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. 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 nurse is assessing the IV infusion site of a client who reports pain at the site. The site is red, and there is warmth along the course of the vein. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Flush the IV line with saline
• B. Discontinue the infusion
• C. Elevate the limb
• D. Apply a cold compress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the infusion. The symptoms described - pain, redness, and warmth along the vein - are indicative of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Continuing the infusion can lead to further complications. Flushing the IV line, elevating the limb, or applying a cold compress do not address the underlying issue of phlebitis and may not be sufficient to resolve the problem. Therefore, the priority action is to discontinue the infusion to prevent worsening of the condition.

4. A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's medical history and identifies an increased risk for infections. What risk factor should the healthcare professional include?

• A. Frequent handwashing
• B. Increased mobility
• C. High blood pressure
• D. Chronic conditions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Chronic conditions. Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or immune suppression, can compromise the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Frequent handwashing (Choice A) is actually a protective measure against infections. Increased mobility (Choice B) and high blood pressure (Choice C) are not directly associated with an increased risk for infections.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who reports pain and burning around the peripheral IV site. What is the nurse's priority action?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Discontinue the IV line. When a client reports pain and burning around the peripheral IV site, it indicates possible phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The priority action is to discontinue the IV line to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a warm compress (Choice A) may worsen the inflammation. Increasing the IV flow rate (Choice C) can exacerbate the symptoms and elevate the risk of complications. Elevating the limb (Choice D) may provide comfort, but it does not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Therefore, the priority action is to discontinue the IV line.

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