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. When admitting a client with meningococcal meningitis, what should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Place the client on droplet precautions
• C. Perform a lumbar puncture
• D. Initiate seizure precautions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When admitting a client with meningococcal meningitis, the nurse's priority should be to place the client on droplet precautions. This is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection to others. Administering antibiotics, performing a lumbar puncture, and initiating seizure precautions are important interventions but should come after implementing droplet precautions to ensure the safety of both the client and others.

3. A nurse is monitoring a client receiving intermittent enteral feedings. What should the nurse identify as a sign of intolerance to the feeding?

• A. Decreased heart rate
• B. Nausea
• C. Fever
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nausea is a common sign of intolerance to enteral feedings and should be addressed promptly. Nausea can indicate various issues such as feeding intolerance, formula composition problems, or underlying medical conditions. Decreased heart rate, fever, and weight gain are not typical signs of feeding intolerance. Decreased heart rate and fever may indicate other medical conditions, while weight gain is not an immediate sign of intolerance to enteral feedings.

4. A healthcare professional is performing a focused assessment on a client who has a history of COPD and is experiencing dyspnea. What finding should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Decreased respiratory rate
• B. Flushing of the skin
• C. Flaring of the nostrils
• D. Productive cough

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Flaring of the nostrils is a sign of increased respiratory effort, which is common in clients with COPD experiencing dyspnea. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A decreased respiratory rate is not expected in a client with COPD experiencing dyspnea, as they often have an increased respiratory rate. Flushing of the skin is not a typical finding associated with COPD or dyspnea. While a productive cough can be seen in COPD, it is not specifically related to the increased respiratory effort seen with dyspnea.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a narcotic medication. What should the nurse do with the unused portion after administration?

• A. Store it in the medication cart for later use
• B. Discard it with a witness present
• C. Return it to the pharmacy
• D. Report it to the provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take with the unused portion of a narcotic medication after administration is to discard it with a witness present. This procedure is necessary to comply with controlled substance regulations and prevent diversion or misuse of the medication. Storing it in the medication cart for later use is inappropriate as it can lead to unauthorized access. Returning it to the pharmacy is not recommended as the medication has already been dispensed. Reporting it to the provider is not the standard procedure for disposing of controlled substances.

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