Nursing Elites

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

• A. Use a 1-inch needle.
• B. Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle.
• C. Aspirate before injecting the medication.
• D. Administer the injection in the deltoid muscle.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Aspirating before injecting the medication is a crucial step in IM injections to check for blood return, ensuring that the needle is not in a blood vessel. This technique helps prevent accidental intravascular injection of the medication, reducing the risk of complications such as inadvertent intravenous administration of the substance.

2. When admitting a client at risk for falls in a long-term care facility, what should the nurse do first?

• A. Complete a fall-risk assessment
• B. Place a fall-risk identification bracelet on the client
• C. Provide the client with nonskid footwear
• D. Set the bed to the lowest position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The initial step in caring for a client at risk for falls is to conduct a fall-risk assessment. This assessment helps the nurse gather crucial data to identify specific risks and individualized needs, guiding subsequent interventions and preventive measures. By completing a thorough assessment, the nurse can develop a targeted plan of care to mitigate fall risk and ensure the client's safety. Placing a fall-risk identification bracelet, providing nonskid footwear, or setting the bed to the lowest position may be important interventions, but these actions should be based on the findings of the fall-risk assessment, making choice A the priority.

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. When preparing to insert an NG tube for a client who requires gastric decompression, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client with the head of the bed elevated to 30° prior to insertion
• B. Measure the tube from the client's nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process
• C. Lubricate the entire length of the tube with water-soluble lubricant
• D. Instruct the client to cough during insertion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Measuring the tube from the client's nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process ensures the tube is inserted to the correct depth. This measurement helps prevent complications such as tube misplacement or lung insertion. Positioning the client with the head of the bed elevated to 30° is important to facilitate easier insertion but is not the most crucial step. Lubricating the entire length of the tube with water-soluble lubricant is essential for smooth insertion but is not the most critical action. Instructing the client to cough during insertion is not necessary and may lead to unnecessary discomfort.

5. What action should a healthcare provider take for a client with a new colostomy?

• A. Empty the colostomy bag when it is half full.
• B. Place aspirin in the colostomy bag to decrease odor.
• C. Use sterile technique when caring for the stoma.
• D. Change the pouch every 8 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Emptying the colostomy bag when it is half full is crucial to prevent leakage and detachment from the skin. This practice helps to maintain the integrity of the colostomy system, reducing the risk of skin irritation and odor. It is essential for client comfort and overall stoma care.

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