Nursing Elites

1. A client with an NG tube is reporting nausea and a decrease in gastric secretions. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Increase the suction pressure
• B. Irrigate the NG tube with sterile water
• C. Turn the client onto their left side
• D. Replace the NG tube with a new one

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for a client with an NG tube experiencing nausea and decreased gastric secretions is to irrigate the NG tube with sterile water. This helps alleviate blockages and can improve the client's symptoms. Increasing the suction pressure (Choice A) may exacerbate the issue and cause further discomfort. Turning the client onto their left side (Choice C) is not directly related to addressing the reported symptoms. Replacing the NG tube with a new one (Choice D) should be considered only after attempting initial interventions like irrigation.

2. A nurse on an acute unit has received a change of shift report for 4 clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client who is 1 hr postoperative and has hypoactive bowel sounds.
• B. A client who has a fractured left tibia and pallor in the affected extremity.
• C. A client who had a cardiac catheterization 3 hr ago and has 3+ pedal pulses.
• D. A client who has an elevated AST level following the administration of azithromycin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because pallor in an extremity after a fracture could indicate compromised circulation, making it a priority for assessment. Choice A is not the priority as hypoactive bowel sounds in a client 1 hr postoperative, while concerning, do not indicate a life-threatening condition. Choice C, a client who had a cardiac catheterization 3 hr ago and has 3+ pedal pulses, indicates good perfusion and does not require immediate attention. Choice D, a client with an elevated AST level following the administration of azithromycin, may require further assessment but is not as urgent as the client with potential compromised circulation in choice B.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has an altered mental status and has become aggressive. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse clarify with the provider prior to administration?

• A. Haloperidol
• B. Zolpidem
• C. Morphine
• D. Lorazepam

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Zolpidem. Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medication that can worsen altered mental status, especially in clients who are already aggressive. Therefore, the nurse should clarify this prescription with the provider before administration to ensure it is safe for the client. Choice A, Haloperidol, is an antipsychotic commonly used to manage aggression in clients with altered mental status, making it an appropriate choice in this scenario. Choice C, Morphine, is an opioid analgesic and would not directly impact the client's altered mental status or aggression. Choice D, Lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to manage anxiety and agitation, which could be beneficial in this situation but does not have the same potential to exacerbate altered mental status as Zolpidem.

4. What are the key nursing considerations for a patient with a central venous catheter?

• A. Maintain sterility during dressing changes
• B. Change the dressing weekly
• C. Monitor blood pressure and fluid balance
• D. Monitor the catheter site for infection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Maintain sterility during dressing changes. It is crucial to maintain sterility during dressing changes for patients with central venous catheters to prevent infections. Changing the dressing weekly (Choice B) is not frequent enough to prevent infections effectively. Monitoring blood pressure and fluid balance (Choice C) is important for overall patient care but not specific to central venous catheter management. While monitoring the catheter site for infection (Choice D) is important, the key consideration is to prevent infections through proper sterile techniques during dressing changes.

5. How should a healthcare provider educate a patient with hypertension about lifestyle modifications?

• A. Reduce sodium intake
• B. Increase physical activity
• C. Quit smoking
• D. Avoid alcohol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When educating a patient with hypertension about lifestyle modifications, reducing sodium intake is crucial as excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure. While increasing physical activity is beneficial for overall health, it is not the primary lifestyle modification specifically targeted at hypertension. Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol are important for general health but are not the first-line lifestyle modifications recommended for hypertension. Therefore, the correct answer is to reduce sodium intake.

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