Nursing Elites

1. A nursing student caring for a 6-month-old infant is asked to collect a sample for urinalysis from the infant. How should the student collect the specimen?

• A. Catheterizing the infant using the smallest available Foley catheter
• B. Attaching a urinary collection device to the infant's perineum for collection
• C. Obtaining the specimen from the diaper by squeezing the diaper after the infant voids
• D. Noting the time of the next expected voiding and then preparing a specimen cup for the urine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct method for collecting a urine sample from an infant for urinalysis is by attaching a urinary collection device to the infant's perineum. This device is a plastic bag with an adhesive opening that allows it to be secured to the perineum to collect urine. Catheterizing the infant with a Foley catheter should not be done unless specifically prescribed due to the risk of infection. Obtaining the specimen from the diaper by squeezing it after the infant voids may not provide an accurate sample for urinalysis. Trying to predict the time of the next voiding to prepare a specimen cup is not practical or reliable in ensuring an appropriate sample for urinalysis.

2. A 30-year-old man is being admitted to the hospital for elective knee surgery. Which assessment finding is most important to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Tympany on percussion of the abdomen
• B. Liver edge 3 cm below the costal margin
• C. Bowel sounds of 20/minute in each quadrant
• D. Aortic pulsations visible in the epigastric area

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Liver edge 3 cm below the costal margin.' Normally, the lower border of the liver is not palpable below the ribs, so this finding suggests hepatomegaly, which could indicate an underlying health issue. Tympany on percussion of the abdomen, bowel sounds of 20/minute in each quadrant, and aortic pulsations visible in the epigastric area are all within normal limits for a physical assessment and do not require immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.

3. The nurse is preparing to administer an enteral feeding to a client via a nasogastric feeding tube. The most important action of the nurse is:

• A. Verify correct placement of the tube
• B. Check that the feeding solution matches the dietary order
• C. Aspirate gastric contents to determine the amount of the last feeding remaining in the stomach
• D. Ensure that the feeding solution is at room temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most crucial action for the nurse when preparing to administer enteral feeding via a nasogastric tube is to verify the correct placement of the tube. Proper placement of the tube is vital to prevent complications such as aspiration into the lungs. The definitive methods to confirm the position of the nasogastric tube include visualization through an x-ray or aspirating stomach contents and checking their pH (usually pH 1 to 5). Aspirated stomach content can also be tested for bilirubin to confirm placement in the stomach. Choice B, checking that the feeding solution matches the dietary order, is important for ensuring the correct nutrition is provided but is not as critical as verifying tube placement to prevent potential harm. Choice C, aspirating gastric contents to determine the amount of the last feeding remaining in the stomach, is a common nursing practice but is not the most crucial action when compared to ensuring correct tube placement. Choice D, ensuring that the feeding solution is at room temperature, is relevant for patient comfort and preventing thermal injury but is not as essential as confirming correct tube placement to prevent serious complications.

4. While caring for the client during the first hour after delivery, the nurse determines that the uterus is boggy and there is vaginal bleeding. What should be the nurse's first action?

• A. Check vital signs
• B. Massage the fundus
• C. Offer a bedpan
• D. Check for perineal lacerations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Massage the fundus. The nurse's first action should be to massage the fundus until it is firm as uterine atony is the primary cause of bleeding in the first hour after delivery. Checking vital signs, offering a bedpan, or checking for perineal lacerations are important assessments but addressing the boggy uterus and vaginal bleeding due to uterine atony takes precedence in this situation.

5. A 16-month-old child has just been admitted to the hospital. As the nurse assigned to this child enters the hospital room for the first time, the toddler runs to the mother, clings to her, and begins to cry. What would be the initial action by the nurse?

• A. Arrange to change client care assignments
• B. Explain that this behavior is expected
• C. Discuss the appropriate use of 'time-out'
• D. Explain that the child needs extra attention

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When encountering a 16-month-old child exhibiting fear of strangers by clinging to the parent and crying, it is essential for the nurse to explain that this behavior is expected. Fear of strangers typically emerges around 6-8 months of age and can continue into the toddler years and beyond. This behavior is a normal part of development as the child is displaying attachment and trust in familiar caregivers. Changing client care assignments, discussing 'time-out,' or suggesting the child needs extra attention are not appropriate initial actions in this situation. Changing care assignments is unnecessary and does not address the child's emotional needs. Discussing 'time-out' is not relevant as it pertains to discipline strategies for older children. Suggesting the child needs extra attention may misinterpret the situation; the child's behavior is a normal response to a new environment and does not necessarily indicate a need for additional attention.

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