Nursing Elites

1. A client has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent infection?

• A. Ensure the catheter tubing is free of kinks.
• B. Clean the perineal area with antiseptic solution daily.
• C. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline every shift.
• D. Secure the catheter to the client's leg.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cleaning the perineal area with antiseptic solution daily is essential to prevent infection when caring for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter. This practice helps reduce the risk of introducing pathogens into the urinary tract. Ensuring the catheter tubing is free of kinks (Choice A) is important for maintaining proper urine flow but is not directly related to preventing infection. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline every shift (Choice C) is not a routine practice and can increase the risk of introducing pathogens. Securing the catheter to the client's leg (Choice D) is important for stability but does not directly prevent infection.

2. A client admitted with abdominal pain tells the nurse that her father died recently, and she begins crying while talking about him. The nurse determines that the client’s temperature is 39.2°C (102.6°F), her abdomen is soft without tenderness, and her menses are overdue by 2 days. To which observation should the nurse give priority attention?

• A. The client’s temperature
• B. The client’s menses are overdue
• C. The client’s crying
• D. The client’s soft abdomen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. An overdue menses might indicate a potential cause of abdominal pain, especially in the context of recent emotional stress. While the client's temperature, crying, and soft abdomen are important observations, the priority should be given to the overdue menses as it could provide crucial information related to the abdominal pain and the client's overall health status. The emotional distress may have a secondary impact on the physical symptoms, making the menstrual status a critical observation to address first.

3. A client requires gastric decompression, and a nurse is inserting an NG tube. Which action should the nurse take to verify proper placement of the tube?

• A. Assess the client for a gag reflex
• B. Measure the pH of the gastric aspirate
• C. Place the end of the NG tube in water to observe for bubbling
• D. Auscultate 2.5 cm (1 in) above the umbilicus while injecting 15 mL of sterile water

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Measuring the pH of the gastric aspirate is the most reliable method to confirm proper placement of an NG tube. Gastric fluid has an acidic pH, typically ranging from 1 to 5. Assessing the client for a gag reflex (choice A) is important for airway protection but does not confirm tube placement. Placing the NG tube in water to observe for bubbling (choice C) is incorrect and not a reliable method for verifying placement. Auscultating 2.5 cm above the umbilicus while injecting sterile water (choice D) is an outdated method and is not recommended for verifying NG tube placement.

4. The healthcare provider is observing the way a patient walks. Which aspect is the healthcare provider assessing?

• A. Activity tolerance
• B. Body alignment
• C. Range of motion
• D. Gait

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When assessing the way a patient walks, the healthcare provider is evaluating the gait, which refers to a particular manner or style of walking. Body alignment pertains to the positioning of body parts in relation to one another, range of motion refers to the extent of movement of a joint, and activity tolerance relates to the ability to endure physical activities. In this scenario, observing the patient's walking pattern specifically focuses on gait assessment.

5. Which serum blood finding in diabetic ketoacidosis alerts the nurse that immediate action is required?

• A. pH below 7.3
• B. Potassium of 5.0
• C. HCT of 60
• D. PaO2 of 79%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A hematocrit (HCT) of 60 indicates severe dehydration, a critical condition in diabetic ketoacidosis that requires immediate intervention. Severe dehydration can lead to hypovolemic shock and organ failure. While a low pH below 7.3 is indicative of acidosis, it may not require immediate action compared to severe dehydration. A potassium level of 5.0 is within the normal range and not a critical finding in this scenario. PaO2 of 79% reflects oxygenation status, which is important but not the most critical finding requiring immediate action in diabetic ketoacidosis.

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