Nursing Elites

1. A client has developed phlebitis at the IV site. What is the most appropriate next step?

• A. Apply a warm compress over the IV site
• B. Notify the provider and discontinue the IV infusion
• C. Increase the IV flow rate to clear the blockage
• D. Elevate the extremity and apply an ice pack

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Phlebitis, inflammation of a vein, is a complication that requires prompt action. The most appropriate next step is to discontinue the IV infusion and notify the healthcare provider. Applying a warm compress, increasing the IV flow rate, or applying an ice pack are not appropriate interventions for phlebitis. Warm compresses may worsen inflammation, increasing the IV flow rate could exacerbate the condition, and ice packs are not recommended for phlebitis.

2. How should a healthcare professional monitor a patient receiving IV potassium?

• A. Monitor ECG for dysrhythmias
• B. Monitor urine output
• C. Monitor serum potassium levels
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a patient is receiving IV potassium, it is crucial to monitor various parameters to ensure patient safety. Monitoring the ECG helps in identifying any potential dysrhythmias that may occur due to potassium imbalances. Monitoring urine output is important as potassium levels can affect renal function. Monitoring serum potassium levels is essential to assess the effectiveness of the IV potassium therapy. Therefore, all the options - monitoring ECG for dysrhythmias, urine output, and serum potassium levels - are necessary when administering IV potassium, making 'All of the above' the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are not individually sufficient as they each address different aspects of patient monitoring when receiving IV potassium.

3. When providing family education for those who have a relative with Alzheimer's disease about minimizing stress, which of the following suggestions is most relevant?

• A. Allow the client to rest four to five times during the day
• B. Assess the cognitive functioning of the client regularly
• C. Provide reality orientation even if the memory loss is severe
• D. Maintain consistency in environment, routine, and caregivers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most relevant suggestion for minimizing stress in individuals with Alzheimer's disease is to maintain consistency in the environment, routine, and caregivers. This approach helps create a sense of familiarity and security for the individual, reducing stress and anxiety. Choice A is incorrect as it suggests allowing the client to go to bed multiple times during the day, which may disrupt their routine and lead to confusion. Choice B is incorrect as continuously testing cognitive functioning can be overwhelming and stressful for the individual. Choice C is also incorrect as providing reality orientation in cases of severe memory loss can cause frustration and confusion, ultimately increasing stress levels.

4. A client is being taught about taking warfarin to treat atrial fibrillation. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will take this medication on an empty stomach.
• B. If I forget to take a dose, I can take it later on the same day.
• C. I will skip my dose if I forget to take it.
• D. I can take an additional dose if I miss one.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because taking warfarin later on the same day if a dose is missed helps maintain therapeutic levels. Choice A is incorrect because warfarin should be taken with food to enhance absorption. Choice C is incorrect as skipping a dose can lead to fluctuations in warfarin levels. Choice D is incorrect as taking an additional dose can increase the risk of bleeding.

5. When caring for a client with a wound infection, what should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Change the dressing daily
• B. Cleanse the wound with an antiseptic solution
• C. Apply a wet-to-dry dressing to the wound
• D. Perform a wound culture before administering antibiotics

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize performing a wound culture before administering antibiotics to ensure appropriate treatment. This step helps identify the specific infecting organism and its susceptibility to different antibiotics, guiding effective antibiotic therapy. Changing the dressing daily (Choice A) is important but comes after assessing the infection and initiating appropriate treatment. Cleansing the wound with an antiseptic solution (Choice B) and applying a wet-to-dry dressing (Choice C) are interventions that may be necessary but are secondary to determining the most suitable antibiotic therapy based on the wound culture results.

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