Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline
• B. Notify the provider
• C. Administer prescribed antibiotics
• D. Assess for signs of infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter, the nurse's first action should be to notify the provider. This is important to ensure timely assessment and intervention by the healthcare provider. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline or administering antibiotics should not be done without provider's orders as it may mask symptoms or lead to inappropriate treatment. Assessing for signs of infection is important but should come after notifying the provider, who can guide further assessment and treatment.

2. A healthcare provider is assessing the pain level of a client who has dementia and difficulty communicating. Which pain assessment technique should the healthcare provider use?

• A. Verbal self-report
• B. Pain scale
• C. Behavioral indicators
• D. Observing facial expressions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In clients with dementia and difficulty communicating, using behavioral indicators such as agitation and restlessness is more reliable for assessing pain than relying on verbal self-report, pain scales, or observing facial expressions. Verbal self-report may not be possible due to communication challenges, pain scales may be difficult for the client to comprehend, and observing facial expressions alone may not provide a comprehensive assessment of pain in individuals with dementia.

3. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being taught breathing exercises by a nurse. What instruction should the nurse include to improve oxygenation?

• A. Use pursed-lip breathing during activities
• B. Use deep breathing exercises after meals
• C. Perform diaphragmatic breathing during exercise
• D. Breathe in short, shallow breaths

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include to improve oxygenation for a client with COPD is to 'Use pursed-lip breathing during activities.' Pursed-lip breathing helps improve oxygenation by slowing down the respiratory rate, reducing the work of breathing, and keeping the airways open. This technique also helps prevent the collapse of small airways during exhalation, allowing for more complete emptying of the lungs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because deep breathing exercises after meals, diaphragmatic breathing during exercise, and breathing in short, shallow breaths do not specifically target the improvement of oxygenation in individuals with COPD.

4. 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.

5. A nurse is reviewing a client's health history and identifies a history of pressure injuries. What intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Reposition the client every 4 hours
• B. Apply a moisture-retentive dressing
• C. Apply a heating pad to the site
• D. Keep the client on bedrest

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with pressure injuries is to apply a moisture-retentive dressing. This type of dressing helps create a moist wound environment, which is conducive to healing. Repositioning the client every 4 hours is important to prevent further pressure injuries, but it is not the primary intervention for existing pressure injuries. Applying a heating pad to the site can increase the risk of tissue damage and is contraindicated for pressure injuries. Keeping the client on bedrest can lead to further complications and delayed healing of pressure injuries.

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