Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing surgery for a hip fracture. What is a priority intervention to reduce the risk of postoperative complications?

• A. Encourage early ambulation
• B. Provide intravenous antibiotics
• C. Apply anti-embolism stockings
• D. Place a Foley catheter to monitor output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging early ambulation is crucial in reducing the risk of postoperative complications, such as blood clots and pneumonia. Early mobilization helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia by promoting circulation and preventing respiratory complications. Providing intravenous antibiotics (Choice B) is important for preventing infections but is not the priority immediately post-surgery. Applying anti-embolism stockings (Choice C) is beneficial in preventing venous thromboembolism but does not address the immediate need for mobility. Placing a Foley catheter (Choice D) may be necessary during surgery but is not a priority intervention to reduce postoperative complications related to immobility.

2. While assessing the IV infusion site of a client experiencing pain, redness, and warmth, what should the nurse do?

• A. Increase the IV flow rate
• B. Discontinue the infusion
• C. Elevate the limb
• D. Apply a cold compress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the infusion. Pain, redness, and warmth at the IV site are signs of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Continuing the infusion can further irritate the vein and lead to complications. Increasing the IV flow rate would exacerbate the issue by delivering more irritants to the vein. Elevating the limb and applying a cold compress are not the appropriate interventions for phlebitis, as discontinuing the infusion is crucial to prevent further harm.

3. A healthcare professional is performing a focused assessment on a client who has a history of COPD and is experiencing dyspnea. What finding should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Decreased respiratory rate
• B. Flushing of the skin
• C. Flaring of the nostrils
• D. Productive cough

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Flaring of the nostrils is a sign of increased respiratory effort, which is common in clients with COPD experiencing dyspnea. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A decreased respiratory rate is not expected in a client with COPD experiencing dyspnea, as they often have an increased respiratory rate. Flushing of the skin is not a typical finding associated with COPD or dyspnea. While a productive cough can be seen in COPD, it is not specifically related to the increased respiratory effort seen with dyspnea.

4. A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change for a client who has a surgical wound. What should the nurse do to prevent contamination?

• A. Wear non-sterile gloves
• B. Apply sterile gloves over non-sterile gloves
• C. Change gloves if the sterile solution splashes onto the sterile field
• D. Cover the sterile field with a sterile drape

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. If sterile solution splashes onto the sterile field, it is considered contaminated. Changing gloves in this situation ensures that the sterility of the dressing change is maintained. Choice A is incorrect as non-sterile gloves would introduce contaminants. Choice B is incorrect as layering gloves can increase the risk of contamination. Choice D is incorrect as covering the sterile field with a sterile drape is not the appropriate action to take in response to contamination.

5. A client has a new prescription for a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). What instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Inhale the medication for 1 second
• B. Shake the inhaler vigorously before use
• C. Hold the inhaler 1-2 inches from the mouth
• D. Exhale immediately after inhalation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is to hold the inhaler 1-2 inches from the mouth. This distance allows for the proper delivery of the medication into the lungs. Choice A is incorrect because the duration of inhalation can vary depending on the medication, and 1 second may not be adequate. Choice B is incorrect as shaking the inhaler vigorously is not necessary for all MDIs and can lead to inaccurate dosing. Choice D is incorrect as the client should hold their breath for about 10 seconds after inhalation to allow the medication to deposit in the lungs.

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