Nursing Elites

1. A client has been on bed rest for 3 days. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is ready to ambulate?

• A. The client uses a walker to move from the bed to the chair.
• B. The client has a strong cough.
• C. The client can bear weight on both legs.
• D. The client has a normal respiratory rate.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The ability to bear weight on both legs indicates muscle strength and stability necessary for ambulation. This skill is crucial for the client to support their body weight and move independently when standing or walking. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because using a walker, having a strong cough, or having a normal respiratory rate do not directly indicate the readiness to ambulate. The key factor in determining readiness for ambulation is the client's ability to bear weight on both legs, demonstrating the necessary strength for standing and walking.

2. What action should be taken to prevent respiratory complications in a client who is postoperative?

• A. Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer.
• B. Restrict fluid intake.
• C. Place the client in a supine position.
• D. Administer a cough suppressant.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer is crucial in preventing respiratory complications postoperatively. The incentive spirometer helps the client perform deep breathing exercises, which can prevent atelectasis (lung collapse) and promote lung expansion. This, in turn, reduces the risk of respiratory complications such as pneumonia. Restricting fluid intake, placing the client in a supine position, and administering a cough suppressant are not appropriate actions for preventing respiratory complications in a postoperative client.

3. A client receives discharge teaching on a new prescription for lisinopril. Which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Avoid foods high in potassium.
• B. Take the medication with food.
• C. Increase your intake of salt.
• D. Take the medication at bedtime.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction that should be included when a client receives discharge teaching on a new prescription for lisinopril is to 'Avoid foods high in potassium.' Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, can lead to hyperkalemia by reducing potassium excretion. Therefore, clients taking lisinopril should be advised to avoid foods high in potassium to prevent potential complications associated with elevated potassium levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because taking lisinopril with food, increasing salt intake, or taking the medication at bedtime are not specific instructions related to lisinopril therapy and may not be beneficial or necessary for the client's condition.

4. A client is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should be taken to prevent respiratory complications?

• A. Instruct the client to exhale into an incentive spirometer
• B. Reposition the client every 8 hours
• C. Assist the client with early ambulation
• D. Maintain the client on bed rest for the first 48 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assisting the client with early ambulation is crucial in preventing respiratory complications after abdominal surgery. Early ambulation helps to prevent conditions like atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung expansion and preventing pooling of respiratory secretions. It also aids in improving circulation, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis, and enhancing overall recovery. Instructing the client to exhale into an incentive spirometer (Choice A) is beneficial for lung expansion but is more focused on respiratory therapy rather than preventing complications. Repositioning the client every 8 hours (Choice B) is important for preventing pressure ulcers but is not directly related to preventing respiratory complications. Maintaining the client on bed rest for the first 48 hours (Choice D) can lead to complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, and deep vein thrombosis due to decreased lung expansion and mobility.

5. What action should the nurse take to prevent aspiration in a client receiving enteral nutrition?

• A. Flush the feeding tube with water before and after feedings.
• B. Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees during feedings.
• C. Administer the feeding slowly.
• D. Check the client's weight daily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees during feedings is essential to prevent aspiration in clients receiving enteral nutrition. This positioning helps decrease the risk of regurgitation and aspiration by supporting proper digestion and aiding food passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Elevating the head of the bed is a standard precautionary measure recommended to reduce the chances of aspiration and should be consistently implemented during feedings to ensure client safety and optimal enteral nutrition delivery.

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