Nursing Elites

1. The patient has undergone surgery for a broken leg and has a cast in place. What should the nurse do to prevent skin impairment?

• A. Assess surfaces exposed to the edges of the cast for pressure areas.
• B. Keep the patient's blood pressure low to prevent overperfusion of tissue.
• C. Allow turning in bed to prevent complications.
• D. Encourage the patient's dietary intake to maintain hydration.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To prevent skin impairment in a patient with a cast, the nurse should assess surfaces exposed to the edges of the cast for pressure areas. This is important to prevent pressure ulcers or skin breakdown. Keeping the patient's blood pressure low (Choice B) is not directly related to preventing skin impairment in this scenario. Allowing turning in bed (Choice C) is essential for preventing complications like pressure ulcers and is not contraindicated. Encouraging the patient's dietary intake (Choice D) to maintain hydration is not directly related to preventing skin impairment associated with a cast.

2. A client requires gastric decompression, and a nurse is inserting an NG tube. Which action should the nurse take to verify proper placement of the tube?

• A. Assess the client for a gag reflex
• B. Measure the pH of the gastric aspirate
• C. Place the end of the NG tube in water to observe for bubbling
• D. Auscultate 2.5 cm (1 in) above the umbilicus while injecting 15 mL of sterile water

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Measuring the pH of the gastric aspirate is the most reliable method to confirm proper placement of an NG tube. Gastric fluid has an acidic pH, typically ranging from 1 to 5. Assessing the client for a gag reflex (choice A) is important for airway protection but does not confirm tube placement. Placing the NG tube in water to observe for bubbling (choice C) is incorrect and not a reliable method for verifying placement. Auscultating 2.5 cm above the umbilicus while injecting sterile water (choice D) is an outdated method and is not recommended for verifying NG tube placement.

3. A client is on bed rest following an abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings indicates the need to increase the frequency of position changes?

• A. Flat rash on the client's ankle
• B. Non-blanching red area over the client's trochanter
• C. Ecchymosis on the client's left shoulder
• D. Petechiae on the client's right anterior thigh

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presence of a non-blanching red area over the client's trochanter is a concerning finding as it indicates possible pressure ulcer formation. This finding necessitates an increase in the frequency of position changes to prevent skin breakdown. Choices A, C, and D do not directly correlate with the need for increased position changes. A flat rash, ecchymosis, and petechiae may have different causes and would not be addressed by changing the client's position more frequently.

4. A male client presents to the clinic stating that he has a high-stress job and is having difficulty falling asleep at night. The client reports having a constant headache and is seeking medication to help with sleep. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Determine the client's sleep and activity patterns
• B. Obtain a prescription for the client to take when stressed
• C. Refer the client for a sleep study and neurological follow-up
• D. Teach coping strategies to use when feeling stressed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing the client's sleep and activity patterns is crucial in understanding the factors contributing to the sleep difficulties and headaches. By evaluating these patterns, the nurse can identify triggers, stressors, and lifestyle habits that may be impacting the client's sleep quality and overall well-being. This assessment will guide the nurse in formulating an appropriate care plan tailored to the client's specific needs. Option B is not appropriate as it focuses solely on providing medication without addressing underlying issues. Option C is premature as a thorough assessment should precede any referrals for specialized studies. Option D, while important, should come after understanding the client's sleep patterns to provide more targeted coping strategies.

5. A group member is being taught about expected changes of aging by a nurse. Which statement by the group member shows effective learning?

• A. ''I should expect my heart rate to take longer to return to normal after excessive exercise as I get older.''
• B. ''I should expect my vision to improve as I age.''
• C. ''I should expect my skin to become more elastic as I age.''
• D. ''I should expect my hearing to become more acute as I age.''

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer because as individuals age, there is a normal decline in cardiac efficiency, leading to a slower return to baseline heart rate after exercise. This statement demonstrates an understanding of an expected change related to aging. Choice B is incorrect as vision typically declines with age due to changes in the eye's structure. Choice C is incorrect because aging usually leads to a decrease in skin elasticity. Choice D is incorrect as hearing tends to decline rather than become more acute with age.

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