Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is teaching an older adult client who has left-sided weakness about cane use. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Hold the cane with your left hand
• B. Move the cane forward 18 inches with each step
• C. When walking, move your left foot forward first
• D. Keep your elbow straight when you hold the cane

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with left-sided weakness using a cane is to move the left foot forward first. This technique helps improve stability and safety by ensuring weight-bearing on the stronger side while providing support with the cane. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side, which is the right side in this case. Choice B is incorrect as the recommended distance to move the cane forward with each step is about 6 inches, not 18 inches. Choice D is incorrect as it is essential to maintain a slight bend in the elbow while using the cane to absorb shock and provide flexibility.

2. A nurse is preparing medications for a client via nasogastric tube. What should the nurse do before administering the medications?

• A. Flush the tube with water and administer all medications at once
• B. Administer medications one after the other without flushing
• C. Crush all medications and mix them together for administration
• D. Administer medications in liquid form only

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before administering medications through a nasogastric tube, the nurse should administer them one after the other without flushing. Flushing the tube with water should be done before and after each medication to prevent any interactions and ensure each medication is delivered effectively. The correct answer is not to administer all medications at once (choice A) as this can lead to potential drug interactions. Crushing all medications and mixing them together (choice C) is incorrect as each medication should be given separately to maintain their individual efficacy. Administering medications in liquid form only (choice D) is limiting and may not be suitable for all types of medications that need to be administered.

3. A nurse is teaching the partner of a client who had a stroke about manifestations of dysphagia. Which of the following statements by the client's partner indicates the need for further teaching?

• A. I will monitor my husband for coughing while he is eating
• B. I will monitor my husband for pocketing food in his mouth
• C. I will monitor for a change in my husband's voice after he swallows
• D. I will monitor my husband for tilting his head forward when he swallows

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Tilting the head forward during swallowing is not a compensatory technique for dysphagia and may increase the risk of aspiration. Choices A, B, and C are correct statements indicating appropriate monitoring for manifestations of dysphagia: coughing while eating, pocketing food in the mouth, and changes in voice after swallowing are all signs that should be monitored.

4. A healthcare professional is caring for a client with impaired mobility. Which of the following support devices should the healthcare professional plan to use to prevent the client from developing plantar flexion contractures?

• A. Sheepskin heel pad
• B. Footboard
• C. Trochanter roll
• D. Abduction pillow

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A footboard is the correct choice to prevent plantar flexion contractures by maintaining proper alignment of the feet. Plantar flexion contractures involve the foot pointing downward, and a footboard helps keep the foot in a neutral position. Choice A, the sheepskin heel pad, is used for pressure ulcer prevention and comfort but does not specifically address plantar flexion contractures. Choice C, the trochanter roll, is used for hip positioning, not foot alignment. Choice D, the abduction pillow, is used to maintain proper positioning of the legs but does not directly address plantar flexion contractures.

5. What is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a central venous catheter (CVC)?

• A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure regularly.
• B. Change the CVC dressing every 72 hours.
• C. Flush the CVC with normal saline every shift.
• D. Avoid using the CVC for blood draws.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a central venous catheter (CVC) is to change the CVC dressing every 72 hours. This practice reduces the risk of infection and ensures the catheter remains secure. Monitoring the patient's blood pressure regularly is important but not the most crucial action when managing a CVC. Flushing the CVC with normal saline is essential but not the most important action. Avoiding using the CVC for blood draws is a good practice, but it is not the most critical nursing action in this scenario.

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