Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a 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 answer is A: 'Take your pulse before taking the medication.' When administering digoxin, it is crucial to monitor the pulse rate because digoxin can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate). Checking the pulse helps in assessing the heart rate before taking the medication, as bradycardia is a common side effect of digoxin. Choice B is incorrect because digoxin should not be taken with antacids, as they can reduce its absorption. Choice C is incorrect; the dose should never be doubled if a dose is missed. Choice D is incorrect because taking digoxin with a high-fiber meal can also affect its absorption. Therefore, the essential instruction for the client is to monitor the pulse before taking digoxin.

3. A client has a new diagnosis of hypertension, and the nurse is teaching them about the DASH diet. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. You should increase your intake of sodium-rich foods.
• B. You should decrease your intake of potassium-rich foods.
• C. You should increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
• D. You should decrease your intake of whole grains.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The DASH diet, recommended for managing hypertension, emphasizes increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables. These food groups are rich in essential nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help lower blood pressure levels and promote overall cardiovascular health.

4. A client is receiving enteral feedings through an NG tube. Which of the following actions should be taken to prevent aspiration?

• A. Monitor gastric residuals every 4 hours.
• B. Position the client in a semi-Fowler's position.
• C. Check for tube placement by auscultating air after feeding.
• D. Warm the formula to body temperature before feeding.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring gastric residuals every 4 hours is essential to assess the stomach's ability to empty properly, reducing the risk of aspiration. It helps in determining if the feedings are being tolerated by the client and if adjustments are needed in the feeding regimen. Positioning the client in a semi-Fowler's position helps prevent reflux and aspiration by promoting proper digestion and emptying of the stomach contents. Checking for tube placement by auscultating air after feeding confirms correct tube placement in the stomach. Warming the formula to body temperature before feeding enhances client comfort but does not directly prevent aspiration. Therefore, the correct answer is to monitor gastric residuals to prevent aspiration, as it directly assesses the stomach's ability to empty properly and the tolerance of the feedings.

5. When caring for a client with a prescription for wound irrigation, which action should the nurse take?

• A. Use a 10-mL syringe with an 18-gauge needle.
• B. Cleanse the wound from the center outward.
• C. Apply a wet-to-dry dressing.
• D. Pack the wound tightly with gauze.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a client with a prescription for wound irrigation, the nurse should cleanse the wound from the center outward. This technique helps prevent the introduction of microorganisms into the wound, reducing the risk of contamination and promoting effective wound healing. By using a circular motion from the cleanest area to the least clean areas, debris and bacteria are moved away from the wound site, decreasing the chances of infection.

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