Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following should the nurse assess for?

• A. Respiratory rate
• B. Chest pain
• C. Use of accessory muscles
• D. Oxygen saturation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with COPD, the nurse should assess for the use of accessory muscles. This is important because COPD can lead to increased work of breathing, causing the client to engage accessory muscles to help with respiration. Assessing for the use of accessory muscles provides crucial information about the client's respiratory effort. Respiratory rate (Choice A) is a standard assessment parameter but may not specifically indicate the severity of COPD. Chest pain (Choice B) is not typically associated with COPD unless there are complicating factors. Oxygen saturation (Choice D) is essential to monitor in COPD clients, but assessing for the use of accessory muscles takes priority as it directly reflects the client's respiratory status in COPD.

2. A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter into a female client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Inflate the balloon with 10 mL of sterile water prior to insertion
• B. Cleanse the client’s labia and meatus using a front-to-back motion
• C. Ask the client to bear down while inserting the catheter
• D. Inflate the catheter balloon after urine begins to flow

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when inserting an indwelling urinary catheter into a female client is to inflate the catheter balloon after urine begins to flow. Inflating the balloon before urine starts flowing can lead to incorrect placement in the urethra, causing trauma. Cleansing the labia and meatus should be done before the insertion, but the crucial step of inflating the balloon should occur after the catheter is correctly placed. Asking the client to bear down is not necessary during catheter insertion.

3. A nurse is teaching a client about the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Decrease fiber intake
• B. Drink peppermint tea
• C. Increase foods that are high in fat
• D. Avoid foods with gluten

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Drink peppermint tea.' Peppermint tea can help relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing symptoms of IBS, such as bloating and abdominal discomfort. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Decreasing fiber intake is not recommended for IBS management as fiber can help regulate bowel movements. Increasing foods high in fat can exacerbate symptoms of IBS, as high-fat foods can be harder to digest. Avoiding foods with gluten is more relevant for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, not specifically for IBS management.

4. A nurse is caring for a client with chronic pain. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Administer pain medications as prescribed
• B. Encourage physical activity
• C. Monitor for depression
• D. Educate about alternative therapies

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering pain medications as prescribed is a priority to manage chronic pain effectively. Pain medications help alleviate the client's discomfort and improve their quality of life. Encouraging physical activity, monitoring for depression, and educating about alternative therapies are important interventions but may not directly address the immediate need for pain relief in a client with chronic pain. Physical activity and alternative therapies can be beneficial as part of a holistic pain management plan, but addressing the pain directly should be the initial priority.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a client for signs of dehydration. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional look for?

• A. Edema
• B. Dry mucous membranes
• C. Weight gain
• D. Increased urination

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes are a classic sign of dehydration. In dehydration, the body loses more water than it takes in, leading to dryness of mucous membranes like the mouth and throat. Edema (choice A) is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, which is not a typical sign of dehydration. Weight gain (choice C) is also not a common sign of dehydration; in fact, dehydration usually leads to weight loss. Increased urination (choice D) is more indicative of conditions like diabetes or diuretic use, not dehydration.

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