Nursing Elites

1. A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is planning assignments for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who has been sent from the unit due to a staffing shortage. Which of the following clients should the nurse delegate to the LPN?

• A. A client who has an Hgb of 6.3 g/dl and a prescription for packed RBCs.
• B. A client who sustained a concussion and has unequal pupils.
• C. A client who is postoperative following a bowel resection with an NG tube.
• D. A client who fractured his femur yesterday and is experiencing shortness of breath.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a client who is postoperative following a bowel resection with an NG tube can be delegated to an LPN as this involves routine postoperative care. Option A involves administering packed RBCs which requires assessment and monitoring for potential adverse reactions, not suitable for delegation to an LPN. Option B requires neurological assessment and close monitoring due to the concussion, which is beyond the scope of an LPN. Option D involves a client with a recent fracture and shortness of breath, which requires urgent assessment and intervention beyond the LPN's scope of practice.

2. A client with a nasogastric tube receiving intermittent enteral feedings should be positioned in which way?

• A. Flush the tube with 15 mL of sterile water before feedings.
• B. Place the client in a supine position during feedings.
• C. Position the client with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees.
• D. Check gastric residuals every 8 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Positioning the client with the head of the bed elevated at 45 degrees is crucial during enteral feedings to prevent aspiration. This position helps reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration of feedings into the lungs. Option A is not necessary before feedings. Placing the client in a supine position (Option B) increases the risk of aspiration. Checking gastric residuals every 8 hours (Option D) is important but not directly related to positioning during enteral feedings.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Place a pillow under the client's knees
• B. Keep the client's legs elevated
• C. Flex the client's knee every 2 hours
• D. Apply heat to the operative knee

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Keeping the client's legs elevated is the appropriate action to prevent venous thromboembolism following a total knee arthroplasty. Elevating the legs helps promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Placing a pillow under the client's knees may provide comfort but does not address the specific postoperative complication. Flexing the client's knee every 2 hours may be contraindicated as excessive movement can disrupt the surgical site. Applying heat to the operative knee is not recommended immediately postoperatively as it can increase swelling and discomfort.

4. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a male client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Insert the catheter until urine flows, then advance 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) further.
• B. Advance the catheter 7.5 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) after urine begins to flow.
• C. Advance the catheter 17 to 22.5 cm (7 to 9 in) after urine begins to flow.
• D. Advance the catheter 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in) after urine begins to flow.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When inserting an indwelling urinary catheter for a male client, it is crucial to advance the catheter 17 to 22.5 cm after urine begins to flow. This helps ensure proper placement in the male urethra, which is longer compared to females. Choice A is incorrect as advancing only 2.5 to 5 cm would not reach the correct placement in male clients. Choice B is incorrect as advancing 7.5 to 10 cm is insufficient to reach the appropriate location in male clients. Choice D is also incorrect as advancing 5 to 7.5 cm would likely not reach the desired placement in male clients.

5. What is the most important nursing action when a patient experiences a fall?

• A. Assess the patient for injuries
• B. Call for help
• C. Document the fall
• D. Notify the healthcare provider

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important nursing action when a patient experiences a fall is to assess the patient for injuries. This is critical to identify any potential harm or underlying issues that may require immediate attention. Calling for help and notifying the healthcare provider are important steps, but assessing the patient's condition takes precedence to ensure prompt and appropriate care. Documenting the fall is also necessary but should follow the initial assessment and care provided to the patient.

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