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 client scheduled for cataract surgery tells the nurse, 'I see just fine and have decided to cancel my surgery.' What should the nurse do?

• A. Proceed with the surgery as planned
• B. Document the refusal and inform the surgeon
• C. Explain the benefits of the surgery
• D. Respect the client's decision

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should explain the benefits of the surgery to the client. By providing more information, the client may reconsider their decision after understanding the positive impact the surgery could have on their vision. Proceeding with the surgery against the client's wishes (Choice A) is not ethical and goes against the principle of autonomy. While documenting the refusal and informing the surgeon (Choice B) is important for the client's medical record, it is crucial to first try to educate the client about the benefits. Simply respecting the client's decision (Choice D) without attempting to provide more information may not be in the client's best interest.

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter, the nurse's first action should be to notify the provider. This is important to ensure timely assessment and intervention by the healthcare provider. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline or administering antibiotics should not be done without provider's orders as it may mask symptoms or lead to inappropriate treatment. Assessing for signs of infection is important but should come after notifying the provider, who can guide further assessment and treatment.

4. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What instruction should the nurse include to help improve oxygenation?

• A. Avoid physical activity
• B. Use pursed-lip breathing during activities
• C. Limit sun exposure
• D. Perform weight-bearing exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Use pursed-lip breathing during activities.' Pursed-lip breathing improves oxygenation by keeping airways open longer, facilitating better exhalation of carbon dioxide. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding physical activity can lead to deconditioning and worsen oxygenation. Choice C is irrelevant to improving oxygenation in COPD. Choice D is not directly related to improving oxygenation in COPD; weight-bearing exercises are important for bone health but not for oxygenation.

5. A client is being taught how to use a cane. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Use the cane on the stronger side
• B. Use the cane on the weaker side
• C. Ensure the cane has a rubber tip
• D. Hold the cane 1-2 inches from the ground

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to use the cane on the stronger side. This instruction is important because it provides better support and balance. Placing the cane on the stronger side helps to shift weight off the weaker or injured side, reducing the risk of falls and promoting stability. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Using the cane on the weaker side would not provide optimal support. While ensuring the cane has a rubber tip and holding it 1-2 inches from the ground are important, they are not as crucial as using the cane on the stronger side for proper support and balance.

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