Nursing Elites

1. After abdominal surgery, a client has a nasogastric tube attached to low suctioning. The client becomes nauseated, and the nurse observes a decrease in the flow of gastric secretions. Which of the following nursing interventions would be MOST appropriate?

• A. Irrigate the nasogastric tube with distilled water
• B. Aspirate the gastric contents with a syringe
• C. Administer an antiemetic medication
• D. Insert a new nasogastric tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention when a client with a nasogastric tube experiences nausea and a decrease in gastric secretions is to aspirate the gastric contents with a syringe. This action helps relieve nausea by removing excess fluid and gas. Option A, irrigating the nasogastric tube with distilled water, is not indicated as it does not address the underlying issue of decreased gastric secretions. Option C, administering an antiemetic medication, may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the mechanical issue of decreased flow in the nasogastric tube. Option D, inserting a new nasogastric tube, is not necessary unless there are specific complications or obstructions in the current tube.

2. A client post-surgery has a chest tube. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

• A. Clamp the chest tube for 30 minutes every 4 hours
• B. Check for air leaks and ensure the chest tube is functioning properly
• C. Position the client in a high Fowler's position
• D. Encourage frequent coughing to clear secretions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks and ensure the chest tube is functioning properly. This is crucial post-surgery to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube, positioning the client, or encouraging coughing are not appropriate assessments for a client with a chest tube post-surgery and could lead to serious issues if done incorrectly.

3. A nurse is performing postmortem care for a client prior to the arrival of the client's family for viewing of the body. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Apply moisturizing lotion to the skin
• B. Turn off the lights
• C. Remove all jewelry
• D. Gently close the client's eyelids

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take is to gently close the client's eyelids. This is a respectful and common practice in postmortem care before allowing the family to view the body. Applying moisturizing lotion to the skin is unnecessary and may not be appropriate at this time. Turning off the lights might not be necessary and could impact the viewing environment for the family. While removing all jewelry is generally a good practice, it is not as crucial as gently closing the client's eyelids for postmortem care.

4. What is the primary intervention for a patient with a pneumothorax?

• A. Insert a chest tube
• B. Administer oxygen
• C. Monitor respiratory rate
• D. Administer analgesics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to insert a chest tube. This intervention is considered the definitive treatment for a pneumothorax as it helps remove air or fluid from the pleural space, re-expanding the lung. Administering oxygen (Choice B) can be supportive but is not the primary intervention to treat a pneumothorax. Monitoring respiratory rate (Choice C) is important but does not address the underlying issue of air in the pleural space. Administering analgesics (Choice D) may help manage pain but does not treat the pneumothorax itself.

5. A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when setting up the sterile field?

• A. Place the cap from the solution sterile side up on a clean surface.
• B. Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit away from the body.
• C. Place the sterile dressing within 1.25 cm (0.5 in) of the edge of the sterile field.
• D. Set up the sterile field 5 cm (2 in) above waist level.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To maintain the sterility of the field, the nurse should place the cap from the solution sterile side up on a clean surface. This action helps prevent contamination. Choice B is incorrect because opening the outermost flap toward the body increases the risk of introducing contaminants onto the sterile field. Choice C is incorrect as the sterile dressing should be placed at least 2.5 cm (1 in) from the edge of the sterile field to prevent accidental contamination. Choice D is incorrect because setting up the sterile field above waist level could lead to inadvertent contact and compromise the field's sterility.

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