Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter. What is the most important action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI)?

• A. Perform hand hygiene before and after handling the catheter
• B. Change the catheter every 72 hours
• C. Apply antibiotic ointment at the insertion site
• D. Irrigate the catheter daily

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Performing hand hygiene before and after handling the catheter is crucial in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). This practice helps minimize the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms into the urinary tract. Changing the catheter every 72 hours is not recommended unless clinically indicated as it can increase the risk of infection. Applying antibiotic ointment at the insertion site is not a standard practice and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Irrigating the catheter daily is unnecessary and can introduce pathogens into the urinary tract, increasing the risk of infection.

2. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which instruction is most important to prevent complications?

• A. Monitor blood glucose levels regularly
• B. Maintain a low-fat diet
• C. Exercise regularly
• D. Take medication as prescribed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is crucial in managing diabetes and preventing complications. This allows the client and healthcare team to make timely adjustments to the treatment plan. While maintaining a low-fat diet, exercising regularly, and taking medication as prescribed are all important aspects of diabetes management, monitoring blood glucose levels takes precedence as it provides real-time information about the client's condition and helps prevent acute complications.

3. A client with a cast complains of numbness and tingling in the affected limb. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Check for tightness of the cast
• B. Elevate the limb
• C. Apply ice to the area
• D. Notify the physician

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first action for a client with a cast experiencing numbness and tingling in the affected limb is to check for tightness of the cast. Numbness and tingling can indicate compromised circulation, and a tight cast may be causing this. Checking the cast for tightness is essential to ensure it is not impeding circulation. Elevating the limb, applying ice, or notifying the physician can be subsequent actions depending on the assessment findings after checking the cast. Elevating the limb might help improve circulation, applying ice is not indicated for numbness and tingling, and notifying the physician can be done if the issue persists after addressing the immediate concern of cast tightness.

4. The healthcare provider plans to assess a newborn and check the infant's Moro reflex. What is the healthcare provider evaluating?

• A. Neurological integrity
• B. Renal functioning
• C. Thermoregulation
• D. Respiratory adequacy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Moro reflex is an instinctive response observed in newborns, indicating their neurological integrity. This reflex is evaluated by eliciting a startle response in the infant, involving the sudden extension and abduction of the limbs, followed by their retraction. This assessment helps in determining the proper functioning of the infant's nervous system and brain. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not relate to the evaluation of the Moro reflex. Renal functioning pertains to kidney function, thermoregulation refers to temperature control, and respiratory adequacy involves assessing breathing and oxygenation levels, none of which are evaluated through the Moro reflex.

5. What is the most important information for the nurse to provide to a client with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder who is started on a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)?

• A. Take the medication with food
• B. Avoid foods high in tyramine
• C. Report any thoughts of self-harm immediately
• D. Expect to see improvement within 24 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Report any thoughts of self-harm immediately.' When starting an SSRI, clients should be informed to report any thoughts of self-harm promptly. SSRIs can initially increase suicidal ideation, especially in the early stages of treatment. This information is crucial for the client's safety and well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because taking the medication with food, avoiding foods high in tyramine, and expecting immediate improvement within 24 hours are not the most critical pieces of information for a client starting on an SSRI.

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