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 client with diabetes mellitus is being taught about foot care by a nurse. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Cut toenails straight across
• B. Wear shoes at all times
• C. Apply lotion between the toes
• D. Soak feet in hot water daily

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Wear shoes at all times.' This instruction is crucial for preventing foot injuries in clients with diabetes mellitus. Wearing shoes protects the feet from potential injuries and reduces the risk of developing foot ulcers. Cutting toenails straight across (not in a rounded shape) helps prevent ingrown toenails. Applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment, increasing the risk of fungal infections. Soaking feet in hot water daily can lead to dry skin and potentially cause burns, which is not recommended for individuals with diabetes.

3. A charge nurse discovers that a nurse did not notify the provider that a client's condition had changed. The charge nurse should identify that the nurse is accountable for which of the following torts?

• A. Negligence
• B. Assault
• C. Battery
• D. Defamation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Negligence. Negligence in nursing occurs when a healthcare provider fails to take appropriate action that a reasonably prudent provider would take in a similar situation, such as not notifying the provider of changes in a client's condition. In this scenario, the nurse's failure to inform the provider of the client's changed condition constitutes negligence. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Assault involves the intentional threat of bodily harm to another person, battery is the intentional harmful or offensive touching of another person without their consent, and defamation is the act of making false statements about someone to a third party that harms that person's reputation.

4. A client expresses anxiety about an upcoming surgery. What should the nurse do?

• A. Administer a sedative
• B. Ask the client to describe their feelings
• C. Call the surgeon to address the anxiety
• D. Provide information on post-op care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client expresses anxiety, it is essential for the nurse to encourage the client to verbalize their feelings. This helps the client express concerns, fears, and uncertainties, enabling the nurse to provide appropriate emotional support. Administering a sedative (Choice A) should not be the initial response as it does not address the underlying emotional needs of the client. Calling the surgeon to address anxiety (Choice C) may not be within the nurse's scope of practice and may not directly address the client's emotional needs. Providing information on post-op care (Choice D) is important but not the priority when the client is experiencing anxiety preoperatively.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a narcotic medication. After administration, what should the nurse do with the unused portion?

• A. Document the amount wasted
• B. Store it for later use
• C. Discard it with another nurse as a witness
• D. Return it to the pharmacy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After administering a narcotic medication, any unused portion should be discarded with another nurse as a witness. This procedure ensures proper disposal of controlled substances and prevents misuse or diversion. Storing it for later use (Choice B) is not appropriate due to safety concerns and legal regulations. Returning it to the pharmacy (Choice D) is also not recommended as the medication is already out of the pharmacy's control. Documenting the amount wasted (Choice A) is important for accurate record-keeping but does not address the immediate need for safe disposal of the unused narcotic medication.

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