Nursing Elites

1. What is the most important aspect of colostomy care to teach the client?

• A. Change the colostomy bag only when necessary
• B. Eat a low-residue diet
• C. Assess the stoma for color and swelling
• D. Irrigate the colostomy only if advised by a healthcare provider

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important aspect of colostomy care to teach the client is to assess the stoma for color and swelling. This is crucial as it ensures early detection of complications such as ischemia or infection. Changing the colostomy bag only when necessary is more appropriate than doing it daily, as it prevents unnecessary changes that may irritate the skin. While eating a low-residue diet is beneficial, it is not the most crucial aspect to teach. Irrigating the colostomy should only be done if advised by a healthcare provider, as it is not a routine procedure for all clients with a colostomy.

2. When inserting an indwelling urinary catheter in a female client and urine flows into the tubing, what is the next action?

• A. Document the color and clarity of the urine
• B. Insert the catheter an additional inch
• C. Ask the client to breathe deeply and slowly exhale
• D. Inflate the balloon with 5 mL of sterile water

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When urine flows into the tubing during the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter, it confirms proper catheter placement. The next step should be to inflate the balloon with the specified amount of sterile water to secure the catheter in place. Documenting the color and clarity of the urine (choice A) is important for assessment but not the immediate next action. Inserting the catheter further (choice B) without securing it could cause harm. Asking the client to breathe deeply (choice C) is not relevant to this situation.

3. The nurse is assessing a client with a suspected diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which clinical sign is most indicative of DVT?

• A. Redness and warmth over the affected area
• B. Decreased peripheral pulses
• C. Cyanosis of the toes
• D. Muscle cramps in the calf

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Redness and warmth over the affected area are classic signs of inflammation, which commonly occur in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to the obstruction of blood flow. These symptoms result from the body's inflammatory response to the blood clot. Choices B, C, and D are less indicative of DVT. Decreased peripheral pulses may occur in arterial insufficiency rather than DVT. Cyanosis of the toes indicates decreased oxygenation and is more characteristic of arterial issues. Muscle cramps in the calf are nonspecific and can be caused by various conditions, not solely DVT.

4. A client is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which instruction about insulin administration should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage
• B. Inject insulin into the same site to increase absorption
• C. Only use insulin pens
• D. Mix different types of insulin in the same syringe

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to only use insulin pens. This is because insulin pens provide a convenient and accurate way to administer insulin. Rotating injection sites is important to prevent tissue damage and promote consistent insulin absorption, making choice A incorrect. Injecting insulin into the same site can lead to lipodystrophy and is not recommended, making choice B incorrect. Mixing different types of insulin in the same syringe can alter their action profiles and is generally not recommended, making choice D incorrect.

5. A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hypernatremia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyponatremia. Lithium can affect sodium levels in the body, potentially leading to hyponatremia, which is a condition characterized by low sodium levels. This imbalance requires close monitoring as it can lead to symptoms such as confusion, weakness, and even seizures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because lithium is not primarily associated with causing hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, or hypernatremia. While these imbalances can occur in certain conditions or with other medications, the main electrolyte imbalance to monitor when a client is prescribed lithium is hyponatremia.

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