Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer an intermittent enteral feeding to a client who has an NG tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Heat the feeding to 105°F (40.6°C).
• B. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees.
• C. Flush the tube with 0.9% sodium chloride.
• D. Verify the pH of the gastric aspirate.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Verifying the pH of the gastric aspirate is the correct action to take before administering an intermittent enteral feeding through an NG tube. This step ensures proper tube placement in the stomach, as the gastric aspirate should have an acidic pH (usually below 5). Heating the feeding solution, elevating the head of the bed, or flushing the tube with saline are not directly related to verifying tube placement and are not the immediate actions needed before administering the feeding.

2. A client is 1 day postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent respiratory complications?

• A. Instruct the client to avoid deep breathing exercises
• B. Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer
• C. Assist the client with ambulation every 2 hours
• D. Apply sequential compression devices (SCDs)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer is crucial for preventing respiratory complications postoperatively, such as atelectasis. Instructing the client to avoid deep breathing exercises (choice A) is incorrect as deep breathing exercises help prevent respiratory complications. Assisting with ambulation every 2 hours (choice C) is important for preventing other postoperative complications but not specifically respiratory ones. Applying sequential compression devices (SCDs) (choice D) is beneficial for preventing deep vein thrombosis but not directly related to respiratory complications.

3. A client has a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication at bedtime.
• B. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
• C. Eat 3 large meals each day.
• D. Report any muscle pain to your provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include for a client prescribed metformin is to avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol consumption while on metformin increases the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious condition. Taking metformin at bedtime (choice A) is not a standard instruction. Eating 3 large meals each day (choice C) is not specific to metformin use and may not be suitable for all individuals. Reporting muscle pain (choice D) is important but not directly related to metformin use.

4. A client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus is being taught about foot care by a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. Use lotion on your feet to prevent dry, cracked skin, avoiding application between the toes.
• B. Avoid soaking your feet in warm water daily to prevent dry skin.
• C. Trim your toenails straight across to prevent injury.
• D. Do not apply a heating pad to your feet if they feel cold.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Trimming toenails straight across is essential for clients with diabetes to prevent the risk of ingrown toenails and injury. Using lotion on feet can be beneficial but should not be applied between the toes to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to infections. Soaking feet in warm water can lead to dry skin, increasing the risk of cracks and other complications. Applying a heating pad to feet when they feel cold is not recommended for clients with diabetes due to impaired sensation, which can result in burns and other injuries.

5. A patient is 1 day postoperative following a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the hip?

• A. Keep the patient in a side-lying position.
• B. Place a pillow between the patient's legs.
• C. Instruct the patient to avoid sitting for long periods.
• D. Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the patient's legs is the correct action to prevent dislocation of the hip following arthroplasty. This technique helps maintain proper alignment and stability of the hip joint. Keeping the patient in a side-lying position may not provide the necessary support to prevent hip dislocation. Instructing the patient to avoid sitting for long periods is important for preventing complications like deep vein thrombosis but does not directly prevent hip dislocation. Elevating the head of the bed to 90 degrees is not relevant to preventing hip dislocation in a postoperative hip arthroplasty patient.

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