Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. A nurse receives a report from an assistive personnel that a client's BP is 160/95. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer antihypertensive medication
• B. Notify the healthcare provider
• C. Recheck the blood pressure
• D. Document the blood pressure in the chart

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse in this scenario is to recheck the blood pressure. This step is crucial to confirm the accuracy of the initial reading. Administering antihypertensive medication without verifying the blood pressure could lead to inappropriate treatment. Notifying the healthcare provider can be done after ensuring the accuracy of the reading. Simply documenting the blood pressure without validation may result in acting on potentially incorrect information. Therefore, the priority is to recheck the blood pressure.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing surgery for a hip fracture. What is a priority intervention to reduce the risk of postoperative complications?

• A. Encourage early ambulation
• B. Provide intravenous antibiotics
• C. Apply anti-embolism stockings
• D. Place a Foley catheter to monitor output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging early ambulation is crucial in reducing the risk of postoperative complications, such as blood clots and pneumonia. Early mobilization helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia by promoting circulation and preventing respiratory complications. Providing intravenous antibiotics (Choice B) is important for preventing infections but is not the priority immediately post-surgery. Applying anti-embolism stockings (Choice C) is beneficial in preventing venous thromboembolism but does not address the immediate need for mobility. Placing a Foley catheter (Choice D) may be necessary during surgery but is not a priority intervention to reduce postoperative complications related to immobility.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain and redness at the site of a peripheral IV. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Apply a cold compress to the site
• B. Discontinue the IV line
• C. Notify the provider
• D. Increase the IV flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client reports pain and redness at the site of a peripheral IV, indicating signs of phlebitis, the nurse's initial action should be to discontinue the IV line. This helps prevent further complications and ensures patient safety. Applying a cold compress (Choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Notifying the provider (Choice C) is important but not the initial step. Increasing the IV flow rate (Choice D) can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.

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