Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is planning to administer medications to a client who is receiving enteral feedings through an NG tube. Which of the following actions should the healthcare provider plan to take?

• A. Dissolve each medication in 5 mL of sterile water.
• B. Administer medications through a secondary infusion.
• C. Mix medications with the enteral feeding.
• D. Flush the NG tube with 30 mL of water before and after administering medications.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Flushing the NG tube with water before and after administering medications is essential to prevent clogging of the tube and ensure proper delivery of medication. This practice helps maintain tube patency and decreases the risk of obstruction, which could compromise the client's treatment and nutrition. By flushing the tube, the healthcare provider ensures that the medication is completely delivered and that there are no residual drug particles left in the tube, which could lead to blockages or inconsistent dosing. Therefore, flushing the NG tube is a crucial step in the safe administration of medications to clients receiving enteral feedings. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Dissolving medications in sterile water (Choice A) may not be suitable for all drugs, as some medications may require specific diluents. Administering medications through a secondary infusion (Choice B) is not the standard practice for enteral medication administration. Mixing medications with the enteral feeding (Choice C) can cause interactions between medications and the feeding formula, affecting their absorption and effectiveness.

2. What action should be taken to prevent respiratory complications in a client who is postoperative?

• A. Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer.
• B. Restrict fluid intake.
• C. Place the client in a supine position.
• D. Administer a cough suppressant.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer is crucial in preventing respiratory complications postoperatively. The incentive spirometer helps the client perform deep breathing exercises, which can prevent atelectasis (lung collapse) and promote lung expansion. This, in turn, reduces the risk of respiratory complications such as pneumonia. Restricting fluid intake, placing the client in a supine position, and administering a cough suppressant are not appropriate actions for preventing respiratory complications in a postoperative client.

3. When providing teaching to a client with a new prescription for digoxin, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take your pulse before taking the medication.
• B. Take the medication with an antacid.
• C. Double the dose if you miss one.
• D. Take the medication with a high-fiber meal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with a new prescription for digoxin is to take their pulse before taking the medication. Digoxin can lead to bradycardia as a side effect, and monitoring the pulse helps in assessing the heart rate prior to medication administration. This precaution allows for the identification of any significant changes in heart rate that may require medical attention.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Use a 1-inch needle.
• B. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
• C. Use a tuberculin syringe.
• D. Aspirate before injecting.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When administering a subcutaneous injection, it is important to insert the needle at a 90-degree angle to ensure proper medication delivery into the subcutaneous tissue. This angle helps prevent the medication from being injected too deeply or too superficially, ensuring optimal absorption and therapeutic effect. Choice A is incorrect because the needle length for a subcutaneous injection is typically shorter, around ⅝ to 1 inch. Choice C is incorrect as a tuberculin syringe is not commonly used for subcutaneous injections. Choice D is also incorrect as aspiration is not necessary for subcutaneous injections since there are minimal blood vessels in the subcutaneous tissue.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Use a 1-inch needle.
• B. Stretch the skin at the injection site.
• C. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
• D. Aspirate for blood return before injecting.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Aspirating for blood return before injecting is a crucial step in administering intramuscular injections. This action ensures that the needle is not in a blood vessel, reducing the risk of injecting medication into a blood vessel, which can lead to potential complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Using a longer 1-inch needle is often necessary for intramuscular injections to reach the muscle tissue properly. Stretching the skin is not recommended as it can cause unnecessary pain and tissue damage. Inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle is the preferred method for intramuscular injections to ensure proper medication delivery.

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