Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A client expresses anxiety about an upcoming surgery. What should the nurse do?

• A. Administer a sedative
• B. Ask the client to describe their feelings
• C. Call the surgeon to address the anxiety
• D. Provide information on post-op care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client expresses anxiety, it is essential for the nurse to encourage the client to verbalize their feelings. This helps the client express concerns, fears, and uncertainties, enabling the nurse to provide appropriate emotional support. Administering a sedative (Choice A) should not be the initial response as it does not address the underlying emotional needs of the client. Calling the surgeon to address anxiety (Choice C) may not be within the nurse's scope of practice and may not directly address the client's emotional needs. Providing information on post-op care (Choice D) is important but not the priority when the client is experiencing anxiety preoperatively.

3. A client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery is at risk for constipation due to which behavior?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Postoperative clients are at risk for constipation due to various factors, including decreased fluid intake. Insufficient fluid consumption can lead to hardening of stools, making them difficult to pass. Increased fiber intake (choice A) is actually beneficial for preventing constipation as it adds bulk to the stool. Frequent urge suppression (choice C) can contribute to constipation by disrupting normal bowel habits. Increased physical activity (choice D) generally helps promote bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation.

4. A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is being taught about foot care. What instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Apply lotion between the toes after bathing
• B. Wear shoes at all times
• C. Cut toenails in a rounded shape
• D. Inspect the feet weekly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to wear shoes at all times. This instruction is vital for clients with diabetes mellitus as it helps protect the feet and reduces the risk of injury. Option A is incorrect as applying lotion between the toes can increase moisture and the risk of fungal infections. Option C is incorrect as cutting toenails in a rounded shape may lead to ingrown toenails. Option D is also incorrect as inspecting the feet weekly is not sufficient for proper foot care in clients with diabetes mellitus.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer enteral feedings to a client with an NG tube. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Flush the tube with 100 mL of water
• B. Verify tube placement
• C. Elevate the head of the bed
• D. Measure the residual gastric volume

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying tube placement is the priority action the nurse should take before administering enteral feedings. This step ensures that the NG tube is correctly positioned, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Flushing the tube with water, elevating the head of the bed, and measuring residual gastric volume are important steps in enteral feeding administration but come after verifying tube placement. Flushing the tube with water helps clear the tubing, elevating the head of the bed reduces the risk of aspiration, and measuring residual gastric volume helps assess the client's tolerance to feedings.

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