Nursing Elites

1. A client reports pain and swelling at the IV site. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Flush the IV line and continue the infusion.
• B. Stop the infusion and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Increase the IV infusion rate to reduce discomfort.
• D. Apply a warm compress to the IV site and continue monitoring.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stop the infusion and notify the healthcare provider. Pain and swelling at an IV site can indicate infiltration or infection, which are serious complications. Stopping the infusion helps prevent further harm to the client, and notifying the healthcare provider promptly allows for appropriate assessment and intervention. Choice A is incorrect because flushing the IV line and continuing the infusion could exacerbate the issue. Choice C is incorrect as increasing the IV infusion rate is not the appropriate action for pain and swelling at the site. Choice D is incorrect because applying a warm compress may not address the underlying issue of infiltration or infection; it's crucial to stop the infusion and seek further guidance.

2. A nurse is monitoring a client following a thoracentesis. The nurse should identify which of the following manifestations as a complication and contact the provider immediately?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Decreased temperature
• C. Serosanguineous drainage from the puncture site
• D. Discomfort at the puncture site

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A nurse should identify an increased heart rate as a complication following a thoracentesis and contact the provider immediately. An increased heart rate may indicate a pneumothorax or other serious complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because decreased temperature, serosanguineous drainage, and discomfort at the puncture site are expected findings following a thoracentesis and do not indicate a significant complication requiring immediate provider notification.

3. Which action should the nurse take to minimize the risk of medication errors?

• A. Prepare medications ahead of time to ensure they are ready.
• B. Ensure two nurses double-check medications before administration.
• C. Administer medications at the same time each day.
• D. Rely on memory to administer the correct medications.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because ensuring two nurses double-check medications before administration is a crucial step in minimizing the risk of medication errors. This practice helps in verifying the accuracy of medication orders and reducing the chances of mistakes. Choice A may not necessarily prevent errors as preparing medications ahead of time does not guarantee accuracy. Choice C, administering medications at the same time each day, is important for consistency but does not directly address the risk of errors. Choice D, relying on memory, is highly discouraged as it increases the likelihood of errors due to human forgetfulness.

4. How can dehydration be assessed in an elderly patient?

• A. Checking skin turgor on the forearm
• B. Assessing for dry mucous membranes
• C. Checking for orthostatic hypotension
• D. Measuring daily weights

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing skin turgor by gently pinching the skin on the forearm is a reliable method to check for dehydration in elderly patients. When the skin is slow to return to its original position, it indicates dehydration. While assessing for dry mucous membranes is also important, checking skin turgor is a more direct method for dehydration assessment. Checking for orthostatic hypotension is more related to circulation status than dehydration. Measuring daily weights is helpful to monitor fluid balance but may not be as immediate or direct in detecting dehydration in elderly patients.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and refuses to use an incentive spirometer following major abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

• A. Demonstrate how to use the spirometer
• B. Set a realistic postoperative goal
• C. Determine the reasons why the client is refusing
• D. Request that a respiratory therapist discuss the technique

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to determine the reasons why the client is refusing to use the incentive spirometer. By understanding the client's concerns or issues, the nurse can address them effectively, provide education or support, and encourage the client to comply with the necessary postoperative care. This approach fosters a patient-centered care environment. Demonstrating how to use the spirometer (Choice A) may be important but is not the priority at this moment. Setting a realistic postoperative goal (Choice B) is relevant but not as immediate as understanding the client's refusal. Requesting a respiratory therapist (Choice D) can be considered later if needed, but the nurse's initial focus should be on understanding the client's perspective.

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