Nursing Elites

1. A mother reports that she has been applying triple antibiotic ointment for her son's athlete's foot for two days with no improvement. What should the nurse instruct?

• A. Continue using the ointment and keep the area clean.
• B. Stop using the ointment and encourage the feet to be dried completely.
• C. Apply a different antifungal medication instead.
• D. Reapply the ointment twice a day for a longer period.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Antibiotic ointment is ineffective against athlete's foot, which is a fungal infection. The nurse should instruct the mother to stop using the ointment and ensure the feet are dried properly, as moisture exacerbates fungal infections. Applying a different antifungal medication is a valid option, but addressing the moisture issue by drying the feet completely is the immediate priority. Continuing to use the antibiotic ointment or reapplying it for a longer period will not treat the fungal infection effectively.

2. The nurse has been teaching a client with congestive heart failure about proper nutrition. The selection of which lunch indicates the client has learned about sodium restriction?

• A. Cheese sandwich with a glass of 2% milk
• B. Sliced turkey sandwich and canned pineapple
• C. Cheeseburger and baked potato
• D. Mushroom pizza and ice cream

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A sliced turkey sandwich and canned pineapple are good choices for a client with congestive heart failure who is learning about sodium restriction. Turkey is generally lower in sodium compared to cheese, and canned fruits like pineapple typically have lower sodium content. Choices A, C, and D are less suitable as they contain higher levels of sodium, such as cheese, cheeseburger, baked potato, mushroom pizza, and ice cream, which are not ideal for a client needing to restrict sodium intake.

3. When assessing constipation in elders, what action should be the nurse's priority?

• A. Obtain a complete blood count
• B. Obtain a health and dietary history
• C. Refer to a provider for a physical examination
• D. Measure height and weight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Obtaining a detailed health and dietary history is crucial when assessing constipation in elders. This helps the nurse identify potential causes such as inadequate fluid intake, low fiber diet, lack of physical activity, or medications that could be contributing to constipation. A complete blood count (Choice A) is not the priority in the initial assessment of constipation. Referring to a provider for a physical examination (Choice C) would be done after gathering more information from the health history. Measuring height and weight (Choice D) is not directly relevant to assessing constipation and identifying its causes.

4. The nurse is providing care for a client with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Encourage the client to ambulate
• B. Apply a warm compress to the left leg
• C. Elevate the client's left leg
• D. Administer a prescribed anticoagulant

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevating the affected leg promotes venous return and reduces swelling, which is a priority intervention for a client with suspected DVT. This action helps prevent the thrombus from dislodging and causing further complications. Encouraging ambulation may dislodge the clot, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Applying a warm compress can increase blood flow to the area, potentially dislodging the clot. Administering anticoagulants is essential but should not be the first action as elevation helps to reduce the risk of complications associated with DVT.

5. A client with emphysema reports shortness of breath. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer oxygen therapy.
• B. Assess the client’s respiratory rate and effort.
• C. Prepare the client for intubation.
• D. Increase the client's oxygen flow rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Shortness of breath in a client with emphysema may indicate respiratory distress. Assessing the client’s respiratory rate and effort is the first priority to determine the severity of the distress and guide appropriate interventions. Administering oxygen therapy (Choice A) could be necessary, but assessing the client first is crucial to tailor the intervention. Intubation (Choice C) is an invasive procedure that is not the initial priority. Increasing oxygen flow rate (Choice D) should only be done after a thorough assessment to avoid potential harm.

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