Nursing Elites

1. When performing an abdominal assessment on a client, what action should the nurse take first?

• A. Palpate the abdomen
• B. Auscultate bowel sounds
• C. Inspect the abdomen
• D. Percuss the abdomen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate bowel sounds. This action should be taken first because it ensures that bowel sounds are not altered by physical manipulation. Inspecting the abdomen (choice C) may provide visual cues but does not address functional assessment. Palpating the abdomen (choice A) should follow auscultation to prevent altering bowel sounds. Percussing the abdomen (choice D) is typically done after auscultation and palpation.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing fluid volume deficit (FVD). What clinical finding should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased hematocrit
• B. Increased heart rate
• C. Increased blood pressure
• D. Decreased respiratory rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increased heart rate is a common sign of fluid volume deficit (FVD) as the body compensates for decreased fluid levels. When a client is experiencing FVD, the body tries to maintain perfusion to vital organs by increasing the heart rate. This compensatory mechanism helps to improve cardiac output and maintain blood pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in FVD, hematocrit may be increased due to hemoconcentration, blood pressure tends to decrease as a compensatory response to FVD, and respiratory rate is usually unaffected or may increase due to attempts to maintain oxygenation.

3. A healthcare provider is preparing to perform a routine abdominal assessment. What action should the healthcare provider take first?

• A. Inspect the abdomen
• B. Auscultate bowel sounds
• C. Palpate the abdomen
• D. Percuss the abdomen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first action in a routine abdominal assessment is to inspect the abdomen. This allows the healthcare provider to visually assess for any visible abnormalities such as scars, distention, or masses. Auscultating bowel sounds comes after inspection as the second step to assess bowel motility. Palpation and percussion follow in the sequence of a comprehensive abdominal assessment. Therefore, inspecting the abdomen is the priority to gather initial information before proceeding with further assessment techniques.

4. A nurse in a provider's office is assessing the motor skill development of a 15-month-old toddler during a well-child visit. What gross motor skill should the nurse expect?

• A. Jumps with both feet
• B. Runs with coordination
• C. Walks without assistance
• D. Kicks a ball forward

Correct answer: C

Rationale: At 15 months, a toddler should be able to walk without assistance. Walking without assistance is a major gross motor skill milestone at this age, indicating the child's physical development and coordination. Choices A, B, and D are developmentally inappropriate for a 15-month-old. Jumping with both feet, running with coordination, and kicking a ball forward typically develop later in a child's growth and are more advanced skills compared to walking independently.

5. When admitting a client with meningococcal meningitis, what should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Place the client on droplet precautions
• C. Perform a lumbar puncture
• D. Initiate seizure precautions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When admitting a client with meningococcal meningitis, the nurse's priority should be to place the client on droplet precautions. This is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection to others. Administering antibiotics, performing a lumbar puncture, and initiating seizure precautions are important interventions but should come after implementing droplet precautions to ensure the safety of both the client and others.

Similar Questions