Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to perform a routine abdominal assessment for a client. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Palpate the abdomen before auscultation
• B. Inspect the abdomen after palpation
• C. Auscultate before palpation
• D. Start by percussing the abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate before palpation when performing an abdominal assessment. This sequence is crucial to prevent altering bowel sounds. Starting with palpation (Choice A) can lead to false interpretations of bowel sounds due to stimulation of the intestines. Inspecting the abdomen after palpation (Choice B) can also potentially alter the assessment findings. Starting with percussion (Choice D) is not recommended as it should come after auscultation to further assess underlying structures.

2. A client with diabetes mellitus has a foot ulcer. What is an appropriate intervention to promote wound healing?

• A. Encourage a high-protein diet
• B. Apply a moisture-retentive dressing
• C. Provide daily wound irrigation
• D. Apply an ice pack to the wound

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to apply a moisture-retentive dressing. This promotes a moist wound environment, which is crucial for wound healing in clients with diabetes. Encouraging a high-protein diet may support overall health but is not directly related to wound healing. Daily wound irrigation can disrupt the wound healing process by removing necessary growth factors and cells. Applying an ice pack to the wound is contraindicated as it can impair circulation and delay wound healing.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. What should the nurse identify as a sign of catheter occlusion?

• A. Bladder spasms
• B. Bladder distention
• C. Frequent urination
• D. Hematuria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bladder distention. Bladder distention is a sign of catheter occlusion because it indicates a failure to drain urine properly. Bladder spasms (Choice A) are more commonly associated with bladder irritability rather than catheter occlusion. Frequent urination (Choice C) is unlikely in a client with an indwelling catheter as the urine should be draining continuously. Hematuria (Choice D) refers to blood in the urine and is not typically a direct sign of catheter occlusion.

4. A nurse in an emergency department is monitoring the hydration status of a client receiving oral rehydration. What finding should the nurse intervene for?

• A. Heart rate of 80 beats per minute
• B. Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
• C. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
• D. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A heart rate of 120 beats per minute indicates tachycardia, which can be a sign of dehydration and requires intervention. A heart rate of 80 beats per minute is within the normal range and does not indicate dehydration. A blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg is considered normal. A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute is also within the normal range and does not point towards dehydration.

5. A nurse is assessing the IV infusion site of a client who reports pain at the site. The site is red, and there is warmth along the course of the vein. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Flush the IV line with saline
• B. Discontinue the infusion
• C. Elevate the limb
• D. Apply a cold compress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the infusion. The symptoms described - pain, redness, and warmth along the vein - are indicative of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Continuing the infusion can lead to further complications. Flushing the IV line, elevating the limb, or applying a cold compress do not address the underlying issue of phlebitis and may not be sufficient to resolve the problem. Therefore, the priority action is to discontinue the infusion to prevent worsening of the condition.

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