1.

A nurse is caring for a patient in the ICU who is being monitored for a possible cerebral
aneurysm following a loss of consciousness in the emergency room. The nurse anticipates
preparing the patient for ordered diagnostic tests. This nurse's knowledge of the diagnostic
procedures for this condition reflects which aspect of nursing?
A. The art of nursing
B. The science of nursing
C. The caring aspect of nursing
D. The holistic approach to nursing

Rationale: The science of nursing is the knowledge base for care that is provided. In contrast,
the skilled application of that knowledge is the art of nursing. Providing holistic care to patients
based on the science of nursing is considered the art of nursing.

2. A nurse is caring for a patient who is on bed rest following a spinal injury. In which position
would the nurse place the patient's feet to prevent footdrop?
A. Supination
B. Dorsiflexion
C. Hyperextension
D. Abduction

Rationale: For a patient who has footdrop, the nurse should support the feet in dorsiflexion,
and use a footboard or high-top sneakers to further support the foot. Supination involves lying
patients on their back or facing a body part upward, and hyperextension is a state of
exaggerated extension. Abduction involves lateral movement of a body part away from the
midline of the body. These positions would not be used to prevent footdrop.

3. A nurse is instructing a patient who is recovering from a stroke how to use a cane. Which
step would the nurse include in the teaching plan for this patient?
A. Support weight on stronger leg and cane and advance weaker foot forward.
B. Hold the cane in the same hand of the leg with the most severe deficit.
C. Stand with as much weight distributed on the cane as possible.
D. Do not use the cane to rise from a sitting position, as this is unsafe.

Rationale: The proper procedure for using a cane is to (1) stand with weight distributed evenly
between the feet and cane; (2) support weight on the stronger leg and the cane and advance
the weaker foot forward, parallel with the cane; (3) support weight on the weaker leg and cane
and advance the stronger leg forward ahead of the cane; (4) move the weaker leg forward until
even with the stronger leg and advance the cane again as in step 2. The patient should keep the
cane within easy reach and use it for support to rise safely from a sitting position.