Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is constipated. What intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Administer a laxative to relieve discomfort
• B. Encourage the client to increase dietary fiber intake
• C. Encourage the client to rest until symptoms resolve
• D. Administer a stool softener as prescribed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for constipation is to encourage the client to increase dietary fiber intake. Fiber helps promote bowel movements and relieve constipation by adding bulk to the stool. Administering a laxative (Choice A) should not be the first-line intervention as it can lead to dependence. Encouraging rest (Choice C) is not directly helpful in relieving constipation. While administering a stool softener (Choice D) can be beneficial, increasing fiber intake is generally preferred as the initial intervention.

2. A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client who is receiving oxygen therapy. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include to prevent complications?

• A. Check the client's oxygen saturation every 2 hours
• B. Provide humidified oxygen
• C. Instruct the client to perform deep breathing exercises
• D. Use an oxygen mask for delivery

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide humidified oxygen. Providing humidified oxygen helps prevent dryness and irritation of the respiratory tract during oxygen therapy. This intervention is crucial in preventing complications such as mucous membrane dryness and potential damage to the airways. Checking the client's oxygen saturation every 2 hours (choice A) is essential for monitoring the client's response to therapy but does not directly prevent complications. Instructing the client to perform deep breathing exercises (choice C) is beneficial for respiratory function but does not directly address preventing complications related to oxygen therapy. Using an oxygen mask for delivery (choice D) is a common method of administering oxygen but does not specifically focus on preventing complications like dryness and irritation.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports tingling and numbness in the hands. The nurse should expect to administer which of the following medications?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate.
• B. Calcium gluconate.
• C. Potassium chloride.
• D. Magnesium sulfate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tingling and numbness in the hands can indicate hypocalcemia, a common complication following a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications like tetany and seizures. Calcium gluconate is the drug of choice for rapidly raising serum calcium levels in hypocalcemic patients. Sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for treating hypocalcemia or related symptoms. Potassium chloride is used to correct potassium imbalances, not calcium. Magnesium sulfate is not the appropriate treatment for hypocalcemia; it is commonly used for conditions like preeclampsia or eclampsia.

4. When a client with dementia frequently becomes agitated, what should the nurse prioritize investigating?

• A. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
• B. Medication history
• C. Environmental factors
• D. Cognitive functioning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to prioritize investigating the client's medication history. This is important because certain medications can contribute to agitation in clients with dementia. Understanding the medication history can help identify potential causes of agitation and guide appropriate interventions. Checking for fluid and electrolyte imbalances is important in healthcare but may not directly relate to the client's agitation. While environmental factors can influence behavior, investigating the medication history is more pertinent in this case. Cognitive functioning assessment is crucial in dementia care but may not be the priority when addressing acute agitation.

5. A nurse is caring for a client following an acute myocardial infarction. The client is concerned that providing self-care will be difficult due to extreme fatigue. Which of the following strategies should the nurse implement to promote the client's independence?

• A. Request an occupational therapy consult to determine the need for assistive devices
• B. Assign assistive personnel to perform self-care tasks for the client
• C. Instruct the client to focus on gradually resuming self-care tasks
• D. Ask the client if a family member is available to assist with his care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Instructing the client to focus on gradually resuming self-care tasks is the most appropriate strategy to promote independence following an acute myocardial infarction. This approach allows the client to regain confidence and control over their self-care activities without feeling overwhelmed. Requesting an occupational therapy consult (Choice A) may be beneficial but is not the immediate solution to promote independence. Assigning assistive personnel (Choice B) to perform tasks for the client does not encourage independence. Asking if a family member is available for assistance (Choice D) does not directly promote the client's independence.

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