Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is performing a focused assessment on a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What finding should the nurse expect?

• A. Increased breath sounds
• B. Flushed skin
• C. Nasal flaring
• D. Decreased respiratory rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flushed skin. Flushed skin is a common finding in clients with COPD who are experiencing dyspnea. Increased breath sounds (choice A) are not typically associated with COPD; they may indicate conditions like pneumonia. Nasal flaring (choice C) is more commonly seen in respiratory distress in pediatric patients. Decreased respiratory rate (choice D) is not a typical finding in COPD and could indicate respiratory depression.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postop following abdominal surgery. What behavior should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for constipation?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased physical activity. Following abdominal surgery, reduced physical activity can contribute to constipation due to decreased bowel motility. Increased fiber intake (choice A) generally helps prevent constipation by adding bulk to the stool. Frequent urge suppression (choice C) may lead to issues like urinary retention but is not directly linked to constipation. Adequate sleep (choice D) is important for overall recovery but does not significantly impact constipation risk.

3. A nurse is preparing to perform an abdominal assessment on a client. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Percuss the abdomen
• B. Inspect the abdomen
• C. Auscultate before palpation
• D. Palpate the abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate before palpation. This ensures that bowel sounds are not altered by physical manipulation. Inspecting the abdomen is a valid step but not the first. Percussing and palpating should come after auscultation to prevent altering bowel sounds or causing discomfort to the client.

4. A client signed an informed consent form for surgery but has expressed doubts about the need for surgery. What should the nurse say?

• A. Reassure the client of the surgeon's skill
• B. The surgeon will answer your questions before surgery
• C. Tell the client surgery is necessary
• D. Encourage the client to seek a second opinion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the surgeon should address the client's doubts before surgery. Informed consent requires that the client fully understands the procedure. Choice A is incorrect because reassuring the client of the surgeon's skill does not address the client's doubts about the need for surgery. Choice C is incorrect because telling the client surgery is necessary may not address their concerns and could violate the principle of autonomy. Choice D is incorrect as the immediate concern is addressing the client's doubts before surgery, not necessarily seeking a second opinion.

5. A charge nurse is making assignments for the upcoming shift. Which client should the charge nurse assign to a licensed practical nurse (LPN)?

• A. A client requiring IV antibiotics for pneumonia
• B. A client requiring monitoring for dehydration
• C. A client with dehydration and inflammatory bowel disease
• D. A client admitted for surgical wound care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a client with dehydration and inflammatory bowel disease is stable enough for care by an LPN. This condition does not require complex interventions that would necessitate a higher level of nursing care. Choice A is incorrect as administering IV antibiotics for pneumonia requires a higher level of nursing expertise. Choice B is incorrect because monitoring for dehydration may involve assessing vital signs and making critical decisions. Choice D is incorrect as providing care for surgical wound care involves wound assessment, dressing changes, and monitoring for signs of infection, which typically require a registered nurse.

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