Nursing Elites

1. A female client with chronic back pain has been taking muscle relaxants and analgesics to manage the discomfort, but is now experiencing an acute episode of pain that is not relieved by this medication regimen. The client tells the nurse that she does not want to have back surgery for a herniated intervertebral disk, and reports that she has found acupuncture effective in resolving past acute episodes. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

• A. Surgery removes the disk and is the only treatment that can totally resolve the pain
• B. The medication regimen you previously used should be re-evaluated for dose adjustment
• C. Massage and hot pack treatments are less invasive and can provide temporary relief
• D. Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that is often effective for management of pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Acknowledging the effectiveness of acupuncture is important, as the client has reported its success in managing her pain previously.

2. While observing an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) providing a total bed bath for a confused and lethargic client, the nurse notes the UAP soaking the client’s foot in a basin of warm water placed on the bed. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Remove the basin of water from the client’s bed immediately
• B. Remind the UAP to dry between the client’s toes completely
• C. Advise the UAP that this procedure may lead to skin damage
• D. Add skin cream to the basin of water while the foot is soaking

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to remind the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to dry between the client’s toes completely. Failing to dry between the toes can lead to skin breakdown due to excessive moisture accumulation. Proper drying is essential to maintain skin integrity and prevent complications in the client's care. Removing the basin of water immediately may disrupt the care process and not address the root cause of the issue. Advising about potential skin damage is not as direct and actionable as reminding to dry between the toes. Adding skin cream to the water may not be appropriate without specific orders and can potentially worsen the situation by increasing moisture.

3. After insertion of the indwelling catheter, how should the nurse position the drainage container?

• A. With the drainage tubing taut to maintain maximum suction on the urinary bladder.
• B. Lower than the bladder to maintain a constant downward flow of urine from the bladder.
• C. At the head of the bed for easy and accurate measurement of urine.
• D. Beside the patient in their bed to avoid embarrassment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct position for the drainage container after inserting an indwelling catheter is to have it placed lower than the bladder. This positioning helps maintain a constant downward flow of urine from the bladder, preventing backflow and ensuring proper drainage. Choice A is incorrect because having the drainage tubing taut does not promote proper urine flow and may cause kinking. Choice C is incorrect as placing the container at the head of the bed does not affect drainage and is not necessary for accurate measurement. Choice D is incorrect as the positioning of the drainage container should prioritize proper drainage and care over potential embarrassment.

4. The client has received a new diagnosis of heart failure, and the nurse is providing dietary management education. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Increase intake of foods high in potassium.
• B. Avoid foods high in sodium.
• C. Limit fluid intake to 1.5 liters per day.
• D. Increase intake of foods high in vitamin K.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Avoiding foods high in sodium (choice B) is essential for clients with heart failure to prevent fluid retention and decrease the strain on the heart. High sodium intake can lead to fluid buildup, exacerbating heart failure symptoms. Increasing potassium intake (choice A) can be harmful in heart failure if not monitored closely as it can affect heart rhythm. Limiting fluid intake (choice C) may be necessary in some cases, but the specific amount should be individualized based on the client's condition. Increasing vitamin K intake (choice D) is not a primary concern in heart failure management and is more relevant for clients on anticoagulants to manage blood clotting.

5. During a 30-second interval, the nurse counts six respirations, and the client coughs three times. In repeating the count for a second 30-second interval, the nurse counts eight respirations. What respiratory rate should the nurse document?

• A. 14
• B. 16
• C. 17
• D. 28

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should document a respiratory rate of 16. The second count of eight respirations in a 30-second interval is the most accurate as it was not interrupted by the client coughing. Therefore, this rate reflects the client's typical respiratory pattern and should be documented. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not consider the interruption caused by the client coughing during the first count, which could have affected the accuracy of the result. The second count of eight respirations provides a more reliable indication of the client's respiratory rate.

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