Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What instruction should the nurse include to help improve oxygenation?

• A. Avoid physical activity
• B. Use pursed-lip breathing during activities
• C. Limit sun exposure
• D. Perform weight-bearing exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Use pursed-lip breathing during activities.' Pursed-lip breathing improves oxygenation by keeping airways open longer, facilitating better exhalation of carbon dioxide. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding physical activity can lead to deconditioning and worsen oxygenation. Choice C is irrelevant to improving oxygenation in COPD. Choice D is not directly related to improving oxygenation in COPD; weight-bearing exercises are important for bone health but not for oxygenation.

4. During a focused assessment for a client with dysrhythmias, what indicates ineffective cardiac contractions?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Pulse deficit
• C. Elevated blood pressure
• D. Bounding pulse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A pulse deficit is a crucial finding in clients with dysrhythmias as it indicates ineffective cardiac contractions. A pulse deficit occurs when the apical heart rate is faster than the radial pulse rate, suggesting that some heartbeats are not generating a pulse. This can be a sign of serious heart conditions like atrial fibrillation or heart failure. The other options, such as an increased heart rate (choice A), elevated blood pressure (choice C), and bounding pulse (choice D), do not specifically indicate ineffective cardiac contractions and are not directly associated with dysrhythmias.

5. When teaching a client about the correct use of a cane, what should the nurse include?

• A. Hold the cane on the weaker side
• B. Ensure the cane has a rubber tip
• C. Keep the cane on the dominant side
• D. Use the cane only on stairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When instructing a client on the use of a cane, it is essential to ensure that the cane has a rubber tip. This rubber tip helps prevent slipping, providing additional stability and safety. Option A, holding the cane on the weaker side, is incorrect as the cane should be held on the stronger side to provide better balance and support. Option C, keeping the cane on the dominant side, is also incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side. Option D, using the cane only on stairs, is not comprehensive as the cane can be used for support and balance while walking on level ground as well.

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