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. When caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube, what is the most appropriate intervention to prevent aspiration?

• A. Flush the NG tube with water before each feeding.
• B. Check the placement of the NG tube before each feeding.
• C. Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees.
• D. Provide the patient with oral care every 4 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees is the most appropriate intervention to prevent aspiration in a patient with an NG tube. This position helps reduce the risk of regurgitation and aspiration by promoting the proper flow of contents through the gastrointestinal tract and minimizing the chances of stomach contents entering the airway. Flushing the NG tube with water before each feeding may not directly prevent aspiration. Checking the placement of the NG tube is important but does not specifically address the prevention of aspiration. Providing oral care every 4 hours is essential for maintaining oral hygiene but is not directly related to preventing aspiration in a patient with an NG tube.

3. A case manager at an assisted living facility is reviewing the use of complementary health practices by several clients. Which of the following actions should the case manager plan to take?

• A. Plan to report a client's use of echinacea to the provider as a contraindication to aspirin therapy
• B. Plan to schedule time for a new client to continue tai chi practice as a stress reduction technique
• C. Tell a client that yoga has not been proven effective to reduce manifestations of menopause
• D. Tell a client who drinks cranberry juice daily that it can help treat existing urinary tract infections

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Tai chi is a recognized complementary health practice for stress reduction. Scheduling time for a new client to continue tai chi practice aligns with supporting holistic care. Choice A is incorrect because reporting a client's use of echinacea as a contraindication to aspirin therapy is not necessary without further context or evidence of interactions. Choice C is wrong because yoga can indeed be effective in reducing manifestations of menopause. Choice D is also incorrect because while cranberry juice is known to help prevent urinary tract infections, it is not typically used to treat existing infections.

4. How should the nurse manage the client's pain if a client with a history of substance abuse is requesting pain medication?

• A. Administer the medication as requested
• B. Assess the patient's pain level first
• C. Administer a placebo to the client
• D. Refuse to give any medication to the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with a history of substance abuse requests pain medication, the nurse should first assess the patient's pain level. It is important to determine the nature and intensity of the pain before administering any medication to ensure appropriate pain management. Administering medication without assessing the pain level can lead to unnecessary drug administration or inadequate pain relief. Administering a placebo would be unethical and ineffective. Refusing to give any medication without proper assessment can compromise the client's comfort and recovery. Therefore, the correct approach is to assess the patient's pain level first before deciding on the most suitable pain management intervention.

5. The client has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The family asks the nurse to ignore the DNR if the client codes. What is the nurse's responsibility?

• A. Follow the family's wishes
• B. Explain that the DNR must be honored
• C. Ignore the DNR and proceed with CPR
• D. Perform CPR if the client codes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Explain that the DNR must be honored.' The nurse's responsibility is to follow the DNR order, as it is a legal and ethical obligation. Choice A is incorrect because following the family's wishes would go against the established DNR order. Choice C is incorrect as ignoring the DNR order is not appropriate. Choice D is also incorrect as performing CPR would be contrary to the client's expressed wishes in the DNR order.

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