Nursing Elites

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

• A. Percuss the abdomen
• B. Inspect the abdomen
• C. Auscultate before palpation
• D. Palpate the abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate before palpation. This ensures that bowel sounds are not altered by physical manipulation. Inspecting the abdomen is a valid step but not the first. Percussing and palpating should come after auscultation to prevent altering bowel sounds or causing discomfort to the client.

2. A client with a new diagnosis of hypertension is receiving discharge teaching. What should the nurse emphasize regarding lifestyle changes?

• A. Limit sodium intake to 2 grams per day
• B. Increase fluid intake to 2 liters per day
• C. Avoid potassium-rich foods
• D. Avoid alcohol consumption

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase fluid intake to 2 liters per day. Adequate fluid intake helps manage hypertension and prevent fluid retention. Limiting sodium intake, avoiding potassium-rich foods, and abstaining from alcohol are important aspects of managing hypertension; however, in this scenario, emphasizing the increase in fluid intake is crucial for the client's understanding and compliance.

3. A nurse is reviewing a client's health history and identifies a history of pressure injuries. What intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Reposition the client every 4 hours
• B. Apply a moisture-retentive dressing
• C. Apply a heating pad to the site
• D. Keep the client on bedrest

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with pressure injuries is to apply a moisture-retentive dressing. This type of dressing helps create a moist wound environment, which is conducive to healing. Repositioning the client every 4 hours is important to prevent further pressure injuries, but it is not the primary intervention for existing pressure injuries. Applying a heating pad to the site can increase the risk of tissue damage and is contraindicated for pressure injuries. Keeping the client on bedrest can lead to further complications and delayed healing of pressure injuries.

4. A client who has recently developed fever, confusion, and a decreased level of consciousness is being admitted by a nurse. What should the nurse do first after obtaining the client's history and assessment?

• A. Administer prescribed antibiotics
• B. Initiate seizure precautions
• C. Identify the client's needs
• D. Place the client in isolation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to identify the client's needs first. This allows the nurse to prioritize interventions based on the assessment findings. Administering prescribed antibiotics (choice A) should be based on a medical prescription and the identified infection. Initiating seizure precautions (choice B) is important but not the immediate priority in this case. Placing the client in isolation (choice D) is premature as the nurse needs to first assess and address the client's condition.

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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