Nursing Elites

1. A client has just returned from surgery with an indwelling urinary catheter in place. What is the most important action for the nurse to take to prevent infection?

• A. Change the catheter every 72 hours.
• B. Ensure the catheter tubing is free of kinks.
• C. Clean the perineal area with antiseptic solution daily.
• D. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline every shift.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most crucial action to prevent infection in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter is to ensure the catheter tubing is free of kinks. Kinks in the tubing can lead to urine retention or obstruction, increasing the risk of infection. Changing the catheter every 72 hours is not necessary if there are no signs of infection or other issues. Cleaning the perineal area with antiseptic solution daily is important for hygiene but not the most critical action to prevent infection related to the catheter. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline every shift is not a routine practice and may increase the risk of introducing pathogens into the urinary system.

2. After abdominal surgery, a client has not urinated since the urinary catheter was removed 8 hours ago. What action should the LPN take first?

• A. Perform a bladder scan to assess for urinary retention.
• B. Encourage the client to drink fluids.
• C. Insert a straight catheter to drain the bladder.
• D. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Performing a bladder scan is the initial step to assess for urinary retention in a postoperative client. This non-invasive technique helps determine the volume of urine in the bladder, guiding further interventions. Encouraging the client to drink fluids (Choice B) may be beneficial but is not the priority when assessing for urinary retention. Inserting a straight catheter (Choice C) should not be the initial action without first assessing for retention. Administering a diuretic (Choice D) should not be done without confirming the need through assessment.

3. A client had a mastectomy 6 months ago and expresses a decreased desire for sexual relations, stating “My body is so different now.” Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. “Really, you look just fine to me. There’s no need to feel undesirable.”
• B. “I’m interested in finding out more about how your body feels to you.”
• C. “Consider an afternoon at a spa; a facial will make you feel more attractive.”
• D. “It’s still too soon to expect to feel normal. Give it a little more time.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this situation, the appropriate response is to reflect on the client’s feelings and explore their experience. Choice A may unintentionally dismiss the client's concerns by not addressing their emotional needs. Choice C suggests a spa treatment as a solution without addressing the underlying emotional issues. Choice D implies that the client's feelings will resolve with time, which may not be helpful in addressing the client's current emotional state.

4. A healthcare professional is planning care for a female client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional include in the plan?

• A. Empty the drainage bag at least every 8 hours
• B. Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder
• C. Use sterile technique to collect a specimen from the drainage system
• D. Secure the catheter to the lower abdomen with a securement device

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action to include in the plan is to keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder. This positioning helps ensure proper drainage and prevents backflow of urine into the bladder, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections. Emptying the drainage bag regularly is important, typically every 4-8 hours or when it is half-full, to maintain adequate flow and prevent infection (Choice A is incorrect). Using a sterile technique to collect specimens from the drainage system is crucial to prevent introducing pathogens into the urinary tract, so clean technique should not be used (Choice C is incorrect). Taping the catheter to the lower abdomen is not recommended as it can cause tension on the catheter, leading to discomfort and potential trauma to the urethra (Choice D is incorrect).

5. Which of the following manifestations confirms the presence of pediculosis capitis in students?

• A. Scratching the head more than usual
• B. Flakes evident on a student's shoulders
• C. Oval pattern occipital hair loss
• D. Whitish oval specks sticking to the hair

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Whitish oval specks sticking to the hair shaft are nits, which are a definitive sign of pediculosis capitis (head lice). A: Scratching the head more than usual is a common symptom but not confirmatory of head lice infestation. B: Flakes evident on a student's shoulders may indicate dandruff or dry scalp, not necessarily head lice. C: Oval pattern occipital hair loss is not a typical manifestation of pediculosis capitis.

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