Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who reports pain and burning around the peripheral IV site. What is the nurse's priority action?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Discontinue the IV line. When a client reports pain and burning around the peripheral IV site, it indicates possible phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The priority action is to discontinue the IV line to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a warm compress (Choice A) may worsen the inflammation. Increasing the IV flow rate (Choice C) can exacerbate the symptoms and elevate the risk of complications. Elevating the limb (Choice D) may provide comfort, but it does not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Therefore, the priority action is to discontinue the IV line.

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

• A. Avoid physical activity
• B. Use pursed-lip breathing during activities
• C. Limit sun exposure
• D. Perform weight-bearing exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Use pursed-lip breathing during activities.' Pursed-lip breathing improves oxygenation by keeping airways open longer, facilitating better exhalation of carbon dioxide. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding physical activity can lead to deconditioning and worsen oxygenation. Choice C is irrelevant to improving oxygenation in COPD. Choice D is not directly related to improving oxygenation in COPD; weight-bearing exercises are important for bone health but not for oxygenation.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline
• B. Notify the provider
• C. Administer prescribed antibiotics
• D. Assess for signs of infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter, the nurse's first action should be to notify the provider. This is important to ensure timely assessment and intervention by the healthcare provider. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline or administering antibiotics should not be done without provider's orders as it may mask symptoms or lead to inappropriate treatment. Assessing for signs of infection is important but should come after notifying the provider, who can guide further assessment and treatment.

5. A nurse is caring for an older adult who has a nonpalpable skin lesion that is less than 0.5cm (0.2in) in diameter. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?

• A. Papule
• B. Macule
• C. Nodule
• D. Tumor

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Macule. A macule is a flat, nonpalpable skin lesion that is smaller than 1 cm in diameter. In this case, the lesion is less than 0.5cm, fitting the description of a macule. A papule (choice A) is a solid, elevated lesion less than 0.5 cm in diameter. A nodule (choice C) is a solid, elevated lesion that is 0.5 cm or larger in diameter. A tumor (choice D) refers to a mass of abnormal tissue growth, which is not applicable in this scenario.

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