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 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.

3. 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.

4. A nurse is caring for an older adult who has a nonpalpable skin lesion that is less than 0.5cm (0.2in) in diameter. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?

• A. Papule
• B. Macule
• C. Nodule
• D. Tumor

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Macule. A macule is a flat, nonpalpable skin lesion that is smaller than 1 cm in diameter. In this case, the lesion is less than 0.5cm, fitting the description of a macule. A papule (choice A) is a solid, elevated lesion less than 0.5 cm in diameter. A nodule (choice C) is a solid, elevated lesion that is 0.5 cm or larger in diameter. A tumor (choice D) refers to a mass of abnormal tissue growth, which is not applicable in this scenario.

5. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being taught breathing exercises by a nurse. What instruction should the nurse include to improve oxygenation?

• A. Use pursed-lip breathing during activities
• B. Use deep breathing exercises after meals
• C. Perform diaphragmatic breathing during exercise
• D. Breathe in short, shallow breaths

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include to improve oxygenation for a client with COPD is to 'Use pursed-lip breathing during activities.' Pursed-lip breathing helps improve oxygenation by slowing down the respiratory rate, reducing the work of breathing, and keeping the airways open. This technique also helps prevent the collapse of small airways during exhalation, allowing for more complete emptying of the lungs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because deep breathing exercises after meals, diaphragmatic breathing during exercise, and breathing in short, shallow breaths do not specifically target the improvement of oxygenation in individuals with COPD.

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