Nursing Elites

1. A client with a colostomy needs optimal skin integrity. What action should the nurse take to promote this?

• A. Cleanse the peristomal skin with alcohol.
• B. Change the colostomy pouch every 3 days.
• C. Use a barrier cream to protect the skin from the pouch contents.
• D. Cleanse the stoma with hydrogen peroxide.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To promote optimal skin integrity in a client with a colostomy, using a barrier cream to protect the skin from the irritating effects of the colostomy pouch contents is essential. Cleansing the peristomal skin with alcohol (Choice A) can be too harsh and drying for the skin. Changing the colostomy pouch every 3 days (Choice B) is important for hygiene but using a barrier cream is more directly related to skin protection. Cleaning the stoma with hydrogen peroxide (Choice D) is not recommended as it can be too abrasive for the sensitive stoma area.

2. What is the most important assessment for a patient post-surgery?

• A. Monitor vital signs
• B. Check surgical site for bleeding
• C. Check for abnormal breath sounds
• D. Check skin color

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor vital signs post-surgery. Vital signs provide crucial information about a patient's physiological status, helping detect early signs of complications such as shock, bleeding, or infection. Checking the surgical site for bleeding is important but falls secondary to monitoring vital signs, which give a broader overview of the patient's condition. Checking for abnormal breath sounds and skin color are also important assessments, but they are not as immediate and general as monitoring vital signs in detecting various post-surgical complications.

3. A nurse is discussing group treatment and therapy with a client. The nurse should include which of the following as being a characteristic of a therapeutic group?

• A. The group is organized in an autocratic structure
• B. The group encourages members to focus on a particular issue
• C. The group must be led by a licensed psychiatrist
• D. The group encourages clients to form dependent relationships

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Therapeutic groups indeed encourage members to focus on particular issues. This focus helps individuals address specific concerns, work through challenges, and support one another in a structured setting. Choice A is incorrect because therapeutic groups typically promote a democratic structure that values input from all members rather than an autocratic one. Choice C is incorrect as therapeutic groups can be led by various mental health professionals, not solely by licensed psychiatrists. Choice D is incorrect; therapeutic groups aim to foster independent growth and self-reliance rather than promoting dependent relationships.

4. When using an IV pump for a newly admitted client, what action should the nurse take?

• A. Grasp the IV pump cord when unplugging it from the electrical outlet.
• B. Ensure the pump is plugged into an outlet with two prongs.
• C. Hold the IV pump cord while walking the client.
• D. Check for malfunctioning pump alerts.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when using an IV pump for a newly admitted client is to hold the IV pump cord while walking the client. This is important for ensuring the safe and secure management of the IV pump during client mobility. Option A is incorrect as grasping the IV pump cord when unplugging it can lead to electrical hazards. Option B is incorrect as ensuring the pump is plugged into an outlet with two prongs is important for electrical safety but not directly related to the nurse's action. Option D is also important but does not directly address the nurse's immediate action while using the IV pump with the client.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who has a sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Increased appetite
• B. Dry mucous membranes
• C. Hypotension
• D. Hyperreflexia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A sodium level of 125 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to hypotension. Hyponatremia is associated with signs such as confusion and weakness, rather than increased appetite, dry mucous membranes, or hyperreflexia. Therefore, the nurse should expect hypotension as a finding in a client with a sodium level of 125 mEq/L.

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