Nursing Elites

1. A client with an NG tube is receiving intermittent feedings through an open system. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Rinse the feeding bag with water between feedings
• B. Tell the client to keep the head of the bed elevated at least 30°
• C. Make sure the enteral formula is at room temperature
• D. Wipe the top of the formula can with alcohol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to tell the client to keep the head of the bed elevated at least 30°. Elevating the head of the bed prevents aspiration of the enteral formula, which is a priority in caring for a client with an NG tube. This action helps in reducing the risk of complications such as pneumonia. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. While rinsing the feeding bag, ensuring the enteral formula temperature, and maintaining cleanliness are important aspects of enteral feeding care, the priority is to prevent aspiration by keeping the head of the bed elevated. These actions can be implemented after ensuring the client's safety by maintaining the correct bed position.

2. The patient is immobilized after undergoing hip replacement surgery. Which finding will alert the nurse to monitor for hemorrhage in this patient?

• A. Thick, tenacious pulmonary secretions
• B. Low-molecular-weight heparin doses
• C. SCDs wrapped around the legs
• D. Elastic stockings (TED hose)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, which is low-molecular-weight heparin doses. After hip replacement surgery, patients are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to immobility. Heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin are commonly used for prophylaxis against DVT. Monitoring for hemorrhage is crucial when administering anticoagulants. Choices A, C, and D are not directly related to monitoring for hemorrhage in this scenario. Thick, tenacious pulmonary secretions (Choice A) may indicate respiratory issues, SCDs (Choice C) help prevent DVT but do not directly relate to hemorrhage monitoring, and elastic stockings (TED hose) (Choice D) are used for DVT prophylaxis but do not alert to hemorrhage.

3. A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's fluid and electrolyte status. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

• A. BUN 15 mg/dL
• B. Creatinine 0.8 mg/dL
• C. Sodium 143 mEq/L
• D. Potassium 5.4 mEq/L

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A potassium level of 5.4 mEq/L is above the expected reference range, indicating hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can lead to serious complications such as dysrhythmias, making it important for the healthcare professional to report this finding to the provider for further evaluation and intervention. Choices A, B, and C fall within normal ranges and do not pose an immediate risk to the client's health, so they would not warrant immediate reporting to the provider. Elevated BUN or creatinine levels may indicate kidney dysfunction, while a sodium level of 143 mEq/L falls within the normal range for adults and does not typically require urgent intervention.

4. A healthcare professional is teaching about home safety with a client. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare professional include?

• A. Unplug electronics by holding the plug
• B. Use electrical tape to secure extension cords next to baseboards on the floor
• C. To use a fire extinguisher, aim at the base of the flames
• D. Install slip-resistant rugs on tile floors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to use electrical tape to secure extension cords next to baseboards on the floor. This practice helps prevent tripping and electrical hazards by keeping cords out of the way. Option A is incorrect as unplugging electronics should be done by holding the plug, not the cord itself. Option C is incorrect because when using a fire extinguisher, it should be aimed at the base of the flames, not at the top. Option D is not directly related to home safety teaching and may not be necessary for all clients, as it suggests an unnecessary change that may not improve safety.

5. A nurse on a med-surg unit is teaching a newly licensed nurse about tasks to delegate to APs. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. An AP may take orthostatic blood pressure measurements from a client who reports dizziness.
• B. An AP may monitor the peripheral IV insertion site of a client who is receiving replacement fluids.
• C. An AP may perform a central line dressing change for a client who is ready for discharge.
• D. An AP may ambulate a client who had a stroke 2 days ago.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Delegating the task of ambulating a client who had a stroke 2 days ago to an AP is appropriate. This task falls within the scope of practice for an AP and can help promote mobility and prevent complications. Choices A, B, and C involve more complex nursing assessments or procedures that require a higher level of training and expertise. Taking orthostatic blood pressure measurements, monitoring a peripheral IV insertion site, and performing a central line dressing change should be tasks performed by licensed nurses to ensure proper assessment and management of the client's condition.

Similar Questions