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 nurse is reviewing the medical records of a group of older adult clients. Which risk factor should the nurse identify as placing older adults at an increased risk for infections?

• A. Improved nutritional status
• B. Increased mobility
• C. Chronic conditions
• D. Lowered immune function

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lowered immune function. Older adults often experience a decline in immune function as they age, making them more vulnerable to infections. This weakened immune system can result in increased susceptibility to various pathogens. Choice A, 'Improved nutritional status,' is incorrect because good nutrition can actually help support the immune system. Choice B, 'Increased mobility,' is not directly related to an increased risk of infections. Choice C, 'Chronic conditions,' while they can contribute to a weakened immune system, do not directly address the primary risk factor for infections in older adults.

3. 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.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. What behavior should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for constipation?

• A. Increased physical activity
• B. Frequent urge suppression
• C. Adequate sleep
• D. Increased fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Frequent urge suppression can lead to constipation, especially postoperatively. Suppressing the urge to defecate can disrupt the normal bowel movement pattern and lead to constipation. Choices A, C, and D are behaviors that generally help prevent constipation rather than increase the risk. Increased physical activity, adequate sleep, and increased fluid intake promote bowel regularity and reduce the risk of constipation.

5. 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 should the nurse do?

• A. Increase the IV flow rate
• 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 (Choice B) as the signs described suggest phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Increasing the IV flow rate (Choice A) can exacerbate the condition by increasing the irritation. Elevating the limb (Choice C) and applying a cold compress (Choice D) are not the appropriate interventions for phlebitis. Elevation and cold therapy are more suitable for conditions like swelling or inflammation, but in this case, discontinuing the infusion is the priority to prevent further complications.

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