Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing a client's health history and identifies chronic constipation as a potential complication of immobility. What intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Increase fiber intake
• B. Encourage the client to walk daily
• C. Use a stool softener as needed
• D. Use a laxative daily

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Increasing fiber intake is the appropriate intervention to include in the plan of care for a client with chronic constipation due to immobility. Fiber helps add bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass, thereby preventing constipation. Encouraging the client to walk daily (choice B) is also beneficial as it promotes mobility and can help alleviate constipation associated with immobility. Using a stool softener as needed (choice C) and using a laxative daily (choice D) are not the first-line interventions for managing constipation related to immobility. Stool softeners and laxatives should be used judiciously and under healthcare provider guidance.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. A nurse is caring for an older adult who has a nonpalpable skin lesion that is less than 0.5cm (0.2in) in diameter. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?

• A. Papule
• B. Macule
• C. Nodule
• D. Tumor

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Macule. A macule is a flat, nonpalpable skin lesion that is smaller than 1 cm in diameter. In this case, the lesion is less than 0.5cm, fitting the description of a macule. A papule (choice A) is a solid, elevated lesion less than 0.5 cm in diameter. A nodule (choice C) is a solid, elevated lesion that is 0.5 cm or larger in diameter. A tumor (choice D) refers to a mass of abnormal tissue growth, which is not applicable in this scenario.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new diagnosis of hypertension. What lifestyle modification should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Decrease potassium intake
• B. Increase fluid intake to 2 liters per day
• C. Avoid foods high in calcium
• D. Increase sodium intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct lifestyle modification that the nurse should emphasize for a client with hypertension is to increase fluid intake to 2 liters per day. Proper hydration helps manage hypertension by supporting kidney function in regulating blood pressure and by diluting sodium levels in the body. Decreasing potassium intake (Choice A) is not recommended, as potassium-rich foods like fruits and vegetables are beneficial for blood pressure control. Avoiding foods high in calcium (Choice C) is not directly related to managing hypertension, and increasing sodium intake (Choice D) is contraindicated as excess sodium can elevate blood pressure.

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