Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is prescribed omeprazole (Prilosec). What is the primary action of this medication?

• A. Neutralizes stomach acid
• B. Reduces gastric acid production
• C. Forms a protective barrier over ulcers
• D. Increases gastric mucus production

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reduces gastric acid production. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works by reducing gastric acid production, thereby helping to heal ulcers. While neutralizing stomach acid is associated with antacids, forming a protective barrier over ulcers is more characteristic of medications like sucralfate. The action described in choice D, increasing gastric mucus production, is not the primary mechanism of action of omeprazole in treating peptic ulcer disease.

2. Which client will benefit most from the application of pneumatic compression devices to the lower extremities? The client who

• A. is immobile on prescribed bedrest.
• B. has pressure ulcers on several toes.
• C. has diminished pedal pulse volume.
• D. is confused and trying to climb out of bed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Pneumatic compression devices are most beneficial for immobile clients on prescribed bedrest to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Applying these devices helps in promoting circulation and preventing blood clots. Choices B, C, and D do not specifically relate to the primary indication for pneumatic compression devices, making them incorrect. Pressure ulcers, diminished pedal pulse volume, and confusion with climbing out of bed may require different interventions or treatments.

3. A client undergoing chemotherapy reports a sudden onset of severe back pain. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer pain medication as prescribed
• B. Assess the pain's nature and intensity
• C. Encourage the client to rest and apply a hot pack
• D. Notify the physician immediately

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse is to assess the nature and intensity of the pain. This initial assessment is crucial in determining the underlying cause of the pain, whether it is related to the chemotherapy or another issue. Understanding the pain's characteristics will guide the nurse in implementing appropriate interventions and seeking timely medical assistance if needed. Administering pain medication without a thorough assessment may mask important symptoms and delay necessary treatment. Encouraging rest and hot pack application may be appropriate interventions but should come after assessing the pain. Notifying the physician immediately can be important but should follow the initial assessment to provide comprehensive information to the healthcare provider.

4. The nurse is assessing a client with an IV infusion of normal saline. The client reports pain and swelling at the IV site. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Slow the rate of infusion
• B. Apply a warm compress to the site
• C. Elevate the affected arm
• D. Discontinue the IV infusion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion. Pain and swelling at the IV site may indicate infiltration or phlebitis, which requires immediate discontinuation of the infusion to prevent further complications. Continuing the infusion can lead to tissue damage or infection. Slowing the rate of infusion, applying a warm compress, or elevating the affected arm would not address the underlying issue of infiltration or phlebitis and could potentially worsen the condition by allowing more fluid to infiltrate the tissues.

5. What is the most important action to prevent complications while caring for a client receiving enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube?

• A. Check tube placement before each feeding
• B. Flush the tube with water before and after each feeding
• C. Elevate the head of the bed to 30 degrees
• D. Administer the feeding at room temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Checking tube placement before each feeding is crucial to prevent aspiration, a serious complication of enteral nutrition. Ensuring the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach helps avoid the risk of the feeding going into the lungs, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia. Flushing the tube with water (Choice B) is important for maintaining tube patency but is not the most critical action to prevent complications. Elevating the head of the bed (Choice C) helps reduce the risk of aspiration but is not as crucial as verifying tube placement. Administering the feeding at room temperature (Choice D) is more related to patient comfort and does not directly address the prevention of complications associated with enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube.

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