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 preparing to perform an abdominal assessment on a client. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Percuss the abdomen
• B. Inspect the abdomen
• C. Auscultate before palpation
• D. Palpate the abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate before palpation. This ensures that bowel sounds are not altered by physical manipulation. Inspecting the abdomen is a valid step but not the first. Percussing and palpating should come after auscultation to prevent altering bowel sounds or causing discomfort to the client.

3. A client with diabetes mellitus is being taught about foot care by a nurse. Which statement indicates understanding?

• A. I will soak my feet in hot water daily
• B. I will wear my slippers whenever I am out of bed
• C. I should apply lotion between my toes after washing my feet
• D. I will cut my nails in a rounded shape

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Wearing slippers or shoes when out of bed is crucial for clients with diabetes as it helps prevent injuries to the feet, reducing the risk of infection. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Soaking feet in hot water daily can lead to dryness and skin damage, applying lotion between toes can create a moist environment promoting fungal growth, and cutting nails in a rounded shape can increase the risk of ingrown nails.

4. A nurse is planning to administer several medications to a client through a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Dissolve crushed tablet medications in tap water
• B. Administer all medications together
• C. Flush the NG tube with 60 mL of water before each medication
• D. Dissolve medications separately and flush with sterile water

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when administering medications through a nasogastric (NG) tube is to dissolve medications separately and flush the tube with sterile water. This is important to prevent interactions between medications and ensure accurate administration. Option A is incorrect because tap water may not be sterile and could lead to contamination. Option B is incorrect as it increases the risk of drug interactions and may affect the effectiveness of each medication. Option C is incorrect as 60 mL of water before each medication may not be enough to ensure proper medication delivery and prevent interactions.

5. A nurse is performing a focused assessment on a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What finding should the nurse expect?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flushed skin. Flushed skin is a common finding in clients with COPD who are experiencing dyspnea. Increased breath sounds (choice A) are not typically associated with COPD; they may indicate conditions like pneumonia. Nasal flaring (choice C) is more commonly seen in respiratory distress in pediatric patients. Decreased respiratory rate (choice D) is not a typical finding in COPD and could indicate respiratory depression.

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