Nursing Elites

1. A client complains of difficulty swallowing when the nurse tries to administer capsule medication. Which of the following measures should the nurse take?

• A. Dissolve the capsule in a glass of water
• B. Break the capsule and give the contents with applesauce
• C. Check the availability of a liquid preparation
• D. Crush the capsule and place it under the tongue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client has difficulty swallowing capsule medication, the nurse should check the availability of a liquid preparation. This is a safer approach and ensures that the medication's integrity is maintained, providing an alternative form that is easier for the client to take. Dissolving the capsule in water (choice A) may alter the medication's effectiveness, breaking the capsule and mixing the contents with applesauce (choice B) is not recommended as it may cause an unpleasant taste, and crushing the capsule and placing it under the tongue (choice D) can be unsafe and affect the medication's absorption.

2. What is the correct sequence for assessing the abdomen?

• A. Tympanic percussion, measurement of abdominal girth, and inspection
• B. Assessment for distention, tenderness, and discoloration around the umbilicus
• C. Percussion, palpation, and auscultation
• D. Auscultation, percussion, and palpation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct sequence for assessing the abdomen is auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Auscultation allows the healthcare provider to listen for bowel sounds, followed by percussion to assess for areas of tenderness or abnormal distention, and finally palpation to feel for masses or organ enlargement. This sequence ensures a systematic and thorough assessment of the abdomen.

3. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who is newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has questions about the disease. To research, the healthcare professional should identify that which of the following electronic databases has the most comprehensive collection of nursing articles?

• A. MEDLINE
• B. CINAHL
• C. ProQuest
• D. Health Source

Correct answer: B

Rationale: CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) is a comprehensive database that specializes in nursing and allied health literature. It is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals seeking nursing-related articles, making it the most appropriate option for the nurse caring for a client with questions about pancreatic cancer.

4. During physical therapy, a client with Parkinson's disease makes the following statements. Which statement indicates the need for a referral to physical therapy?

• A. ''I have been experiencing more tremors in my left arm than before''
• B. ''I noticed that I am having a harder time holding on to my toothbrush''
• C. ''Lately, I feel like my feet are freezing up, as they are stuck to the ground''
• D. ''Sometimes, I feel I am making a chewing motion when I'm not eating''

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Feeling like the feet are freezing up and sticking to the ground is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease known as 'freezing of gait.' This symptom significantly impacts mobility and can be dangerous, indicating the need for specialized physical therapy interventions to address gait disturbances and improve mobility.

5. Which of the following actions should be taken to use a wide base support when assisting a client to get up in a chair?

• A. Bend at the waist and place arms under the client’s arms and lift
• B. Face the client, bend knees, and place hands on the client’s forearm and lift
• C. Spread the feet apart
• D. Tighten the pelvic muscles

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Spread the feet apart. When assisting a client to get up in a chair, it is crucial to use a wide base of support to maintain stability and prevent injuries. Spreading the feet apart provides a broader base, increasing balance and support for both the client and the caregiver. This position helps distribute the weight evenly and allows for better control when assisting the client in moving. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because bending at the waist, placing arms under the client's arms, tightening pelvic muscles, or placing hands on the client's forearm do not provide the necessary wide base support needed for stability and safety during the transfer process.

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