Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client who is post-op after a hip replacement. Which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate to prevent dislocation of the hip?

• A. Place an abduction pillow between the client's legs.
• B. Use an abduction pillow between the client's legs.
• C. Encourage the client to cross their legs while sitting.
• D. Encourage the client to sit upright for long periods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using an abduction pillow between the client's legs is the most appropriate nursing action to prevent dislocation after hip replacement surgery. An abduction pillow helps maintain proper alignment and prevents the hip from dislocating. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position (Choice A) or encouraging them to sit upright for long periods (Choice D) may not provide the necessary support and stability needed to prevent hip dislocation. Encouraging the client to cross their legs while sitting (Choice C) can increase the risk of hip dislocation and should be avoided.

2. When assessing constipation in elders, what action should be the nurse's priority?

• A. Obtain a complete blood count
• B. Obtain a health and dietary history
• C. Refer to a provider for a physical examination
• D. Measure height and weight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Obtaining a detailed health and dietary history is crucial when assessing constipation in elders. This helps the nurse identify potential causes such as inadequate fluid intake, low fiber diet, lack of physical activity, or medications that could be contributing to constipation. A complete blood count (Choice A) is not the priority in the initial assessment of constipation. Referring to a provider for a physical examination (Choice C) would be done after gathering more information from the health history. Measuring height and weight (Choice D) is not directly relevant to assessing constipation and identifying its causes.

3. A male client with HIV on antiretroviral therapy complains of constant hunger and thirst while losing weight. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Check the client's glucose level with a glucometer.
• B. Measure the client's weight accurately.
• C. Reassure the client that weight will stabilize as viral load decreases.
• D. Increase the dose of saquinavir.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement is to check the client's glucose level with a glucometer. Constant hunger and thirst along with weight loss can be indicative of hyperglycemia, a possible side effect of saquinavir. Monitoring the client's glucose levels is crucial in this situation. Measuring the client's weight accurately (Choice B) is important for monitoring purposes but does not address the immediate concern of hunger, thirst, and weight loss. Reassuring the client that weight will stabilize as viral load decreases (Choice C) is not appropriate in this scenario as the symptoms described need immediate attention. Increasing the dose of saquinavir (Choice D) without assessing the client's glucose level can worsen the hyperglycemia.

4. An elderly client reports new-onset confusion, nausea, dysuria, and urgency. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Initiate intravenous fluids
• B. Obtain a clean-catch midstream urine specimen
• C. Administer antibiotics
• D. Start a Foley catheter to obtain a sterile sample

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take in this scenario is to obtain a clean-catch midstream urine specimen. The client's symptoms of confusion, nausea, dysuria, and urgency are suggestive of a urinary tract infection (UTI). To confirm the diagnosis and identify the causative organism, a urine specimen should be collected before initiating any treatment. Initiating intravenous fluids (Choice A) may be necessary later based on the client's condition but is not the initial priority. Administering antibiotics (Choice C) should be done after confirming the diagnosis through urine culture. Starting a Foley catheter (Choice D) to obtain a sterile sample is more invasive and should not be the first step in the assessment and management of a suspected UTI.

5. A scrub nurse preparing for the first surgery of the day asks if a 3-minute surgical hand scrub is adequate. What should the circulating nurse advise?

• A. Proceed with surgery preparation
• B. Extend scrub time to 5 minutes
• C. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• D. Scrub time depends on the type of surgery

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The circulating nurse should advise the scrub nurse to extend the hand scrub to 5 minutes for thorough preparation, especially for the first surgery of the day. Choice A is incorrect as it does not address the need for a longer scrub time. Choice C is incorrect as alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not a substitute for a thorough surgical hand scrub. Choice D is incorrect as while scrub time may vary based on the surgery, for the first surgery of the day, a longer scrub time is recommended as a standard practice.

Similar Questions