Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is planning to irrigate and dress a clean, granulating wound for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Irrigate the wound with normal saline.
• B. Apply a wet-to-dry gauze dressing.
• C. Use a cotton ball to cleanse the wound.
• D. Administer an analgesic after the dressing change.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to irrigate the wound with normal saline. Normal saline is the preferred solution for wound irrigation as it is isotonic and gentle, promoting healing in granulating wounds. Choice B, applying a wet-to-dry gauze dressing, is not appropriate for clean, granulating wounds as it can cause trauma to the wound bed upon removal. Choice C, using a cotton ball to cleanse the wound, is not ideal as cotton fibers can adhere to the wound and cause contamination. Choice D, administering an analgesic after the dressing change, is important for pain management but is not directly related to irrigating and dressing the wound.

2. What are the nursing interventions for a patient with hypokalemia?

• A. Administer potassium supplements and monitor ECG
• B. Provide a high-sodium diet and monitor for hypertension
• C. Monitor for muscle weakness and provide dietary education
• D. Administer diuretics and provide oral fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for a patient with hypokalemia is to administer potassium supplements and monitor the ECG. Potassium supplements help correct the low potassium levels in the body, while ECG monitoring is essential to detect any cardiac arrhythmias associated with hypokalemia. Choice B is incorrect because a high-sodium diet would worsen hypokalemia by further depleting potassium levels. Choice C is incorrect as it only focuses on monitoring symptoms and providing dietary education, but does not address the immediate need to correct potassium levels. Choice D is also incorrect as administering diuretics would exacerbate hypokalemia by increasing potassium loss.

3. How should a healthcare provider assess a patient for fluid overload?

• A. Monitor weight and assess for shortness of breath
• B. Auscultate lung sounds and monitor blood pressure
• C. Assess for edema in the extremities
• D. Assess for jugular venous distension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correctly, the answer is to monitor weight and assess for shortness of breath when assessing a patient for fluid overload. Weight monitoring is crucial as sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention. Shortness of breath can be a sign of fluid accumulation in the lungs. While auscultating lung sounds and monitoring blood pressure are important assessments in overall patient care, they may not be specific to fluid overload. Assessing for edema in the extremities is relevant, but it is not as sensitive as monitoring weight for detecting fluid overload. Assessing for jugular venous distension is more specific to assessing fluid status in heart failure rather than a general assessment for fluid overload.

4. While performing assessments on newborns in the nursery, which finding should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. A two-day old newborn with a respiratory rate of 70.
• B. A 16-hour old newborn who has not passed meconium yet.
• C. A two-day old newborn with a small amount of blood-tinged vaginal discharge.
• D. A 16-hour old newborn with a blood glucose of 45 mg/dL.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 70 in a two-day old newborn is above the normal range and should be reported to the provider. This finding may indicate respiratory distress or another underlying issue that needs prompt attention. Choices B, C, and D are within normal limits for newborns and do not require immediate reporting to the provider.

5. How should a healthcare professional care for a patient with a colostomy?

• A. Empty the colostomy bag regularly
• B. Provide a high-fiber diet
• C. Monitor for signs of infection
• D. Change the colostomy bag every 3 days

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Emptying the colostomy bag regularly is essential to prevent leakage and infection. By regularly emptying the bag, the risk of irritation to the skin surrounding the stoma is reduced. Providing a high-fiber diet is important for overall bowel health but is not directly related to colostomy care. While monitoring for signs of infection is crucial, the primary focus should be on proper bag emptying. Changing the colostomy bag every 3 days may not be necessary for all patients and could vary based on individual needs and the type of colostomy.

Similar Questions