Nursing Elites

1. After surgery, a patient is experiencing pain. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer pain medication as prescribed.
• B. Assess the patient's pain using a pain scale.
• C. Offer the patient non-pharmacological pain relief methods.
• D. Reassess the patient's pain level after 30 minutes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's pain using a pain scale. This is the priority action because it allows the nurse to obtain an objective measure of the patient's pain intensity. By accurately assessing the pain level, the nurse can determine the appropriate intervention, which may include administering pain medication as prescribed (choice A) or offering non-pharmacological pain relief methods (choice C). Reassessing the patient's pain level after 30 minutes (choice D) is important but comes after the initial assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions implemented.

2. A nurse is teaching a client about how to use her new hearing aids. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client needs further instruction?

• A. I will not use hairspray if I am wearing the hearing aids
• B. I will clean the hearing aids with alcohol wipes
• C. I will change the batteries once a week
• D. I will expect the hearing aids to whistle when I cup my hand over them

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because cleaning the hearing aids with alcohol wipes can damage them. It is important to use specialized cleaning tools or follow specific cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer to prevent harm to the hearing aids. Choices A, C, and D demonstrate good understanding and appropriate care for hearing aids, indicating that the client does not need further instruction in those areas.

3. A patient recovering from a stroke has difficulty swallowing. Which action should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Begin feeding the patient soft solids.
• B. Place the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status.
• C. Provide ice chips to help soothe the throat.
• D. Start the patient on a clear liquid diet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status. Patients recovering from a stroke with difficulty swallowing are at high risk for aspiration, which can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, the priority is to keep the patient on NPO until a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is completed. Choice A is incorrect as feeding the patient soft solids can increase the risk of aspiration. Choice C is incorrect as providing ice chips may further compromise swallowing safety. Choice D is incorrect as starting the patient on a clear liquid diet can also increase the risk of aspiration in this scenario.

4. A client with neuropathic pain has a new prescription for amitriptyline once per day. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take the medication with meals
• B. Increase fluids while on this medication
• C. Take it only at night
• D. Report any yellowing of the skin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Increase fluids while on this medication.' Amitriptyline can cause side effects like dry mouth and urinary retention. Increasing fluids can help alleviate these side effects. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking the medication with meals or only at night is not specifically related to managing the side effects of amitriptyline. Reporting yellowing of the skin is important but not directly related to the side effects of this medication.

5. 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.

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