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. A client with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. What is the primary action of this medication?

• A. Increases joint lubrication
• B. Reduces inflammation by suppressing the immune system
• C. Enhances bone density
• D. Stimulates cartilage regeneration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant that works by suppressing the immune system, thereby reducing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate does not directly increase joint lubrication (Choice A) as its primary action is on the immune system. Choices C and D are incorrect since methotrexate does not enhance bone density or stimulate cartilage regeneration. It is crucial for healthcare providers to understand the mechanism of action of medications to provide safe and effective care to patients.

3. A client with a history of chronic back pain is prescribed oxycodone for pain management. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Take the medication with food to reduce stomach upset
• B. Avoid operating heavy machinery while taking this medication
• C. Increase physical activity to enhance pain relief
• D. Report any signs of respiratory depression immediately

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Report any signs of respiratory depression immediately.' Respiratory depression is a severe side effect of opioids like oxycodone and can be life-threatening. It is crucial for the nurse to instruct the client to report any signs such as slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, or confusion. Choice A is incorrect as taking oxycodone with or without food does not significantly affect its efficacy. Choice B is incorrect because avoiding driving is important due to the potential impairment caused by oxycodone, but reporting respiratory depression is more critical. Choice C is incorrect as increasing physical activity may not always be suitable for individuals with chronic back pain and is not directly related to preventing respiratory depression.

4. A client with a diagnosis of chronic heart failure is receiving digoxin. What is the most important assessment before administering this medication?

• A. Check blood pressure.
• B. Assess heart rate.
• C. Monitor respiratory rate.
• D. Measure oxygen saturation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is essential to evaluate the heart rate as digoxin can cause bradycardia. While checking blood pressure, monitoring respiratory rate, and measuring oxygen saturation are important assessments in the care of a client with chronic heart failure, assessing the heart rate is particularly critical due to the medication's potential impact on heart rhythm.

5. The nurse is monitoring a client's intravenous infusion and observes that the venipuncture site is cool to the touch, swollen, and the infusion rate is slower than the prescribed rate. What is the most likely cause of this finding?

• A. The solution's rate is too rapid
• B. The client has phlebitis
• C. The infusion site is infected
• D. The infusion is infiltrated

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. An infiltrated IV occurs when fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing coolness, swelling, and a slow infusion rate. Choice A is incorrect because a rapid solution rate does not typically cause these specific symptoms. Choice B, phlebitis, presents with redness, warmth, and tenderness along the vein, not coolness. Choice C, infection, usually manifests with redness, warmth, and possibly purulent drainage, not coolness and swelling.

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