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 in a provider's office is assessing a client who reports a decrease in the effectiveness of their arthritis medication. What factor should the nurse identify as contributing to this decrease?

• A. Increased activity level
• B. Bowel inflammation
• C. Long-term use of the medication
• D. History of dehydration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Bowel inflammation can reduce the absorption of oral medications, leading to decreased effectiveness. In this case, the decrease in the effectiveness of the arthritis medication could be attributed to impaired absorption due to bowel inflammation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increased activity level, long-term use of the medication, and history of dehydration are not directly associated with a decrease in medication effectiveness related to absorption issues.

3. 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.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus has a foot ulcer. What is an appropriate intervention to promote wound healing?

• A. Apply a heating pad to the wound
• B. Apply a moisture-retentive dressing
• C. Provide daily wound irrigation
• D. Apply an ice pack to the wound

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to apply a moisture-retentive dressing. This type of dressing promotes a moist wound environment, which is crucial for wound healing. Applying a heating pad can lead to tissue damage, while daily wound irrigation can disrupt the wound healing process. Applying an ice pack is not recommended for promoting wound healing in this scenario.

5. When teaching a client about the correct use of a cane, what should the nurse include?

• A. Hold the cane on the weaker side
• B. Ensure the cane has a rubber tip
• C. Keep the cane on the dominant side
• D. Use the cane only on stairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When instructing a client on the use of a cane, it is essential to ensure that the cane has a rubber tip. This rubber tip helps prevent slipping, providing additional stability and safety. Option A, holding the cane on the weaker side, is incorrect as the cane should be held on the stronger side to provide better balance and support. Option C, keeping the cane on the dominant side, is also incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side. Option D, using the cane only on stairs, is not comprehensive as the cane can be used for support and balance while walking on level ground as well.

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