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 expresses anxiety about an upcoming surgery. What should the nurse do?

• A. Administer a sedative
• B. Ask the client to describe their feelings
• C. Call the surgeon to address the anxiety
• D. Provide information on post-op care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client expresses anxiety, it is essential for the nurse to encourage the client to verbalize their feelings. This helps the client express concerns, fears, and uncertainties, enabling the nurse to provide appropriate emotional support. Administering a sedative (Choice A) should not be the initial response as it does not address the underlying emotional needs of the client. Calling the surgeon to address anxiety (Choice C) may not be within the nurse's scope of practice and may not directly address the client's emotional needs. Providing information on post-op care (Choice D) is important but not the priority when the client is experiencing anxiety preoperatively.

3. A client who is at risk for developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after surgery. What intervention should the nurse implement to reduce this risk?

• A. Avoid ambulation to prevent injury
• B. Use compression stockings
• C. Use a heating pad for comfort
• D. Elevate the client's legs on a pillow

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after surgery is to use compression stockings. Compression stockings help prevent DVT by promoting venous return, which reduces the likelihood of blood pooling in the legs and forming clots. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding ambulation can actually increase the risk of DVT, using a heating pad does not directly address DVT prevention, and elevating the client's legs on a pillow alone may not provide sufficient compression to prevent DVT.

4. A nurse is preparing to perform a focused respiratory assessment on a client with COPD. What is an expected finding?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nasal flaring is an expected finding in clients with COPD who are experiencing respiratory distress. Nasal flaring is a sign of increased work of breathing and respiratory distress, commonly seen in clients with COPD exacerbation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A normal respiratory rate would not be an expected finding in a client with COPD, as they often have an increased respiratory rate. Decreased breath sounds could indicate diminished airflow but are not typically a common finding in COPD. Increased breath sounds are not typical in COPD and could indicate other conditions like pneumonia.

5. A nurse is planning to administer several medications to a client through a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Dissolve crushed tablet medications in tap water
• B. Administer all medications together
• C. Flush the NG tube with 60 mL of water before each medication
• D. Dissolve medications separately and flush with sterile water

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when administering medications through a nasogastric (NG) tube is to dissolve medications separately and flush the tube with sterile water. This is important to prevent interactions between medications and ensure accurate administration. Option A is incorrect because tap water may not be sterile and could lead to contamination. Option B is incorrect as it increases the risk of drug interactions and may affect the effectiveness of each medication. Option C is incorrect as 60 mL of water before each medication may not be enough to ensure proper medication delivery and prevent interactions.

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