Nursing Elites

1. A client who has recently developed fever, confusion, and a decreased level of consciousness is being admitted by a nurse. What should the nurse do first after obtaining the client's history and assessment?

• A. Administer prescribed antibiotics
• B. Initiate seizure precautions
• C. Identify the client's needs
• D. Place the client in isolation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to identify the client's needs first. This allows the nurse to prioritize interventions based on the assessment findings. Administering prescribed antibiotics (choice A) should be based on a medical prescription and the identified infection. Initiating seizure precautions (choice B) is important but not the immediate priority in this case. Placing the client in isolation (choice D) is premature as the nurse needs to first assess and address the client's condition.

2. A nurse is preparing to perform a focused respiratory assessment on a client with COPD. What is an expected finding?

• A. Normal respiratory rate
• B. Nasal flaring
• C. Decreased breath sounds
• D. Increased breath sounds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nasal flaring is an expected finding in clients with COPD who are experiencing respiratory distress. Nasal flaring is a sign of increased work of breathing and respiratory distress, commonly seen in clients with COPD exacerbation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A normal respiratory rate would not be an expected finding in a client with COPD, as they often have an increased respiratory rate. Decreased breath sounds could indicate diminished airflow but are not typically a common finding in COPD. Increased breath sounds are not typical in COPD and could indicate other conditions like pneumonia.

3. A nurse is assessing the IV infusion site of a client who reports pain at the site. The site is red, and there is warmth along the course of the vein. What should the nurse do?

• A. Increase the IV flow rate
• B. Discontinue the infusion
• C. Elevate the limb
• D. Apply a cold compress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the infusion (Choice B) as the signs described suggest phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Increasing the IV flow rate (Choice A) can exacerbate the condition by increasing the irritation. Elevating the limb (Choice C) and applying a cold compress (Choice D) are not the appropriate interventions for phlebitis. Elevation and cold therapy are more suitable for conditions like swelling or inflammation, but in this case, discontinuing the infusion is the priority to prevent further complications.

4. A nurse is updating the plan of care for a client with limited mobility. What intervention should the nurse include to prevent skin breakdown?

• A. Reposition the client every 4 hours
• B. Apply lotion to the skin every 2 hours
• C. Use a special mattress to reduce pressure on the skin
• D. Increase fluid intake to promote skin hydration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use a special mattress to reduce pressure on the skin.' This intervention is crucial in preventing skin breakdown in clients with limited mobility as it helps to reduce pressure on bony prominences. Repositioning every 4 hours (Choice A) is important but may not be sufficient to prevent skin breakdown entirely. Applying lotion every 2 hours (Choice B) may not address the root cause of skin breakdown related to pressure. Increasing fluid intake (Choice D) is beneficial for overall skin health but may not directly prevent skin breakdown caused by pressure points.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer enteral feedings to a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Measure the residual gastric volume
• B. Verify tube placement
• C. Flush the tube with 100 mL of water
• D. Administer the feeding in small boluses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying tube placement is the crucial initial step a nurse should take before administering enteral feedings through an NG tube. This step ensures that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration. Measuring residual gastric volume, flushing the tube with water, or administering the feeding in small boluses are all important steps in enteral feeding but should only be done after confirming the correct tube placement.

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