Nursing Elites

1. A male Native American presents to the clinic with complaints of frequent abdominal cramping and nausea. He states that he has chronic constipation and had not had a bowel movement in five days, despite trying several home remedies. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Evaluate the stool samples for the presence of blood
• B. Assess for the presence of an impaction
• C. Determine which home remedies were used
• D. Obtain a list of prescribed medications

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing for impaction is crucial as it is a common cause of constipation and abdominal discomfort. In this scenario, the patient's symptoms of chronic constipation and no bowel movement for five days despite trying home remedies indicate a potential impaction that needs to be assessed. Evaluating stool samples for blood, determining the home remedies used, or obtaining a list of prescribed medications, while potentially relevant, are not as urgent as assessing for impaction in this situation.

2. The patient is reporting an inability to clear nasal passages. Which action will the nurse take?

• A. Use gentle suction to prevent tissue damage.
• B. Instruct the patient to blow their nose forcefully to clear the passage.
• C. Place a dry washcloth under the nose to absorb secretions.
• D. Insert a cotton-tipped applicator into the back of the nose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient reports an inability to clear nasal passages, the appropriate action for the nurse to take is to use gentle suction to prevent tissue damage. Suctioning helps remove excess mucus or secretions without causing harm to the nasal tissues. Instructing the patient to blow their nose forcefully (Choice B) may exacerbate the issue and cause discomfort or injury. Placing a dry washcloth under the nose (Choice C) is not an effective intervention for clearing nasal passages. Inserting a cotton-tipped applicator into the back of the nose (Choice D) is not recommended as it can be invasive and may cause injury or discomfort to the patient.

3. In a mass casualty scenario at a child day care center, which child would the triage nurse prioritize for treatment last?

• A. An infant with intermittent bulging anterior fontanel between crying episodes
• B. A toddler with severe deep abrasions covering over 98% of the body
• C. A preschooler with 1 lower leg fracture and the other leg with an upper leg fracture
• D. A school-age child with singed eyebrows and hair on the arms

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a mass casualty scenario, the triage nurse would prioritize the toddler with severe deep abrasions covering over 98% of the body for treatment last. This child is categorized as 'expectant' due to the extensive injuries, which are unlikely to be survivable even with immediate treatment. The other choices describe injuries that are serious but have a higher likelihood of survival with appropriate and timely intervention. The infant with an intermittent bulging anterior fontanel may have increased intracranial pressure requiring urgent evaluation, the preschooler with leg fractures can be stabilized and treated effectively, and the school-age child with singed hair likely has superficial burns which can be managed promptly.

4. During assessment, what is an indication of thrombophlebitis in a client who has been on bed rest for the past month?

• A. Calf swelling
• B. Elevated blood pressure
• C. Decreased urine output
• D. Generalized rash

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Calf swelling is a common sign of thrombophlebitis, which is inflammation of a vein due to a blood clot. Prolonged immobility can predispose individuals to thrombophlebitis. Calf swelling occurs due to the obstruction of blood flow, causing localized edema. This condition can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism if not promptly addressed. Elevated blood pressure, decreased urine output, and a generalized rash are not typically associated with thrombophlebitis. Elevated blood pressure may be linked to other conditions like hypertension, decreased urine output to kidney dysfunction, and a generalized rash to allergic reactions or skin conditions. Therefore, in a client on bed rest, calf swelling should raise suspicion of thrombophlebitis and prompt further evaluation and intervention.

5. What action should a healthcare professional planning to insert an IV for an older adult client take?

• A. Place the client’s arm in a dependent position.
• B. Place the client’s arm in a flexed position.
• C. Elevate the client’s arm to the level of the heart.
• D. Use a tourniquet above the insertion site.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for a healthcare professional planning to insert an IV for an older adult client is to place the client’s arm in a dependent position. This positioning helps with vein prominence and facilitates easier IV insertion by enhancing blood flow and distending the veins. Placing the arm in a flexed position or elevating it to the level of the heart can impede vein visualization and make insertion more challenging. Using a tourniquet above the insertion site is a step in the IV insertion process but is not the initial action to take when preparing for the procedure.

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