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 has an indwelling urinary catheter. What should the nurse identify as a sign of catheter occlusion?

• A. Bladder spasms
• B. Bladder distention
• C. Frequent urination
• D. Hematuria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bladder distention. Bladder distention is a sign of catheter occlusion because it indicates a failure to drain urine properly. Bladder spasms (Choice A) are more commonly associated with bladder irritability rather than catheter occlusion. Frequent urination (Choice C) is unlikely in a client with an indwelling catheter as the urine should be draining continuously. Hematuria (Choice D) refers to blood in the urine and is not typically a direct sign of catheter occlusion.

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 providing discharge instructions to a client who has been prescribed a mechanical soft diet. What food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

• A. Steamed carrots
• B. Orange slices
• C. Mashed potatoes
• D. Baked chicken

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Orange slices. For a client on a mechanical soft diet, foods that are difficult to chew and swallow should be avoided. Orange slices fall into this category due to their texture and potential choking hazard. Steamed carrots, mashed potatoes, and baked chicken are typically suitable for a mechanical soft diet as they can be easily mashed or cut into small, manageable pieces for consumption.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the medical record of a client with a hip fracture. Which finding is a risk factor for pressure injuries?

• A. Frequent repositioning
• B. Poor nutrition
• C. Use of a special mattress
• D. Urinary incontinence

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the use of a special mattress. Special mattresses are designed to reduce pressure on bony prominences, thereby helping to prevent pressure injuries. Frequent repositioning (Choice A) is actually a preventive measure for pressure injuries. Poor nutrition (Choice B) can contribute to delayed wound healing but is not a direct risk factor for pressure injuries. Urinary incontinence (Choice D) can increase the risk of skin breakdown but is not a direct risk factor for pressure injuries.

Similar Questions