Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a situational crisis following the loss of a job. The client states, 'I don't think I can go through this again.' Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

• A. Refer the client to a mental health counselor
• B. Encourage the client to express their feelings
• C. Determine if the client is experiencing psychotic thinking
• D. Ask the client about their social support system

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse's priority is to determine if the client is experiencing psychotic thinking as it addresses the immediate safety concern. Psychotic thinking may pose a risk to the client's safety or the safety of others. Referring the client to a mental health counselor (choice A) may be appropriate but not the priority when safety is a concern. Encouraging the client to express their feelings (choice B) and asking about their social support system (choice D) are essential aspects of care but are secondary to addressing immediate safety issues.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who delivered a full-term newborn 16 hours ago. The nurse notes excessive lochia discharge. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer pain medication
• B. Perform a fundal massage
• C. Check the baby's heart rate
• D. Apply an ice pack

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Performing a fundal massage is the priority action in a postpartum client experiencing excessive lochia discharge. Fundal massage helps prevent postpartum hemorrhage by ensuring the uterus contracts effectively. Administering pain medication, checking the baby's heart rate, and applying an ice pack are not the initial interventions needed to address excessive lochia discharge.

3. How should a healthcare professional care for a patient with a colostomy?

• A. Empty the colostomy bag regularly
• B. Provide a high-fiber diet
• C. Monitor for signs of infection
• D. Change the colostomy bag every 3 days

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Emptying the colostomy bag regularly is essential to prevent leakage and infection. By regularly emptying the bag, the risk of irritation to the skin surrounding the stoma is reduced. Providing a high-fiber diet is important for overall bowel health but is not directly related to colostomy care. While monitoring for signs of infection is crucial, the primary focus should be on proper bag emptying. Changing the colostomy bag every 3 days may not be necessary for all patients and could vary based on individual needs and the type of colostomy.

4. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about using a cane with a client who has left-leg weakness. What instruction should the nurse give?

• A. Use the cane on the weaker side
• B. Advance the cane and the strong leg together
• C. Maintain two points of support on the floor at all times
• D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with left-leg weakness using a cane is to maintain two points of support on the floor at all times. This technique provides stability and support while walking. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side to support the weaker leg. Choice B is incorrect as advancing the cane and the strong leg together may not provide adequate support and balance. Choice D is incorrect as the distance to advance the cane with each step can vary depending on the individual's needs and abilities.

5. A nurse has just received change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client who was just given a glass of orange juice for a low blood glucose level.
• B. A client who is scheduled for a procedure in 1 hr.
• C. A client who has 100 mL fluid remaining in his IV bag.
• D. A client who received a pain medication 30 min ago for postoperative pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client with low blood glucose needs immediate assessment to ensure that the orange juice has corrected the hypoglycemia. Monitoring the effectiveness of the intervention for low blood glucose is the priority. The other options, such as a client scheduled for a procedure in 1 hour, a client with fluid remaining in the IV bag, and a client who received pain medication 30 minutes ago, do not require immediate assessment like the client with low blood glucose.

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