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 in an acute care facility is caring for a client who is postop following abdominal surgery. Which behavior should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for constipation?

• A. Increased physical activity
• B. Frequent urge suppression
• C. Increased fiber intake
• D. Decreased fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Frequent urge suppression can lead to constipation, especially postoperatively. Suppressing the urge to defecate can disrupt normal bowel movements and result in constipation. Increased physical activity, increased fiber intake, and adequate fluid intake are measures that typically help prevent constipation by promoting bowel regularity and preventing stool hardening. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are not behaviors that increase the client's risk for constipation.

3. A nurse is updating a plan of care for a client who has dysphagia. What intervention should the nurse include?

• A. Encourage the client to lie down after eating
• B. Offer the client liquids with meals
• C. Have the client sit upright for 1 hour after meals
• D. Provide the client with a straw for drinking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with dysphagia is to have them sit upright for 1 hour after meals. This position helps facilitate swallowing and reduces the risk of aspiration, which is crucial in managing dysphagia. Encouraging the client to lie down after eating (Choice A) can increase the risk of aspiration. Offering liquids with meals (Choice B) may also increase the risk of aspiration as it can affect swallowing coordination. Providing the client with a straw for drinking (Choice D) is not recommended as straws can increase the risk of aspiration in individuals with dysphagia.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus has a foot ulcer. What is an appropriate intervention to promote wound healing?

• A. Encourage a high-protein diet
• B. Apply a moisture-retentive dressing
• C. Provide daily wound irrigation
• D. Apply an ice pack to the wound

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to apply a moisture-retentive dressing. This promotes a moist wound environment, which is crucial for wound healing in clients with diabetes. Encouraging a high-protein diet may support overall health but is not directly related to wound healing. Daily wound irrigation can disrupt the wound healing process by removing necessary growth factors and cells. Applying an ice pack to the wound is contraindicated as it can impair circulation and delay wound healing.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What instruction should the nurse include to help improve oxygenation?

• A. Use pursed-lip breathing during activities
• B. Avoid physical activity
• C. Perform weight-bearing exercises
• D. Use a humidifier while sleeping

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: The nurse should instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing during activities to help improve oxygenation. Pursed-lip breathing can keep the airways open longer, facilitating better oxygen exchange and making it easier to exhale carbon dioxide. Choice B is incorrect as physical activity, within the client's limitations, is beneficial for maintaining overall health. Choice C is incorrect as weight-bearing exercises are important for bone health but not directly related to improving oxygenation in COPD. Choice D is incorrect as using a humidifier while sleeping can help with moisture in the airways but does not directly impact oxygenation in COPD.

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