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 assessing the IV infusion site of a client who reports pain at the site. The site is red, and there is warmth along the course of the vein. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Flush the IV line with saline
• B. Discontinue the infusion
• C. Elevate the limb
• D. Apply a cold compress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the infusion. The symptoms described - pain, redness, and warmth along the vein - are indicative of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Continuing the infusion can lead to further complications. Flushing the IV line, elevating the limb, or applying a cold compress do not address the underlying issue of phlebitis and may not be sufficient to resolve the problem. Therefore, the priority action is to discontinue the infusion to prevent worsening of the condition.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. What behavior should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for constipation?

• A. Increased physical activity
• B. Frequent urge suppression
• C. Adequate sleep
• D. Increased fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Frequent urge suppression can lead to constipation, especially postoperatively. Suppressing the urge to defecate can disrupt the normal bowel movement pattern and lead to constipation. Choices A, C, and D are behaviors that generally help prevent constipation rather than increase the risk. Increased physical activity, adequate sleep, and increased fluid intake promote bowel regularity and reduce the risk of constipation.

4. 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.

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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