Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer an intravenous antibiotic to a client with a central venous catheter. Which action is most important?

• A. Flush the catheter with heparin.
• B. Change the dressing at the insertion site.
• C. Check for blood return before administering the antibiotic.
• D. Use sterile technique when accessing the catheter.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Using sterile technique when accessing the catheter is crucial to prevent infection in clients with a central venous catheter. This action helps maintain asepsis and reduces the risk of introducing pathogens into the catheter system. Flushing the catheter with heparin helps prevent occlusion but is not as crucial as ensuring sterile technique. Changing the dressing at the insertion site is important for assessing the site's condition but does not directly impact the administration of the antibiotic. Checking for blood return is essential to ensure proper catheter function, but sterile technique takes precedence to prevent infections.

2. A school nurse is developing a health risk screening protocol for use at an elementary school. What information is most important for the nurse to include in this protocol?

• A. annual flu vaccination status
• B. weight and height measurement
• C. total cholesterol level
• D. long bone deformity testing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Weight and height measurements are crucial components of health screenings in children as they help assess growth patterns and identify potential health concerns such as obesity or growth disorders. Monitoring weight and height regularly can aid in early intervention and prevention of health issues. Annual flu vaccination status, total cholesterol level, and long bone deformity testing are not typically primary components of routine health screenings in elementary school children and may not directly contribute to identifying common health risks in this population.

3. The nurse is providing care for a client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Serum sodium of 140 mEq/L.
• B. Serum osmolality of 280 mOsm/kg.
• C. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours.
• D. Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The corrected answer is D. A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which requires immediate intervention in a client with SIADH. Hyponatremia can lead to serious complications such as seizures, coma, and cerebral edema. Choices A, B, and C are not the most critical findings in a client with SIADH. While a serum sodium of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range, a decrease to 130 mEq/L is concerning and requires prompt action to prevent complications.

4. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with a suspected stroke. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Blood pressure of 160/90 mm Hg.
• B. Blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL.
• C. Difficulty speaking.
• D. Temperature of 99.8°F (37.7°C).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Difficulty speaking is a classic symptom of a stroke, indicating a potential blockage of blood flow to the brain. Immediate intervention is crucial to minimize brain damage. While an elevated blood pressure (Choice A) may need management, it is not the most urgent concern in this scenario. A blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL (Choice B) is slightly elevated but does not require immediate intervention for a suspected stroke. A temperature of 99.8°F (37.7°C) (Choice D) falls within the normal range and is not a critical finding in this context.

5. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease is admitted with sudden severe abdominal pain. Which finding indicates the possibility of a perforated ulcer?

• A. Bowel sounds are hyperactive in all quadrants.
• B. Abdomen is soft and nondistended.
• C. The client reports sudden severe abdominal pain.
• D. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Sudden severe abdominal pain is a key clinical manifestation of a perforated ulcer. The sudden onset of severe pain is concerning for a perforation in the ulcer, which can lead to peritonitis if not promptly addressed. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because hyperactive bowel sounds, a soft and nondistended abdomen, and a blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg are not specific indicators of a perforated ulcer. Hyperactive bowel sounds may suggest increased gastrointestinal motility, a soft abdomen may not necessarily indicate a perforation, and a blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg is within normal limits and does not directly relate to a perforated ulcer.

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