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. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a client. What is the appropriate site for the injection to avoid injury?

• A. Deltoid
• B. Ventrogluteal
• C. Rectus femoris
• D. Dorsogluteal

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is the preferred site for intramuscular injections to avoid injury to nerves or blood vessels. The deltoid site is commonly used for vaccines but has a higher risk of hitting the radial nerve. The rectus femoris site is not typically recommended for intramuscular injections. The dorsogluteal site is contraindicated due to the proximity to the sciatic nerve and major blood vessels.

3. A nurse is teaching a client about ways to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after surgery. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Rest in bed for long periods
• B. Use sequential compression devices
• C. Avoid leg exercises
• D. Keep legs crossed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Use sequential compression devices.' Sequential compression devices help prevent DVT by promoting venous return, reducing stasis in the veins, and preventing blood clot formation. Resting in bed for long periods (Choice A) can actually increase the risk of DVT due to decreased mobility. Avoiding leg exercises (Choice C) is also not recommended as mobilization and exercises can help prevent blood clots. Keeping legs crossed (Choice D) can impede blood flow and is not advisable in reducing the risk of DVT.

4. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What instruction should the nurse include to help improve oxygenation?

• A. Avoid physical activity
• B. Use pursed-lip breathing during activities
• C. Limit sun exposure
• D. Perform weight-bearing exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Use pursed-lip breathing during activities.' Pursed-lip breathing improves oxygenation by keeping airways open longer, facilitating better exhalation of carbon dioxide. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding physical activity can lead to deconditioning and worsen oxygenation. Choice C is irrelevant to improving oxygenation in COPD. Choice D is not directly related to improving oxygenation in COPD; weight-bearing exercises are important for bone health but not for oxygenation.

5. A nurse is assessing 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. Administer prescribed antibiotics
• D. Assess for signs of infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter, the nurse's first action should be to notify the provider. This is important to ensure timely assessment and intervention by the healthcare provider. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline or administering antibiotics should not be done without provider's orders as it may mask symptoms or lead to inappropriate treatment. Assessing for signs of infection is important but should come after notifying the provider, who can guide further assessment and treatment.

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