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 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.

3. A nurse is assessing the IV infusion site of a client who reports pain at the site. The site is red, and there is warmth along the course of the vein. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Flush the IV line with saline
• 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. The symptoms described - pain, redness, and warmth along the vein - are indicative of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Continuing the infusion can lead to further complications. Flushing the IV line, elevating the limb, or applying a cold compress do not address the underlying issue of phlebitis and may not be sufficient to resolve the problem. Therefore, the priority action is to discontinue the infusion to prevent worsening of the condition.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer enteral feedings to a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Measure the residual gastric volume
• B. Verify tube placement
• C. Flush the tube with 100 mL of water
• D. Administer the feeding in small boluses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying tube placement is the crucial initial step a nurse should take before administering enteral feedings through an NG tube. This step ensures that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration. Measuring residual gastric volume, flushing the tube with water, or administering the feeding in small boluses are all important steps in enteral feeding but should only be done after confirming the correct tube placement.

5. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving continuous enteral feedings. What is a sign of intolerance to the feeding?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Nausea
• C. Constipation
• D. Decreased heart rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nausea is a common sign of intolerance to enteral feedings and should be addressed promptly. Weight gain (Choice A) is not typically a sign of intolerance to enteral feedings but may indicate other health issues. Constipation (Choice C) is not a common sign of feeding intolerance. Decreased heart rate (Choice D) is not typically associated with intolerance to enteral feedings.

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