Question Of The Day: Toddler

Q. When assessing for pain in a toddler, which of the following methods should be the most appropriate? A. Ask the child about the pain. B. Observe the child for restlessness. C. Use a numeric pain scale. D. Assess for changes in vital signs. Correct Answer: B Explanation: Toddlers usually express pain through such behaviors as restlessness, facial grimaces,...

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Question Of The Day: The Nursing Process

Q. A group of nurses has established a focus group and pilot study to examine the potential application of personal data assistants (PDAs) in bedside care. This study is a tangible application of: A. Nursing informatics. B. Electronic medical records. C. Telemedicine. D. Computerized documentation. Correct Answer: A Explanation: Nursing informatics is a specialty...

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Question Of The Day: Basic Physical Assessment

Q. Twenty-four hours after a bone marrow aspiration, the nurse evaluates which of the following as an appropriate client outcome? A. The client maintains bed rest. B. There is redness and swelling at the aspiration site. C. The client requests morphine sulfate for pain. D. There is no bleeding at the aspiration site. Correct Answer: D Explanation: After a bone...

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Registered Nurses: Salary Facts and How to Earn More

How RN Salaries Compare to Other Nursing Jobs Before diving into the various RN specialties or which areas of the country offer the most lucrative opportunities for nurses, you might be interested to learn about the value of the RN license itself. In other words, how much will an RN make in comparison to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Licensed Vocational Nurse...

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Question Of The Day: Medication and I.V. Administration

Q. When giving an I.M. injection, the nurse should insert the needle into the muscle at an angle of: A. 15 degrees. B. 30 degrees. C. 45 degrees. D. 90 degrees. Correct Answer: D Explanation: When giving an I.M. injection, the nurse inserts the needle into the muscle at a 90-degree angle, using a quick, dartlike motion. A 15-degree angle is appropriate when administering...

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Question Of The Day: Basic Physical Care

Q. A primiparous woman has recently delivered a term infant. Priority teaching for the patient includes information on: A. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) B. Breastfeeding C. Infant bathing D. Infant sleep-wake cycles Correct Answer: B Explanation: Breastfed infants should eat within the first hour of life and approximately every 2 to 3 hours. Successful breastfeeding...

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Question Of The Day: Genitourinary Disorders

Q. A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Diagnostic testing reveals that the cancer has spread outside the pelvis. The client has previously undergone a right oophorectomy and received chemotherapy. The client now wants palliative care instead of aggressive therapy. The nurse determines that the care plan's priority nursing diagnosis should be: A....

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Question Of The Day: Respiratory Disorders

Q. A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of sleep apnea. The client understands the disease process when he says: A. "I need to keep my inhaler at the bedside." B. "I should eat a high-protein diet." C. "I should become involved in a weight loss program." D. "I should sleep on my side all night long." Correct Answer: C Explanation: Obesity and decreased...

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Question Of The Day: Neurosensory Disorders

Q. Before cataract surgery, the nurse is to instill several types of eye drops. The surgeon writes orders for 5 gtts of antibiotic in OD, and 3 drops of topical steroid drops in OD. The nurse should: A. Contact the surgeon to rewrite the order. B. Administer the antibiotic in the left eye and the steroid in the right eye. C. Administer both types of drops in the right...

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10 Things No One Ever Tells You About Nursing School

Whether you’re in nursing school now or are preparing to enter the world of scrubs and stethoscopes, we have some news for you: nursing school is like nothing you can ever imagine. From the bonds you will form with the other humans who know what it’s like to cram for a test designed to confuse you to the bitter regret of watching other majors do things like relax on the...

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Question Of The Day: Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

Q. When referred to a podiatrist, a client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus asks, "Why do you need to check my feet when I'm having a problem with my blood sugar?" The nurse's most helpful response to this statement is: A. "The physician wants to be sure your shoes fit properly so you won't develop pressure sores." B. "The circulation in your feet can help us determine...

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Question Of The Day: Gastrointestinal Disorders

Q. A nurse is caring for a client with cholelithiasis. Which sign indicates obstructive jaundice? A. Straw-colored urine B. Reduced hematocrit C. Clay-colored stools D. Elevated urobilinogen in the urine Correct Answer: C Explanation: Obstructive jaundice develops when a stone obstructs the flow of bile in the common bile duct. When the flow of bile to the duodenum...

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Question Of The Day: Oncologic Disorders

Q. A client who is undergoing radiation therapy develops mucositis. Which of the following interventions should be included in the client's plan of care? A. Increase mouth care to twice per shift. B. Provide the client with hot tea to drink. C. Promote regular flossing of teeth. D. Use half-strength hydrogen peroxide on mouth ulcers. Correct Answer: C Explanation: Mucositis...

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Question Of The Day: Cardiovascular Disorders

Q. A client is recovering from an acute myocardial infarction (MI). During the first week of the client's recovery, the nurse should stay alert for which abnormal heart sound? A. Opening snap B. Graham Steell's murmur C. Ejection click D. Pericardial friction rub Correct Answer: D Explanation: A pericardial friction rub, which sounds like squeaky leather, may...

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Question Of The Day: Postpartum Period

Q. A nurse is preparing to perform a postpartum assessment on a client who gave birth 5 hours ago. Which precaution should the nurse plan to take for this procedure? A. Washing the hands B. Washing the hands and wearing latex gloves C. Washing the hands and wearing latex gloves and a barrier gown D. Washing the hands and wearing latex gloves, a barrier gown, and protective...

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Question Of The Day: Intrapartum Period

Q. A client who has been in the latent phase of the first stage of labor is transitioning to the active phase. During the transition, the nurse expects to see which client behavior? A. A desire for personal contact and touch B. A full response to teaching C. Fatigue, a desire for touch, and quietness D. Withdrawal, irritability, and resistance to touch Correct Answer:...

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Question Of The Day: Antepartum Period

Q. A client who's 7 weeks pregnant comes to the clinic for her first prenatal visit. She reports smoking 20 to 25 cigarettes per day. When planning the client's care, the nurse anticipates informing her that if she doesn't stop smoking, her fetus may be at risk for: A. spina bifida. B. tetralogy of Fallot. C. low birth weight. D. hydronephrosis. Correct Answer: C Explanation:...

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Top 3 Pros and Cons of Online Nursing Classes

Most nurses understand the benefits of furthering their education. Higher salary, more opportunities, and a personal sense of accomplishment are at the top of many lists. But working a full-time job and going to school isn't an easy task. Many nurses consider online nursing degrees to help lighten such a heavy load. Before deciding to pursue your next nursing degree...

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Question Of The Day: Substance Abuse, Eating Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders

Q. Flumazenil (Romazicon) has been ordered for a client who has overdosed on oxazepam (Serax). Before administering the medication, the nurse should be prepared for which common adverse effect? A. Seizures B. Shivering C. Anxiety D. Chest pain Correct Answer: A Explanation: Seizures are the most common serious adverse effect of using flumazenil to reverse benzodiazepine...

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Question Of The Day: Mood, Adjustment, and Dementia Disorders

Q. A client diagnosed with a cognitive disorder is showing signs of confusion, short-term memory loss, and a short attention span. Which of the following therapy groups would be best suited for this client? A. Insight-oriented. B. Medication management. C. Problem solving. D. Reality-orientation. Correct Answer: D Explanation: Because the client has confusion,...

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Question Of The Day: Anxiety Disorders

Q. Which of the following should the nurse teach a client with generalized anxiety disorder to help the client cope with anxiety? A. Cognitive and behavioral strategies. B. Issue avoidance and denial of problems. C. Rest and sleep. D. Withdrawal from role expectations and role relationships. Correct Answer: A Explanation: A client with generalized anxiety disorder...

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Question Of The Day: Foundations of Psychiatric Nursing

Q. A nurse makes a home visit to a client who was discharged from a psychiatric hospital. The client is irritable and walks about her room slowly and morosely. After 10 minutes, the nurse prepares to leave, but the client plucks at the nurse's sleeve and quickly asks for help rearranging her belongings. She also anxiously makes inconsequential remarks to keep the nurse...

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Question Of The Day: Preschooler

Q. A child diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot becomes upset, crying and thrashing around when a blood specimen is obtained. The child's color becomes blue and the respiratory rate increases to 44 breaths/minute. Which of the following actions should the nurse do first? A. Obtain an order for sedation for the child. B. Assess for an irregular heart rate and rhythm. C. Explain...

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Question Of The Day: Toddler

Q. After teaching a group of parents about temper tantrums, the nurse knows the teaching has been effective when one of the parents states which of the following? A. "I will ignore the temper tantrum." B. "I should pick up the child during the tantrum." C. "I'll talk to my daughter during the tantrum." D. "I should put my child in time out." Correct Answer: A Explanation: Children...

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ANA Updates Nurse Staffing Guidelines To Support Flexibility

Why a Guide on Staffing is So Important Nursing staffing is an issue that has been forefront lately; in the spring, New York nurses battled for months to establish the state’s first-ever minimum staffing guidelines and Illinois introduced a bill to mandate staffing ratios.   As McMillan explains, staffing -- which she calls a “complex issue”-- is a long-standing...

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Question Of The Day: Infant

Q. An infant is hospitalized for treatment of inorganic failure to thrive. Which nursing action is most appropriate for this child? A. Encouraging the infant to hold a bottle B. Keeping the infant on bed rest to conserve energy C. Rotating caregivers to provide more stimulation D. Maintaining a consistent, structured environment Correct Answer: D Explanation: The nurse...

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Question Of The Day: Basic Physical Assessment

Q. Crackles heard on lung auscultation indicate which of the following? A. Cyanosis. B. Bronchospasm. C. Airway narrowing. D. Fluid-filled alveoli. Correct Answer: D Explanation: Crackles are auscultated over fluid-filled alveoli. Crackles heard on lung auscultation do not have to be associated with cyanosis. Bronchospasm and airway narrowing generally are associated...

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Question Of The Day: Medication and I.V. Administration

Q. A woman is taking oral contraceptives. The nurse teaches the client to report which of the following danger signs? A. Breakthrough bleeding. B. Severe calf pain. C. Mild headache. D. Weight gain of 3 lb. Correct Answer: B Explanation: Women who take oral contraceptives are at increased risk for thromboembolic conditions. Severe calf pain needs to be investigated...

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Question Of The Day: Basic Physical Care

Q. As a nurse helps a client ambulate, the client says, "I had trouble sleeping last night." Which action should the nurse take first? A. Recommending warm milk or a warm shower at bedtime B. Gathering more information about the client's sleep problem C. Determining whether the client is worried about something D. Finding out whether the client is taking medication that...

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Question Of The Day: Genitourinary Disorders

Q. The nurse is assessing the urine of a client who has had an ileal conduit and notes that the urine is yellow with a moderate amount of mucus. Based on these data, the nurse should? A. Change the appliance bag. B. Notify the physician. C. Obtain a urine specimen for culture. D. Encourage a high fluid intake. Correct Answer: D Explanation: Mucus is secreted by...

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Question Of The Day: Respiratory Disorders

Q. A client hospitalized for treatment of a pulmonary embolism develops respiratory alkalosis. Which clinical findings commonly accompany respiratory alkalosis? A. Nausea or vomiting B. Abdominal pain or diarrhea C. Hallucinations or tinnitus D. Light-headedness or paresthesia Correct Answer: D Explanation: The client with respiratory alkalosis may complain of...

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Question Of The Day: Neurosensory Disorders

Q. A nurse is monitoring a client for adverse reactions to atropine (Atropine Care) eyedrops. Systemic absorption of atropine sulfate through the conjunctiva can cause which adverse reaction? A. Tachycardia B. Increased salivation C. Hypotension D. Apnea Correct Answer: A Explanation: Systemic absorption of atropine can cause tachycardia, palpitations, flushing, dry...

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10 Emergency ‘MacGyver’ Hacks for Nurses

You’re at a party, a family gathering, or next to the sports field – and someone develops a health issue. All eyes turn to you because, after all, you’re the nurse or nurse-to-be. Does this scenario sound familiar to you?  There’s just one problem–you don’t have any of the hospital equipment and supplies and there might not even be a first aid kit. This is...

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