Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following an appendectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Urine output of 20 mL/hr.
• B. Temperature of 36.5°C (97.7°F).
• C. Sanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing.
• D. WBC count of 9,000/mm3.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Urine output of 20 mL/hr. A urine output less than 30 mL/hr can indicate decreased renal perfusion, potentially due to hypovolemia or other issues, and should be reported to the provider. B: A temperature of 36.5°C (97.7°F) falls within the normal range and does not require immediate reporting. C: Sanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing is expected in the early postoperative period and should be monitored but does not need immediate reporting unless excessive. D: A WBC count of 9,000/mm3 is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate concern.

2. What is the correct procedure for inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube?

• A. Measure the tube and insert with lubrication
• B. Insert with lubrication and no measurement
• C. Insert without lubrication and secure it
• D. Insert with lubrication and check placement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct procedure for inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube involves measuring the tube to ensure the appropriate length for insertion and using lubrication to reduce discomfort and aid in smooth insertion. Choice B is incorrect as measuring the tube is essential for proper placement. Choice C is incorrect as lubrication helps in easing the insertion process. Choice D is incorrect as checking the placement comes after insertion and should not be done simultaneously with the insertion process.

3. A client diagnosed with dementia wanders the halls of the locked nursing unit during the day. To ensure the client's safety while walking in the halls, the nurse should do which of the following?

• A. Administer PRN haloperidol (Haldol) to decrease the need to walk
• B. Assess the client's gait for steadiness
• C. Restrain the client in a geriatric chair
• D. Administer PRN lorazepam (Ativan) to provide sedation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the client's gait for steadiness is the most appropriate action to ensure the safety of a client with dementia while walking. This allows the nurse to identify any issues that may increase the risk of falls or accidents. Administering PRN haloperidol or lorazepam is not indicated as the first-line approach in managing wandering behavior and can have adverse effects like increased risk of falls, confusion, or oversedation. Restraint use should be avoided whenever possible, as it can lead to physical and psychological harm to the client.

4. A nurse is caring for a client with an NG tube who is experiencing nausea and decreased gastric secretions. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Increase the suction pressure
• B. Turn the client onto their side
• C. Irrigate the NG tube with sterile water
• D. Replace the NG tube with a new one

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to replace the NG tube with a new one. When a client with an NG tube experiences nausea and decreased gastric secretions, it indicates a possible problem with the tube itself. Replacing the tube ensures proper functioning and can alleviate the symptoms. Increasing the suction pressure (Choice A) can worsen the client's condition. Turning the client onto their side (Choice B) may be helpful in some situations but does not address the underlying issue. Irrigating the NG tube with sterile water (Choice C) is not the priority and may not resolve the problem.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Numbness of the extremities.
• B. Abdominal cramping.
• C. Bradycardia.
• D. Positive Chvostek's sign.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia, as the sodium imbalance affects muscle function. Numbness of the extremities (Choice A) is more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances such as hypocalcemia. Bradycardia (Choice C) is not typically a direct manifestation of hyponatremia. Positive Chvostek's sign (Choice D) is related to hypocalcemia, not hyponatremia.

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