Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being taught breathing exercises by a nurse. What instruction should the nurse include to improve oxygenation?

• A. Use pursed-lip breathing during activities
• B. Use deep breathing exercises after meals
• C. Perform diaphragmatic breathing during exercise
• D. Breathe in short, shallow breaths

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include to improve oxygenation for a client with COPD is to 'Use pursed-lip breathing during activities.' Pursed-lip breathing helps improve oxygenation by slowing down the respiratory rate, reducing the work of breathing, and keeping the airways open. This technique also helps prevent the collapse of small airways during exhalation, allowing for more complete emptying of the lungs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because deep breathing exercises after meals, diaphragmatic breathing during exercise, and breathing in short, shallow breaths do not specifically target the improvement of oxygenation in individuals with COPD.

2. 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.

3. A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who reports a decrease in the effectiveness of their arthritis medication. What factor should the nurse identify as contributing to this decrease?

• A. Increased activity level
• B. Bowel inflammation
• C. Long-term use of the medication
• D. History of dehydration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Bowel inflammation can reduce the absorption of oral medications, leading to decreased effectiveness. In this case, the decrease in the effectiveness of the arthritis medication could be attributed to impaired absorption due to bowel inflammation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increased activity level, long-term use of the medication, and history of dehydration are not directly associated with a decrease in medication effectiveness related to absorption issues.

4. A nurse is caring for 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. Apply a warm compress to the site
• D. Administer pain medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a client reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter is to notify the provider. Pain at the catheter site may indicate complications such as infection or blockage, which require further assessment and intervention by the healthcare provider. Irrigating the catheter, applying a warm compress, or administering pain medication should not be done without provider evaluation as they do not address the underlying cause of the pain and may potentially worsen the situation.

5. A nurse is preparing to perform a routine abdominal assessment for a client. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Palpate the abdomen before auscultation
• B. Inspect the abdomen after palpation
• C. Auscultate before palpation
• D. Start by percussing the abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate before palpation when performing an abdominal assessment. This sequence is crucial to prevent altering bowel sounds. Starting with palpation (Choice A) can lead to false interpretations of bowel sounds due to stimulation of the intestines. Inspecting the abdomen after palpation (Choice B) can also potentially alter the assessment findings. Starting with percussion (Choice D) is not recommended as it should come after auscultation to further assess underlying structures.

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