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 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 answer is B: 'Ensure the cane has a rubber tip.' This instruction is essential for safety as the rubber tip prevents slipping, providing stability. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side to provide better support and balance. Choice C is incorrect as the cane should be used on the stronger, more dominant side. Choice D is also incorrect as a cane is not only used on stairs but also for general support and mobility.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing surgery for a hip fracture. What is a priority intervention to reduce the risk of postoperative complications?

• A. Encourage early ambulation
• B. Provide intravenous antibiotics
• C. Apply anti-embolism stockings
• D. Place a Foley catheter to monitor output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging early ambulation is crucial in reducing the risk of postoperative complications, such as blood clots and pneumonia. Early mobilization helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia by promoting circulation and preventing respiratory complications. Providing intravenous antibiotics (Choice B) is important for preventing infections but is not the priority immediately post-surgery. Applying anti-embolism stockings (Choice C) is beneficial in preventing venous thromboembolism but does not address the immediate need for mobility. Placing a Foley catheter (Choice D) may be necessary during surgery but is not a priority intervention to reduce postoperative complications related to immobility.

4. A charge nurse discovers that a nurse did not notify the provider that a client's condition had changed. The charge nurse should identify that the nurse is accountable for which of the following torts?

• A. Negligence
• B. Assault
• C. Battery
• D. Defamation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Negligence. Negligence in nursing occurs when a healthcare provider fails to take appropriate action that a reasonably prudent provider would take in a similar situation, such as not notifying the provider of changes in a client's condition. In this scenario, the nurse's failure to inform the provider of the client's changed condition constitutes negligence. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Assault involves the intentional threat of bodily harm to another person, battery is the intentional harmful or offensive touching of another person without their consent, and defamation is the act of making false statements about someone to a third party that harms that person's reputation.

5. 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.

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