his levels adjusted to ensure that the concentration of drug in the blood serum produces the desired effect without causing toxicity. What is the term for this desired effect? A) Peak level B) Trough level C) Half-life D) Therapeutic range

Ans: D Feedback: A drug's therapeutic range is the concentration of drug in the blood serum that produces the desired effect without causing toxicity. The peak level, or highest plasma concentration, of the drug should be measured when absorption is complete. The peak level may be affected by factors that affect drug absorption as well as the route of administration. The trough level is the point when the drug is at its lowest concentration, and this specimen is usually drawn in the 30- minute interval before the next dose. A drug's half-life is the amount of time it takes for 50% of the blood concentration of a drug to be eliminated from the body.

What activity in charting will assist most in the avoidance of errors? A) Objectivity B) Organization C) Legibility D) Timeliness

Ans: D Feedback: Documentation in a timely manner can help avoid errors.

A nurse is administering a medication that is formulated as enteric-coated tablets. What is the rationale for not crushing or chewing enteric-coated tablets? A) To prevent absorption in the mouth B) To prevent absorption in the esophagus C) To facilitate absorption in the stomach D) To prevent gastric irritation

Ans: D Feedback: Enteric-coated tablets are covered with a hard surface to impede absorption until the tablet has left the stomach. Entericcoated tablets should not be chewed or crushed because the active ingredient of the drug is irritating to the gastric mucosa.

A clinic nurse is preparing for a tuberculosis screening. Knowing the injections will be administered intradermally, what size needles and syringes will the nurse prepare? A) 10-mL syringe, 3-inch 18-gauge needle B) 5-mL syringe, 2-inch 20-gauge needle C) Insulin syringe, 1-inch 16-gauge needle D) Tuberculin syringe, 1/2-inch 26-gauge needle

Ans: D Feedback: Equipment used for an intradermal injection includes a tuberculin syringe calibrated in tenths and hundredths of a milliliter. A quarter-inch to half-inch 26- or 27-gauge needle is used.

A nurse is conducting an interview for a health history. In addition to asking the client about medications being taken, what else should be asked to assess the risk for drug interactions? A) The effects of prescribed medications B) Type and amount of foods eaten C) Daily amount of intake and output D) Use of herbal supplements

Ans: D Feedback: Herbal remedies can interact with prescribed medications. When asking a client if he or she is taking any medications, the nurse should specifically ask if herbal supplements are also being used.

A nurse is bunching the tissue of a client when administering a subcutaneous injection to that client. The nurse knows that which of the following is the reason for bunching when injecting subcutaneously? A) To prevent needle-stick injuries B) To ensure the accuracy of landmarking C) To facilitate blood circulation at injection site D) To avoid instilling medication within the muscle

Ans: D Feedback: Nurses bunch tissue between the thumb and fingers before administering the injection to avoid instilling medication within the muscle. Bunching does not prevent needle-stick injuries, it does not facilitate blood circulation at the injection site, nor does it ensure the accuracy of landmarking.

A nurse is administering an intramuscular injection of a viscous medication using the appropriate-gauge needle. What does the nurse need to know about needle gauges? A) All needles for parenteral injection are the same gauge. B) The gauge will depend on the length of the needle. C) Ask the client what size needle is preferred. D) Gauges range from 18 to 30, with 18 being the largest.

Ans: D Feedback: The gauge is determined by the diameter of the needle and ranges from 18 to 30. As the diameter of the needle increases, the gauge number decreases (an 18-gauge needle is, therefore, larger than a 30-gauge needle). A viscous medication requires a larger-gauge needle for injection.

A nurse at a health care facility has just reported for duty. Which of the following should the nurse do to ensure maximum efficiency of change-of-shift reports? A) Pay courtesy calls to staff members before attending the meeting. B) Wait for the physicians to arrive before exchanging notes. C) Avoid asking questions related to the medical record. D) Come prepared with material required to take notes.

Ans: D Feedback: The nurse should come prepared with material required to take notes during the change-of-shift reports. The nurse should not delay the meeting for change-of-shift report by paying courtesy calls to staff members before attending the meeting. Change-of-shift reports are not conducted in the presence of physicians, thus the nurse does not need to wait for the physicians to arrive before exchanging notes. The nurse should ask questions related to the medical record if any information is unclear.

A nurse is caring for a client in the nursing unit when the physician, during the rounds, prescribes a medication for the client. What appropriate action should the nurse take to ensure the accuracy of the verbal medication order? A) Ask the physician to repeat the dosage. B) Ask the physician to spell out the medication name. C) Ask a second nurse to listen for accuracy. D) Ask the physician to write out the order.

Ans: D Feedback: To maintain the accuracy of a verbal order, the nurse should tactfully ask the physician for a written order. When obtaining phone orders, it is important to repeat the dosages of medications and to spell medication names for confirmation of accuracy. Some nurses may ask a second nurse to listen to a telephone order on an extension.

A nurse needs to administer an intradermal tuberculin skin test injection to a client. Which of the following is the most suitable angle when administering an intradermal injection? A) 180-degree angle B) 90-degree angle C) 45-degree angle D) 10-degree angle

Ans: D Feedback: When administering an intradermal injection, the nurse should hold the syringe almost parallel to the skin at a 10-degree angle with the bevel pointing upward. This facilitates delivering the medication between the layers of the skin and advances the needle to the desired depth. A nurse administers a subcutaneous injection at a 45-degree angle or a 90- degree angle to reach the subcutaneous level of tissue, depending on the length of the needle. The nurse will not be able to insert the injection if it is held at a 180-degree angle.

A nurse should read the instructions stated on a vial container before reconstituting it and administering it to a client. Which of the following instructions are stated on the label of a vial container? A) Type of needle to be used for withdrawal B) Directions for administering the drug C) Best site for administering the drug D) Amount of diluent to be added

Ans: D Feedback: When reconstitution is necessary, the drug label lists instructions such as the amount of diluent to be added and the type of diluent to be used, but not the type of needle. The label states the dosage per volume after reconstitution, not the best site for administering the drug after the reconstitution. It also states the directions for storing the drug, not the directions for administering the drug to a client.

A nurse is manually documenting information related to a client's condition. When documenting this information, the nurse makes an error on the manual record sheet. Which is the best technique for recording the error made in documentation? A) Erase the incorrect statement and write the correct one. B) Cross out the wrong statement in a way that is not readable. C) Use correction fluid to obliterate what has been written. D) Cross out the incorrect statement with a single line.

Ans: D- Cross out the incorrect statement with a single line. Feedback: When recording an error in documentation, the nurse should always cross out the incorrect statement with a single line so that it remains readable, add the date, initial, and then document the correct information. The nurse should not erase the incorrect statement and replace it with the correct one, nor cross out the wrong statement in a way that makes the statement unreadable, nor use correction fluid to obliterate what has been written. These methods render the medical record a poor legal defense.

What part of the client's record is commonly used to document specific client variables, such as vital signs? A) Progress notes B) Nursing notes C) Critical paths D) Graphic record

Ans: D- Graphic record Feedback: The graphic record is a form used to document specific client variables such as vital signs, weight, intake and output, and bowel movements.

A group of nurses visits selected clients individually at the beginning of each shift. What are these procedures called? A) Nursing care conferences B) Staff visits C) Interdisciplinary referrals D) Nursing care rounds

Ans: D- Nursing care rounds Feedback: Nursing care rounds are procedures in which a group of nurses visits select clients individually at each client's bedside. The primary purposes are to gather information to help plan and evaluate nursing care and to provide the client with an opportunity to discuss care.

A nurse is documenting the intensity of a client's pain. What would be the most accurate entry? A) "Client complaining of severe pain." B) "Client appears to be in a lot of pain and is crying." C) "Client states has pain; walking in hall with ease." D) "Client states pain is a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10."

Ans: D-"Client states pain is a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10." Feedback: Information should be documented in a complete, accurate, relevant, and factual manner. Avoid interpretations ofbehavior, generalizations, and words such as "good."

Which of the following questions or statements would be an appropriate termination of the health history interview? A) "Well, I can't think of anything else to ask you right now." B) "Can you think of anything else you would like to tell me?" C) "I wish you could have remembered more about your illness." D) "Perhaps we can talk again sometime. Goodbye."

B) "Can you think of anything else you would like to tell me?"

When the nurse inspects a postoperative incision site for infection, which one of the following types of assessments is being performed? A) Complete B) Focused C) General D) Time-lapse

B) Focused

A client comes to her health care provider's office because she is having abdominal pain. She has been seen for this problem before. What type of assessment would the nurse do? A) Initial assessment B) Focused assessment C) Emergency assessment D) Time-lapsed assessment

B) Focused assessment

A nurse caring for a client admitted to the intensive care unit with a stroke assesses the client's vital signs, pupils, and orientation every few minutes. The nurse is performing which type of assessment? A) Initial assessment B) Focused assessment C) Time-lapsed reassessment D) Emergency assessment

B) Focused assessment

A client is being prepared for cardiac catheterization. The nurse performs an initial assessment and records the vital signs. Which of the following data collected can be classified as subjective data? A) Blood pressure B) Nausea C) Heart rate D) Respiratory rate

B) Nausea

A nurse is collecting data from a home care client. In addition to information about the client's health status, what is another observation the nurse should make? A) Number of rooms in the house B) Safety of the immediate environment C) Frequency of home visits to be made D) Friendliness of the client and family

B) Safety of the immediate enviornment

A nurse is conducting a health history interview for a woman at an assisted-living facility. The woman says, "I have been so constipated lately." How should the nurse respond? A) "Do you have a family history of chest problems?" B) "Why don't you use a laxative every night?" C) "Do you take anything to help your constipation?" D) "Everyone who ages has bowel problems."

C) "Do you take anything to help your constipation?"

A nurse is collecting information from a client with dementia. The client's daughter accompanies the client. Which of the following statements by the nurse would recognize the client's value as an individual? A) "Can you tell me how long your father has been this way?" B) "Sarah, I have to go and read your father's old charts before we talk." C) "Mr. Koeppe, tell me what you do to take care of yourself." D) "Mr. Koeppe, I know you can't answer my questions, but it's okay."

C) "Mr. Koeppe, tell what you do to take care of yourself"

Which of the following questions or statements would be appropriate in eliciting further information when conducting a health history interview? A) "Why didn't you go to the doctor when you began to have this pain?" B) "Are you feeling better now than you did during the night?" C) "Tell me more about what caused your pain." D) "If I were you, I would not wait to get medical help next time."

C) "Tell me more about what caused your pain"

The nurse is reviewing information about a client and notes the following documentation "client is confused". The nurse recognizes this information is an example of what? A) Subjective data B) A data cue C) An inference D) Primary data

C) An inference

While bathing the client, the nurse observes the client grimacing. The nurse asks if the client is experiencing pain. The client nods yes and refuses to continue the bath. The nurse removes the wash basin, makes the client comfortable, and documents the event in the client's chart. Which of the following actions clearly demonstrates assessing? A) The nurse bathing the client B) The nurse documenting the incident C) The nurse asking if the client is having pain D) The nurse removing the wash basin

C) The nurse asking if the client is having pain

A nurse performs an assessment of a client in a long-term care facility and records baseline data. The nurse reassesses the client a month later and makes revisions in the plan of care. What type of assessment is the second assessment? A) Comprehensive B) Focused C) Time-lapsed D) Emergency

C) Time-lapsed

Of the following information collected during a nursing assessment, which are subjective data? A) vomiting, pulse 96 B) respirations 22, blood pressure 130/80 C) nausea, abdominal pain D) pale skin, thick toenails

C) nausea, abdominal pain

A nurse performing triage in an emergency room makes assessments of clients using critical thinking skills. Which of the following are critical thinking activities linked to assessment? Select all that apply. A) Carrying out a physician's order to intubate a client B) Educating a novice nurse on the principles of triage C) Using the nursing process to diagnose a blocked airway D) Interviewing privately a client suspected of being a victim of abuse E) Checking with the family about the data supplied by a client suffering from dementia

C, D, E; Using the nursing process to diagnose a blocked airway, Interviewing privately a client suspected of being a victim of abuse, Checking with the family about the data supplied by a client suffering from dementia

A nurse in the emergency department is completing an emergency assessment for a teenager just admitted from a car crash. Which of the following is objective data? A) "My leg hurts so bad. I can't stand it." B) "Appears anxious and frightened." C) "I am so sick; I am about to throw up." D) "Unable to palpate femoral pulse in left leg."

D) "Unable to palpate femoral pulse in left leg"

The nurse completes a health history and physical assessment on a client who has been admitted to the hospital for surgery. What is the purpose of this initial assessment? A) To gather data about a specific and current health problem B) To identify life-threatening problems that require immediate attention C) To compare and contrast current health status to baseline data D) To establish a database to identify problems and strengths

D) To establish a database to identify problems and strengths

What is the primary purpose of validation as a part of assessment? A) To identify data to be validated B) To establish an effective nurse-client communication C) To maintain effective relationships with coworkers D) To plan appropriate nursing care

D) To plan appropriate nursing care

A nurse is preparing to conduct a health history for a client who is confined to bed. How should the nurse position herself? A) Standing at the end of the bed B) Standing at the side of the bed C) Sitting at least six feet from the beside D) sitting at a 45-degree angle to the bed

D) sitting at a 45-degree angle to the bed