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 nurse is updating the plan of care for a client with limited mobility. What intervention should the nurse include to prevent skin breakdown?

• A. Reposition the client every 4 hours
• B. Apply lotion to the skin every 2 hours
• C. Use a special mattress to reduce pressure on the skin
• D. Increase fluid intake to promote skin hydration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use a special mattress to reduce pressure on the skin.' This intervention is crucial in preventing skin breakdown in clients with limited mobility as it helps to reduce pressure on bony prominences. Repositioning every 4 hours (Choice A) is important but may not be sufficient to prevent skin breakdown entirely. Applying lotion every 2 hours (Choice B) may not address the root cause of skin breakdown related to pressure. Increasing fluid intake (Choice D) is beneficial for overall skin health but may not directly prevent skin breakdown caused by pressure points.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain and tenderness 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. Assess for signs of infection
• D. Administer prescribed antibiotics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a client reports pain and tenderness at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter is to notify the provider. Pain and tenderness at the catheter site may indicate infection, and the healthcare provider needs to be informed for further assessment and appropriate interventions. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline (Choice A) should not be the initial action without consulting the provider first. While assessing for signs of infection (Choice C) is important, notifying the provider takes precedence. Administering prescribed antibiotics (Choice D) should only be done based on the provider's orders after assessment and confirmation of infection.

4. A client has a new prescription for a cane. What instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Hold the cane on the weaker side
• B. Ensure the cane has a rubber tip
• C. Keep the cane on the dominant side
• D. Use the cane only on stairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to ensure the cane has a rubber tip. This is important as it prevents slipping and ensures safety while walking. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side to provide better support. Choice C is incorrect as the cane should be used on the stronger, not the dominant, side for stability. Choice D is incorrect because a cane can be used for support in various situations, not just on stairs.

5. A nurse is reviewing the health history of a client who has a hip fracture. What risk factor should the nurse identify for developing pressure injuries?

• A. Frequent repositioning
• B. Poor nutrition
• C. Increased fluid intake
• D. Use of a special mattress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Poor nutrition increases the risk of developing pressure injuries as it impairs skin integrity and healing. Frequent repositioning, increased fluid intake, and the use of a special mattress are all important interventions for preventing pressure injuries, rather than risk factors for developing them. Repositioning helps relieve pressure, adequate fluid intake maintains skin hydration, and special mattresses redistribute pressure to prevent injuries.

Similar Questions