Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following a cholecystectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent postoperative complications?

• A. Instruct the client to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises.
• B. Have the client wear sequential compression devices (SCDs).
• C. Place the client in a supine position with the head of the bed flat.
• D. Encourage the client to ambulate every 2 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Have the client wear sequential compression devices (SCDs). Following a cholecystectomy, the client is at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to reduced mobility and surgical stress. SCDs help prevent VTE by promoting venous return and reducing the risk of blood clots. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. While deep breathing and coughing exercises are essential postoperatively, SCDs take precedence in preventing VTE. Placing the client in a supine position with the head of the bed flat can increase the risk of respiratory complications. Encouraging ambulation is important, but SCDs are a higher priority in this situation to prevent VTE.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery and has an indwelling urinary catheter that is draining dark yellow urine at 25 ml/hr. What intervention should the nurse anticipate?

• A. Clamp the catheter.
• B. Administer a fluid bolus.
• C. Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity.
• D. Initiate continuous bladder irrigation.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should anticipate initiating continuous bladder irrigation. Dark yellow urine output at a rate of 25 ml/hr following abdominal surgery may indicate urinary stasis or obstruction, which could lead to complications like urinary retention. Continuous bladder irrigation helps prevent catheter obstruction and manage urinary retention by ensuring patency and promoting urine flow. Clamping the catheter (Choice A) could lead to urinary stasis and should be avoided. Administering a fluid bolus (Choice B) is not indicated solely based on the urine color and output described. Obtaining a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity (Choice C) may be necessary for assessing infection but does not directly address the issue of urinary stasis or obstruction.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of digoxin to a client who has heart failure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to administering the medication?

• A. Monitor the client's respiratory rate.
• B. Assess the client's apical pulse.
• C. Review the client's potassium level.
• D. Monitor the client's fluid intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take prior to administering digoxin is to assess the client's apical pulse. Digoxin is known to affect the heart rate, potentially causing bradycardia. Monitoring the client's respiratory rate (Choice A) is not directly related to administering digoxin. Reviewing the client's potassium level (Choice C) is important but not a direct prerequisite for administering digoxin. Monitoring the client's fluid intake (Choice D) is also important but not a specific action to take just before administering digoxin.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has Crohn's disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Weight gain.
• B. Bloody stools.
• C. Urinary retention.
• D. Abdominal distention.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bloody stools. Bloody stools are a common symptom of Crohn's disease, characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. Weight gain (choice A) is less likely due to malabsorption issues associated with Crohn's disease. Urinary retention (choice C) is not directly related to Crohn's disease. Abdominal distention (choice D) may occur in Crohn's disease but is not as specific a finding as bloody stools.

5. A client with a new diagnosis of hypertension is receiving discharge teaching. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will take my medication only when I feel dizzy.
• B. I will check my blood pressure at least once a week.
• C. I will limit my saturated fat intake to 7% of daily calories.
• D. I will take my medication only when I have symptoms.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because limiting saturated fat intake to 7% of daily calories is a crucial component of the dietary management for hypertension. This dietary modification helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because medication adherence should not be based on symptoms like dizziness. Choice B is inadequate as blood pressure monitoring should be more frequent, preferably daily, for effective management of hypertension. Choice D is incorrect because medication for hypertension should be taken consistently as prescribed, not just when symptoms occur.

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