Nursing Elites

1. A client is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should be taken to prevent respiratory complications?

• A. Instruct the client to exhale into an incentive spirometer
• B. Reposition the client every 8 hours
• C. Assist the client with early ambulation
• D. Maintain the client on bed rest for the first 48 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assisting the client with early ambulation is crucial in preventing respiratory complications after abdominal surgery. Early ambulation helps to prevent conditions like atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung expansion and preventing pooling of respiratory secretions. It also aids in improving circulation, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis, and enhancing overall recovery. Instructing the client to exhale into an incentive spirometer (Choice A) is beneficial for lung expansion but is more focused on respiratory therapy rather than preventing complications. Repositioning the client every 8 hours (Choice B) is important for preventing pressure ulcers but is not directly related to preventing respiratory complications. Maintaining the client on bed rest for the first 48 hours (Choice D) can lead to complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, and deep vein thrombosis due to decreased lung expansion and mobility.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer medications to a client who has an NG tube for continuous feedings. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Add crushed medications to the enteral feeding.
• B. Infuse each medication by gravity.
• C. Administer the medications through a syringe.
• D. Flush the NG tube with 5 mL of sterile water.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Administering medications through a syringe is the correct action to take when a client has an NG tube for continuous feedings. This method ensures that each medication is delivered correctly and is not mixed with the enteral feeding, preventing drug interactions and ensuring proper administration of each medication. Adding crushed medications to the enteral feeding (Choice A) can lead to inaccurate dosing and potential drug interactions. Infusing each medication by gravity (Choice B) is not recommended as it may not ensure accurate delivery of the medication. Flushing the NG tube with sterile water (Choice D) is important but is not directly related to administering medications through the tube.

3. A client with chronic kidney disease is being educated by a nurse about dietary management. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should limit my intake of protein to prevent overworking my kidneys.
• B. I should increase my intake of potassium-rich foods.
• C. I should increase my intake of phosphorus-rich foods.
• D. I should increase my intake of calcium-rich foods.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In chronic kidney disease, limiting protein intake is crucial to prevent overworking the kidneys. Excessive protein consumption can lead to the accumulation of metabolic waste products that the kidneys struggle to process, worsening kidney function. Therefore, by recognizing the need to restrict protein intake, the client demonstrates an understanding of the dietary management required for their condition. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing intake of potassium-rich foods (Choice B) is not recommended in chronic kidney disease as it can lead to hyperkalemia. Similarly, increasing intake of phosphorus-rich foods (Choice C) is not advised because impaired kidneys struggle to excrete phosphorus, leading to elevated levels in the blood. Lastly, increasing intake of calcium-rich foods (Choice D) may not be necessary unless there is a specific deficiency or requirement, as calcium balance is often disrupted in chronic kidney disease.

4. When administering an IM injection to a 5-month-old infant, which of the following injection sites should be used?

• A. Deltoid
• B. Ventrogluteal
• C. Vastus lateralis
• D. Dorsogluteal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For infants and young children, the vastus lateralis muscle located over the anterior thigh is the preferred site for intramuscular injections. This site is chosen for its large muscle mass and reduced risk of injury to major nerves and blood vessels. Infants have less developed muscle structures, making the vastus lateralis a safer and more effective site for injections compared to other sites like the deltoid, ventrogluteal, or dorsogluteal. Using the correct injection site is essential to prevent complications and ensure the proper absorption of the medication.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a prescription for digoxin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take your pulse before taking the medication.
• B. Take the medication with an antacid.
• C. Double the dose if you miss one.
• D. Take the medication with a high-fiber meal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take your pulse before taking the medication.' When administering digoxin, it is crucial to monitor the pulse rate because digoxin can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate). Checking the pulse helps in assessing the heart rate before taking the medication, as bradycardia is a common side effect of digoxin. Choice B is incorrect because digoxin should not be taken with antacids, as they can reduce its absorption. Choice C is incorrect; the dose should never be doubled if a dose is missed. Choice D is incorrect because taking digoxin with a high-fiber meal can also affect its absorption. Therefore, the essential instruction for the client is to monitor the pulse before taking digoxin.

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