Nursing Elites

1. A client has major fecal incontinence and reports irritation in the perianal area. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Apply a fecal collection system
• B. Apply a barrier cream
• C. Cleanse and dry the area
• D. Check the client's perineum

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client with major fecal incontinence reports irritation in the perianal area, the nurse's initial action should be to assess the client's perineum to gather more information. By checking the perineum, the nurse can identify the extent and nature of the irritation, allowing for appropriate interventions to be initiated. This assessment is crucial in developing a comprehensive care plan and addressing the client's immediate needs effectively. Applying the nursing process priority-setting framework helps in planning care and prioritizing nursing actions, making assessment the initial step in this scenario. Applying a fecal collection system (choice A) would be premature without assessing the perineal area first. Similarly, applying a barrier cream (choice B) or cleansing and drying the area (choice C) should follow the assessment to ensure appropriate interventions are chosen based on the assessment findings.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Use a 1-inch needle.
• B. Stretch the skin at the injection site.
• C. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
• D. Aspirate for blood return before injecting.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Aspirating for blood return before injecting is a crucial step in administering intramuscular injections. This action ensures that the needle is not in a blood vessel, reducing the risk of injecting medication into a blood vessel, which can lead to potential complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Using a longer 1-inch needle is often necessary for intramuscular injections to reach the muscle tissue properly. Stretching the skin is not recommended as it can cause unnecessary pain and tissue damage. Inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle is the preferred method for intramuscular injections to ensure proper medication delivery.

3. A client is receiving continuous enteral feedings. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Monitor intake and output every 8 hours.
• B. Flush the feeding tube every 4 hours.
• C. Measure the client's temperature every 24 hours.
• D. Change the feeding bag and tubing every 72 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flush the feeding tube every 4 hours. Flushing the feeding tube every 4 hours is essential to maintain patency and prevent clogging, ensuring the client receives the prescribed enteral nutrition without interruption. This intervention helps prevent complications such as tube occlusion. Monitoring intake and output is important for assessing the client's hydration status but does not directly address tube patency. Measuring the client's temperature is essential for monitoring for signs of infection but is not directly related to tube maintenance. Changing the feeding bag and tubing every 72 hours is important for infection control but does not address tube patency.

4. A client has a new prescription for digoxin, and a nurse is providing teaching. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will take my pulse before taking this medication.
• B. I will take this medication with an antacid.
• C. I will double the dose if I miss one.
• D. I will avoid eating bananas.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because taking the pulse before administering digoxin is crucial as the medication can cause bradycardia. Monitoring the pulse helps in identifying any signs of bradycardia, a common side effect of digoxin. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Taking digoxin with an antacid may interfere with its absorption. Doubling the dose if a dose is missed can lead to overdose and adverse effects. Avoiding bananas is not specifically related to digoxin therapy.

5. When admitting a client at risk for falls in a long-term care facility, what should the nurse do first?

• A. Complete a fall-risk assessment
• B. Place a fall-risk identification bracelet on the client
• C. Provide the client with nonskid footwear
• D. Set the bed to the lowest position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The initial step in caring for a client at risk for falls is to conduct a fall-risk assessment. This assessment helps the nurse gather crucial data to identify specific risks and individualized needs, guiding subsequent interventions and preventive measures. By completing a thorough assessment, the nurse can develop a targeted plan of care to mitigate fall risk and ensure the client's safety. Placing a fall-risk identification bracelet, providing nonskid footwear, or setting the bed to the lowest position may be important interventions, but these actions should be based on the findings of the fall-risk assessment, making choice A the priority.

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