Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and refuses to use an incentive spirometer following major abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

• A. Demonstrate how to use the spirometer
• B. Set a realistic postoperative goal
• C. Determine the reasons why the client is refusing
• D. Request that a respiratory therapist discuss the technique

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to determine the reasons why the client is refusing to use the incentive spirometer. By understanding the client's concerns or issues, the nurse can address them effectively, provide education or support, and encourage the client to comply with the necessary postoperative care. This approach fosters a patient-centered care environment. Demonstrating how to use the spirometer (Choice A) may be important but is not the priority at this moment. Setting a realistic postoperative goal (Choice B) is relevant but not as immediate as understanding the client's refusal. Requesting a respiratory therapist (Choice D) can be considered later if needed, but the nurse's initial focus should be on understanding the client's perspective.

2. Which of the following is the correct method to reduce the risk of infection when handling a urinary catheter?

• A. Clean the catheter tubing with soap and water.
• B. Maintain sterile technique when inserting the catheter.
• C. Insert the catheter using clean gloves and a clean technique.
• D. Flush the catheter tubing regularly with sterile water.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct method to reduce the risk of infection when handling a urinary catheter is to maintain sterile technique when inserting the catheter. Sterile technique helps prevent introducing pathogens into the urinary system, reducing the risk of infection. Choice A is incorrect because cleaning the catheter tubing with soap and water is not sufficient for preventing infection. Choice C is incorrect as clean gloves and technique are not enough; sterile technique is necessary. Choice D is incorrect as flushing the catheter tubing with sterile water, though important for maintaining catheter patency, does not address the need for sterile technique during insertion to prevent infection.

3. What is the most important nursing intervention for a patient with diarrhea?

• A. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake.
• B. Monitor the patient's skin integrity.
• C. Check the patient's electrolyte levels.
• D. Educate the patient about infection control measures.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the patient's skin integrity. This is crucial because diarrhea can lead to skin breakdown due to frequent bowel movements and increased moisture in the perineal area. By monitoring skin integrity, nurses can prevent skin breakdown, infection, and other associated issues. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice A) is important but not the most critical intervention. Checking electrolyte levels (Choice C) is essential but may not be the top priority at the onset. Educating the patient about infection control (Choice D) is important but secondary to preventing skin breakdown in a patient with diarrhea.

4. A family was referred to crisis intervention services after a natural disaster. One family member refuses to attend, stating, 'No way, I'm not crazy.' What is the nurse's best response?

• A. Don't worry now. The psychiatrists are well trained to help.
• B. Many times, disasters can create mental health problems, so you really should participate with your family.
• C. This will help your family communicate better.
• D. Seeking this kind of help does not mean that you have a mental illness; it is a short-term problem-solving technique.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should reassure the family member that seeking help does not imply mental illness, but is part of coping with the disaster.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the medical records of a client who has a pressure ulcer. Which of the following findings should the professional expect?

• A. Albumin level of 3
• B. Hemoglobin of 12
• C. Normal skin moisture
• D. No signs of infection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Albumin level of 3. A low albumin level indicates poor nutrition, which can contribute to the development of pressure ulcers. Choice B, Hemoglobin of 12, is within the normal range and is not directly associated with pressure ulcers. Choice C, Normal skin moisture, does not provide specific information related to pressure ulcers. Choice D, No signs of infection, while important, is not a direct finding associated with pressure ulcers.

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