Nursing Elites

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

• A. Flush the IV line with saline
• B. Discontinue the IV infusion
• C. Apply a cold compress
• D. Increase the IV flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion. The signs of redness and warmth at the IV site indicate phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Discontinuing the IV infusion is crucial to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Flushing the IV line with saline would not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the cause. Increasing the IV flow rate can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.

2. When performing an abdominal assessment on a client, what action should the nurse take first?

• A. Palpate the abdomen
• B. Auscultate bowel sounds
• C. Inspect the abdomen
• D. Percuss the abdomen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate bowel sounds. This action should be taken first because it ensures that bowel sounds are not altered by physical manipulation. Inspecting the abdomen (choice C) may provide visual cues but does not address functional assessment. Palpating the abdomen (choice A) should follow auscultation to prevent altering bowel sounds. Percussing the abdomen (choice D) is typically done after auscultation and palpation.

3. A client signed an informed consent form for surgery but has expressed doubts about the need for surgery. What should the nurse say?

• A. Reassure the client of the surgeon's skill
• B. The surgeon will answer your questions before surgery
• C. Tell the client surgery is necessary
• D. Encourage the client to seek a second opinion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the surgeon should address the client's doubts before surgery. Informed consent requires that the client fully understands the procedure. Choice A is incorrect because reassuring the client of the surgeon's skill does not address the client's doubts about the need for surgery. Choice C is incorrect because telling the client surgery is necessary may not address their concerns and could violate the principle of autonomy. Choice D is incorrect as the immediate concern is addressing the client's doubts before surgery, not necessarily seeking a second opinion.

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 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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