Nursing Elites

1. A post-op nurse has an indwelling catheter in place for gravity drainage. The nurse notes that the client's urine bag has been empty for 2 hours. The first action the nurse should take is to:

• A. Check to see if the tubing is kinked.
• B. Increase the IV fluid rate.
• C. Check the catheter insertion site.
• D. Contact the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when the urine bag has not filled for 2 hours is to check if the tubing is kinked. Kinks in the tubing can obstruct the flow of urine from the catheter, leading to decreased drainage. Increasing the IV fluid rate is not the appropriate initial action in this situation as the primary concern is with the catheter drainage. Checking the catheter insertion site would be secondary to ensuring proper drainage. Contacting the healthcare provider is not necessary as the issue can often be resolved by checking for simple tubing obstructions first.

2. The healthcare provider is observing the way a patient walks. Which aspect is the healthcare provider assessing?

• A. Activity tolerance
• B. Body alignment
• C. Range of motion
• D. Gait

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When assessing the way a patient walks, the healthcare provider is evaluating the gait, which refers to a particular manner or style of walking. Body alignment pertains to the positioning of body parts in relation to one another, range of motion refers to the extent of movement of a joint, and activity tolerance relates to the ability to endure physical activities. In this scenario, observing the patient's walking pattern specifically focuses on gait assessment.

3. What action should the nurse include in the plan of care for a postoperative client with a history of poor nutritional intake who needs care for wound healing?

• A. Provide a protein intake of 1.5 g/kg of body weight per day.
• B. Increase carbohydrate intake to 50% of daily calories.
• C. Administer high-dose vitamin supplements.
• D. Ensure a daily intake of 1000 calories.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To promote wound healing in a postoperative client with poor nutritional intake, the nurse should include a protein intake of 1.5 g/kg of body weight per day in the plan of care. Proteins are essential for tissue repair and wound healing. Increasing carbohydrate intake or administering high-dose vitamin supplements may not directly promote wound healing. Ensuring a daily intake of 1000 calories may not provide adequate nutrients for optimal wound healing.

4. A client who is in hospice care complains of increasing amounts of pain. The healthcare provider prescribes an analgesic every four hours as needed. Which action should the LPN/LVN implement?

• A. Give an around-the-clock schedule for administration of analgesics.
• B. Administer analgesic medication as needed when the pain is severe.
• C. Provide medication to keep the client sedated and unaware of stimuli.
• D. Offer a medication-free period to allow the client to engage in daily activities.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the LPN/LVN to implement is to give an around-the-clock schedule for administration of analgesics. This approach helps maintain consistent pain management by providing the medication regularly, preventing the pain from becoming severe. Choice B is incorrect because waiting for severe pain before administering the analgesic may lead to uncontrolled pain levels. Choice C is inappropriate as the goal of pain management in hospice care is to provide comfort without unnecessary sedation. Choice D is also incorrect as offering a medication-free period may result in inadequate pain control for the client.

5. A client who is confused and pulling at the tubing of her IV is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take before requesting a prescription for restraints from the provider?

• A. Place the client in a room away from the nurses’ station.
• B. Limit the client’s visitors.
• C. Give the client washcloths to fold.
• D. Close the door of the client’s room.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Providing the client with washcloths to fold is a non-restrictive intervention that can help distract and engage the client, potentially reducing the need for restraints. This action promotes a therapeutic and calming environment for the confused client. Placing the client in a room away from the nurses’ station (Choice A) may not address the underlying issue of confusion and agitation. Limiting the client’s visitors (Choice B) may not directly assist in managing the client's behavior. Closing the door of the client’s room (Choice D) does not actively engage the client in a therapeutic intervention to address the behavior.

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