Nursing Elites

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

• A. Percuss the abdomen
• B. Auscultate bowel sounds
• C. Inspect the abdomen
• D. Palpate the abdomen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate bowel sounds. Auscultation should be performed before palpation during an abdominal assessment to avoid altering bowel sounds. Inspecting the abdomen is important but should follow auscultation. Percussion and palpation should be done after auscultation and inspection to ensure an accurate assessment.

2. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is experiencing fluid volume deficit (FVD). What finding should the professional expect?

• A. Decreased hematocrit
• B. Increased hematocrit
• C. Decreased white blood cell count
• D. Increased red blood cell count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Increased hematocrit.' In fluid volume deficit (FVD), there is a decrease in the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, leading to hemoconcentration. This results in an increase in hematocrit levels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a decrease in hematocrit, decrease in white blood cell count, and an increase in red blood cell count are not typically seen in fluid volume deficit.

3. A nurse is sitting with the partner of a client who recently died. Which action should the nurse take to facilitate mourning?

• A. Avoid discussing the deceased
• B. Encourage the partner to ask for help when needed
• C. Suggest bereavement counseling
• D. Offer to contact family members

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the partner to ask for help when needed is the most appropriate action in this scenario as it promotes healthy coping mechanisms and support during the mourning process. This approach empowers the individual to seek assistance when required, fostering a sense of control and acknowledging the partner's autonomy in dealing with their grief. Avoiding discussing the deceased (Choice A) may hinder the grieving process by suppressing emotions and preventing the partner from expressing their feelings. While suggesting bereavement counseling (Choice C) is important, the immediate support and encouragement to seek help when needed are crucial. Offering to contact family members (Choice D) may not be the most effective step at this stage, as the focus should be on empowering the partner to cope and seek help on their terms.

4. When providing discharge teaching to a client prescribed home oxygen therapy, what information should the nurse include?

• A. Increase the oxygen flow rate during activity
• B. Avoid smoking and open flames near oxygen
• C. Store the oxygen tank in a warm, dry place
• D. Turn off the oxygen when not in use

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Avoid smoking and open flames near oxygen.' This information is crucial to prevent fire hazards when using home oxygen therapy. Smoking and open flames near oxygen can lead to serious accidents. Choice A is incorrect because increasing the oxygen flow rate during activity without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous. Choice C is incorrect as oxygen tanks should be stored in a well-ventilated area, not necessarily warm and dry. Choice D is incorrect as oxygen should not be turned off and on by the client, as it can affect the therapy's effectiveness and cause safety issues.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who reports a burning sensation at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and swollen. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Apply a cold compress
• B. Discontinue the IV line
• C. Elevate the limb
• D. Increase the IV flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV line. The client's symptoms of a burning sensation, redness, and swelling at the IV site indicate phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The priority action in this situation is to remove the source of irritation, which is the IV line, to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Elevating the limb is not the priority in this case. Increasing the IV flow rate can worsen the phlebitis by causing further irritation to the vein.

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