Nursing Elites

1. A nurse on an acute unit has received a change of shift report for 4 clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client who is 1 hr postoperative and has hypoactive bowel sounds.
• B. A client who has a fractured left tibia and pallor in the affected extremity.
• C. A client who had a cardiac catheterization 3 hr ago and has 3+ pedal pulses.
• D. A client who has an elevated AST level following the administration of azithromycin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because pallor in an extremity after a fracture could indicate compromised circulation, making it a priority for assessment. Choice A is not the priority as hypoactive bowel sounds in a client 1 hr postoperative, while concerning, do not indicate a life-threatening condition. Choice C, a client who had a cardiac catheterization 3 hr ago and has 3+ pedal pulses, indicates good perfusion and does not require immediate attention. Choice D, a client with an elevated AST level following the administration of azithromycin, may require further assessment but is not as urgent as the client with potential compromised circulation in choice B.

2. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. The client states, 'I'm sick of all these medications, and I'm not taking any more today!' Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Ask the client to discuss their feelings
• B. Explain the importance of the medications
• C. Document the refusal and withhold the medication
• D. Inform the client of the possible consequences of refusal

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client refuses medication, the nurse should inform the client of the possible consequences of refusal. This action helps the client understand the risks associated with not taking the medication. Asking the client to discuss their feelings (choice A) is important but should follow after informing them of the consequences. Explaining the importance of the medications (choice B) might not address the immediate concern of the client. Documenting the refusal and withholding the medication (choice C) should be done after informing the client of the consequences and attempting to address their concerns.

3. A client with IV fluids has developed redness and warmth at the IV site. What is the next step the nurse should take?

• A. Apply a cold compress to the IV site
• B. Discontinue the IV and notify the healthcare provider
• C. Monitor the IV site for signs of infection
• D. Increase the IV flow rate to improve circulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client develops redness and warmth at the IV site, it is indicative of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The next step for the nurse should be to discontinue the IV and notify the healthcare provider. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Monitoring for infection is important, but in this case, the presence of redness and warmth suggests phlebitis, not infection. Increasing the IV flow rate can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.

4. A client with hypertension is receiving lifestyle education from a nurse. What should be emphasized?

• A. Encourage a low-sodium diet
• B. Advise the client to avoid caffeinated drinks
• C. Recommend increasing high-protein foods
• D. Advise the client to reduce fat intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to avoid caffeinated drinks. Caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure, so avoiding caffeinated drinks can help manage hypertension. Encouraging a low-sodium diet (Choice A) is essential for hypertension management as excess sodium can raise blood pressure. Increasing high-protein foods (Choice C) is not a primary focus in managing hypertension. While reducing fat intake (Choice D) can be beneficial for overall health, it is not the priority in lifestyle modifications for hypertension.

5. A client is constipated and asks the nurse for advice. What should the nurse recommend?

• A. Administer a laxative to relieve discomfort
• B. Increase dietary fiber to promote bowel movements
• C. Advise the client to rest until symptoms resolve
• D. Encourage bed rest to allow bowel function to return

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation for constipation is to increase dietary fiber to promote bowel movements. Dietary fiber helps add bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass and promoting regular bowel movements. Administering a laxative (Choice A) is not the first-line recommendation and should be used cautiously due to potential side effects. Resting until symptoms resolve (Choice C) and encouraging bed rest (Choice D) are not effective interventions for relieving constipation.

Similar Questions