Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports a burning sensation at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and swollen. What is the nurse's priority action?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV line. The client's symptoms of a burning sensation, redness, and swelling at the IV site indicate phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The priority action in this situation is to remove the source of irritation, which is the IV line, to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Elevating the limb is not the priority in this case. Increasing the IV flow rate can worsen the phlebitis by causing further irritation to the vein.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing fluid volume deficit (FVD). What clinical finding should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased hematocrit
• B. Increased heart rate
• C. Increased blood pressure
• D. Decreased respiratory rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increased heart rate is a common sign of fluid volume deficit (FVD) as the body compensates for decreased fluid levels. When a client is experiencing FVD, the body tries to maintain perfusion to vital organs by increasing the heart rate. This compensatory mechanism helps to improve cardiac output and maintain blood pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in FVD, hematocrit may be increased due to hemoconcentration, blood pressure tends to decrease as a compensatory response to FVD, and respiratory rate is usually unaffected or may increase due to attempts to maintain oxygenation.

3. During a focused assessment for a client with dysrhythmias, what indicates ineffective cardiac contractions?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Pulse deficit
• C. Elevated blood pressure
• D. Bounding pulse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A pulse deficit is a crucial finding in clients with dysrhythmias as it indicates ineffective cardiac contractions. A pulse deficit occurs when the apical heart rate is faster than the radial pulse rate, suggesting that some heartbeats are not generating a pulse. This can be a sign of serious heart conditions like atrial fibrillation or heart failure. The other options, such as an increased heart rate (choice A), elevated blood pressure (choice C), and bounding pulse (choice D), do not specifically indicate ineffective cardiac contractions and are not directly associated with dysrhythmias.

4. A nurse is assisting with meal planning for a client who has been prescribed a mechanical soft diet. What food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

• A. Steamed carrots
• B. Mashed potatoes
• C. Orange slices
• D. Soft-cooked eggs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Orange slices. For a client on a mechanical soft diet, foods that are difficult to chew and swallow should be avoided. Orange slices have membranes that can be challenging to consume for individuals with swallowing difficulties. Steamed carrots (Choice A) and mashed potatoes (Choice B) are typically suitable for a mechanical soft diet as they can be easily mashed or cut into smaller pieces. Soft-cooked eggs (Choice D) are also appropriate for this diet as they are soft and easy to chew.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has experienced a seizure. What should the nurse do immediately after the seizure?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Document the seizure activity
• C. Turn the client on their side
• D. Reassure the client

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After a client experiences a seizure, the nurse should immediately turn the client on their side. This action helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration, as it allows any secretions or vomitus to drain from the mouth. Administering oxygen can be necessary if the client is hypoxic, but turning the client on their side takes precedence to prevent complications. While documenting the seizure activity is important for the client's medical record, ensuring the client's immediate safety by positioning them correctly is the priority. Reassuring the client should follow after ensuring their physical safety.

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