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 preparing to administer a medication through a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Flush the NG tube with 60 mL of water
• B. Verify tube placement
• C. Crush the medications and dissolve them in water
• D. Administer all medications together

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying tube placement is the priority before administering any medications through a nasogastric tube. This step ensures that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach to prevent complications such as aspiration. Flushing the tube with water, crushing medications, or administering them together should only be done after confirming the correct placement of the NG tube. Therefore, option B is the correct first action to take in this scenario.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who reports a burning sensation at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and swollen. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Apply a cold compress
• B. Discontinue the IV line
• C. Elevate the limb
• D. Increase the IV flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV line. The client's symptoms of a burning sensation, redness, and swelling at the IV site indicate phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The priority action in this situation is to remove the source of irritation, which is the IV line, to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Elevating the limb is not the priority in this case. Increasing the IV flow rate can worsen the phlebitis by causing further irritation to the vein.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus is being taught about foot care. What statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will soak my feet in warm water every day
• B. I will wear slippers at all times when out of bed
• C. I will apply lotion between my toes after washing my feet
• D. I will cut my toenails straight across

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Wearing slippers or shoes at all times when out of bed is crucial for clients with diabetes mellitus to protect their feet from injury. Option A is incorrect as soaking feet in warm water can lead to dry skin, making it more susceptible to injuries. Option C is incorrect as applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment, increasing the risk of fungal infections. Option D is incorrect as cutting toenails straight across is a good practice but is not directly related to preventing foot injuries in clients with diabetes.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's medical history and identifies an increased risk for infections. What risk factor should the healthcare professional include?

• A. Frequent handwashing
• B. Increased mobility
• C. High blood pressure
• D. Chronic conditions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Chronic conditions. Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or immune suppression, can compromise the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Frequent handwashing (Choice A) is actually a protective measure against infections. Increased mobility (Choice B) and high blood pressure (Choice C) are not directly associated with an increased risk for infections.

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