Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postop following abdominal surgery. What behavior should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for constipation?

• A. Increased fiber intake
• B. Decreased physical activity
• C. Frequent urge suppression
• D. Adequate sleep

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased physical activity. Following abdominal surgery, reduced physical activity can contribute to constipation due to decreased bowel motility. Increased fiber intake (choice A) generally helps prevent constipation by adding bulk to the stool. Frequent urge suppression (choice C) may lead to issues like urinary retention but is not directly linked to constipation. Adequate sleep (choice D) is important for overall recovery but does not significantly impact constipation risk.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline
• B. Notify the provider
• C. Apply a warm compress to the site
• D. Administer pain medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a client reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter is to notify the provider. Pain at the catheter site may indicate complications such as infection or blockage, which require further assessment and intervention by the healthcare provider. Irrigating the catheter, applying a warm compress, or administering pain medication should not be done without provider evaluation as they do not address the underlying cause of the pain and may potentially worsen the situation.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and warm. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Flush the IV line with saline
• B. Discontinue the IV infusion
• C. Apply a cold compress
• D. Increase the IV flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion. The signs of redness and warmth at the IV site indicate phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Discontinuing the IV infusion is crucial to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Flushing the IV line with saline would not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the cause. Increasing the IV flow rate can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer enteral feedings to a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Measure the residual gastric volume
• B. Verify tube placement
• C. Flush the tube with 100 mL of water
• D. Administer the feeding in small boluses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying tube placement is the crucial initial step a nurse should take before administering enteral feedings through an NG tube. This step ensures that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration. Measuring residual gastric volume, flushing the tube with water, or administering the feeding in small boluses are all important steps in enteral feeding but should only be done after confirming the correct tube placement.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client with a prescription for home oxygen therapy. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Increase the oxygen flow rate when shortness of breath occurs
• B. Keep oxygen tubing away from heat sources
• C. Wear synthetic fabrics to prevent static
• D. Turn off the oxygen when not in use

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with home oxygen therapy is to keep oxygen tubing away from heat sources to prevent fires and other hazards. Option A is incorrect because adjusting the oxygen flow rate without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous. Option C is incorrect as synthetic fabrics can generate static electricity, which is a fire hazard. Option D is incorrect as oxygen should be left on as prescribed unless advised otherwise.

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