a nurse is using an otoscope to inspect the ears of an adult client which action does the nurse take before inserting the otoscope a nurse is using an otoscope to inspect the ears of an adult client which action does the nurse take before inserting the otoscope
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NCLEX NCLEX-PN

Health Promotion and Maintenance NCLEX PN Questions

1. A healthcare professional is using an otoscope to inspect the ears of an adult client. Which action does the professional take before inserting the otoscope?

Correct answer: Pulling the pinna up and back

Rationale: In an adult client, the healthcare professional should pull the pinna up and back before inserting the otoscope. This action helps straighten the S shape of the ear canal, making it easier to insert the otoscope directly and comfortably. Tipping the client’s head down and toward or away from the examiner is not the correct action when using an otoscope in an adult. Pulling the pinna down and forward is typically done when examining an infant or a child younger than 3 years old to straighten their ear canal for better visualization.

2. A nurse, monitoring a client in the fourth stage of labor, checks the client’s vital signs every 15 minutes. The nurse notes that the client’s pulse rate has increased from 70 to 100 beats/min. On the basis of this finding, which priority action should the nurse take?

Correct answer: Checking the client's uterine fundus

Rationale: During the fourth stage of labor, the woman’s vital signs should be assessed every 15 minutes during the first hour. An increasing pulse rate is an early sign of excessive blood loss, as the heart beats faster to compensate for reduced blood volume. The blood pressure decreases as blood volume diminishes, but this is a later sign of hypovolemia. The most common reason for excessive postpartum bleeding is a uterus that is not firmly contracting and compressing open vessels at the placental site. Therefore, the nurse should check the client’s uterine fundus for firmness, height, and positioning. Checking the uterine fundus is the priority action as it helps determine if the client is bleeding excessively. Notifying the registered nurse immediately is not necessary unless the cause of bleeding is unclear and needs further intervention. Continuing to check vital signs without addressing the potential issue will delay necessary intervention. Documenting findings is important, but not the immediate priority when faced with a potential emergency situation like postpartum hemorrhage.

3. A nurse is caring for a client with an elevated urine osmolarity. The nurse should assess the client for:

Correct answer: fluid volume deficit.

Rationale: Elevated urine osmolarity indicates that the urine is concentrated, suggesting the body is trying to conserve water. This commonly occurs in conditions like dehydration or fluid volume deficit. Assessing the client for fluid volume excess, hyperkalemia, or hypercalcemia would not be the priority in this situation. Therefore, the correct answer is to assess the client for fluid volume deficit. Fluid volume excess is characterized by decreased urine osmolarity, while hyperkalemia and hypercalcemia are related to electrolyte imbalances and would not directly cause elevated urine osmolarity.

4. While preparing a client for a bronchoscopy, a nurse notes that the client is wearing a gold necklace. What should the nurse do to safeguard the client’s necklace?

Correct answer: Ask the client for permission to lock the necklace in the hospital safe

Rationale: When a client has valuables such as jewelry, the nurse should ensure their safekeeping. It is appropriate for the nurse to ask the client for permission to lock the necklace in the hospital safe to prevent loss or damage. This option prioritizes the security of the necklace while allowing the client to make an informed decision. Asking the client to sign a release form does not guarantee the necklace's safety; it only releases the hospital from liability. Placing the necklace in a bedside table drawer does not provide adequate security as it is not as secure as a hospital safe. Inquiring whether the necklace is gold is irrelevant to safeguarding the jewelry during the procedure, as the primary concern is its safekeeping.

5. An elderly client is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She has surgery followed by chemotherapy with fluorouracil (Adrucil) IV. What should the nurse do if she notices crystals and cloudiness in the IV medication?

Correct answer: Discard the solution and order a new bag

Rationale: Crystals in the solution are not normal and should not be administered to the client. Discarding the solution and ordering a new bag is the correct action to ensure the client's safety. Warming the solution, as suggested in answer B, will not resolve the issue of crystals and cloudiness, which could potentially harm the client. Continuing the infusion, as in answer C, could pose a risk to the client due to the presence of abnormal substances. Answer D, discontinuing the medication, would typically require a doctor's order and should be done after discarding the contaminated solution.

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