Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with a central venous catheter. What is the most important action for the nurse to take to prevent infection?

• A. Change the catheter dressing every 72 hours.
• B. Flush the catheter with heparin solution daily.
• C. Ensure the catheter is clamped when not in use.
• D. Maintain sterile technique when handling the catheter.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Maintaining sterile technique when handling a central venous catheter is crucial in preventing infections. Changing the catheter dressing every 72 hours, while important for overall catheter care, does not directly address infection prevention. Flushing the catheter with heparin solution daily is essential for maintaining patency but does not primarily prevent infections. Ensuring the catheter is clamped when not in use is important for preventing air embolism but is not the most critical action to prevent infection. The most effective way to prevent infections is by strictly adhering to sterile techniques during catheter handling, which minimizes the risk of introducing pathogens into the catheter site.

2. A healthcare professional is planning weight loss strategies for a group of clients who are obese. Which of the following actions by the professional will improve the clients' commitment to a long-term goal of weight loss?

• A. Help the clients increase their self-motivation
• B. Recommend gradual dietary changes tailored to the clients' preferences
• C. Emphasize the importance of both exercise and dietary changes
• D. Encourage setting both short-term and long-term goals

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Helping the clients increase their self-motivation is crucial for long-term weight loss success. By empowering clients to find their internal drive to make healthy choices, they are more likely to stay committed to their goals. Choice B is incorrect because recommending a strict diet plan immediately may not consider the clients' individual preferences and needs, leading to potential disengagement. Choice C is incorrect as focusing solely on exercise without addressing dietary changes does not provide a comprehensive approach to weight loss. Choice D is incorrect because setting only short-term goals may not foster sustained progress towards achieving a healthier weight.

3. The client is learning about lifestyle changes to manage hypertension. Which statement by the client requires further teaching?

• A. I will reduce my salt intake.
• B. I will exercise for 30 minutes most days of the week.
• C. I will drink alcohol only on the weekends.
• D. I will monitor my blood pressure regularly.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Clients with hypertension should ideally avoid or limit alcohol intake rather than just restricting it to weekends. Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure and interfere with the effectiveness of hypertension management. Choices A, B, and D are all positive statements that align with managing hypertension: reducing salt intake, regular exercise, and monitoring blood pressure are all beneficial lifestyle changes for individuals with hypertension. Therefore, the statement about drinking alcohol only on weekends requires further teaching to emphasize the importance of reducing alcohol consumption for better blood pressure control.

4. What is the most important action for the LPN/LVN to take to prevent infection in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter?

• A. Ensure the catheter tubing is free of kinks.
• B. Change the catheter every 72 hours.
• C. Clean the perineal area with an antiseptic solution daily.
• D. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline every shift.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most crucial action to prevent infection in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter is to ensure the catheter tubing is free of kinks. This step helps prevent obstruction in the tubing, maintaining proper urine flow and reducing the risk of infection. Changing the catheter every 72 hours is not recommended unless clinically indicated, as routine changes can increase the risk of introducing pathogens. Cleaning the perineal area with an antiseptic solution is essential for general hygiene but does not directly prevent catheter-related infections. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline every shift is not a standard practice and can introduce microorganisms into the urinary tract, increasing the risk of infection.

5. A client has been admitted to the Coronary Care Unit with a myocardial infarction. Which nursing diagnosis should have priority?

• A. Pain related to ischemia
• B. Risk for altered elimination: constipation
• C. Risk for complication: dysrhythmias
• D. Anxiety related to pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pain related to ischemia. This nursing diagnosis should have priority because addressing the pain caused by ischemia is crucial in managing the client's myocardial infarction. Pain management is essential not only for the client's comfort but also for improving outcomes and reducing complications. Choices B, C, and D are not the priority in this scenario. Risk for altered elimination: constipation (Choice B) is not as immediate a concern as managing the client's pain. Risk for complication: dysrhythmias (Choice C) may be a potential concern but addressing the client's pain takes precedence. Anxiety related to pain (Choice D) is important to address but should come after managing the pain itself.

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