Nursing Elites

1. The patient is immobilized after undergoing hip replacement surgery. Which finding will alert the nurse to monitor for hemorrhage in this patient?

• A. Thick, tenacious pulmonary secretions
• B. Low-molecular-weight heparin doses
• C. SCDs wrapped around the legs
• D. Elastic stockings (TED hose)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, which is low-molecular-weight heparin doses. After hip replacement surgery, patients are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to immobility. Heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin are commonly used for prophylaxis against DVT. Monitoring for hemorrhage is crucial when administering anticoagulants. Choices A, C, and D are not directly related to monitoring for hemorrhage in this scenario. Thick, tenacious pulmonary secretions (Choice A) may indicate respiratory issues, SCDs (Choice C) help prevent DVT but do not directly relate to hemorrhage monitoring, and elastic stockings (TED hose) (Choice D) are used for DVT prophylaxis but do not alert to hemorrhage.

2. A client requires an NG tube for stomach decompression. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when inserting the NG tube?

• A. Help the client take sips of water to promote insertion of the NG tube.
• B. Insert the tube without asking the client to swallow.
• C. Advance the tube continuously without pausing.
• D. Use a large-bore tube for insertion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action when inserting an NG tube is to help the client take sips of water. This helps facilitate the insertion of the tube by promoting swallowing and passage through the esophagus. Asking the client to swallow assists in guiding the tube into the stomach. Inserting the tube without asking the client to swallow may lead to incorrect placement or discomfort. Advancing the tube continuously without pausing can cause the tube to coil in the esophagus, leading to complications. Using a large-bore tube for insertion is unnecessary and may increase the risk of injury or discomfort for the client.

3. A nurse is planning care for a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?

• A. Evaluate electrolytes
• B. Restrict fluid intake
• C. Administer diuretics
• D. Monitor vital signs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client has fluid overload, the nurse's first action should be to evaluate electrolytes. Electrolyte levels can be significantly affected by fluid imbalances, and assessing them will guide the nurse in determining the appropriate interventions. Restricting fluid intake (choice B) may be necessary but is not the initial priority. Administering diuretics (choice C) should be based on the electrolyte evaluation and overall assessment. Monitoring vital signs (choice D) is essential but does not provide direct information on the client's electrolyte status, which is crucial in managing fluid overload.

4. A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is being taught how to administer insulin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Administer the insulin in the same body area each time.
• B. Store the insulin according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• C. Rotate injection sites within the same body area.
• D. Inject the insulin at a 45-degree angle.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to rotate injection sites within the same body area. This practice helps prevent lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by the thickening or thinning of subcutaneous fat at the injection sites, which can affect insulin absorption. Choice A is incorrect because administering insulin in the same area each time can lead to lipodystrophy. Choice B is incorrect as insulin should be stored according to the manufacturer's instructions, which may include refrigeration. Choice D is incorrect because the angle of insulin injection (usually 90 degrees) is determined by the length of the needle and the amount of subcutaneous fat, not a fixed 45-degree angle.

5. A client is on bed rest. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to implement?

• A. Encourage the client to perform antiembolic exercises every 2 hours.
• B. Instruct the client to cough and deep breathe every 4 hours.
• C. Restrict the client’s fluid intake.
• D. Reposition the client every 4 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To prevent complications associated with prolonged bed rest, encouraging the client to perform antiembolic exercises every 2 hours is essential. These exercises help promote circulation and prevent blood clots. Instructing the client to cough and deep breathe every 4 hours is beneficial for respiratory function, but it is not as critical as antiembolic exercises. Repositioning the client every 4 hours helps prevent pressure ulcers and maintain skin integrity. Restricting fluid intake is not recommended, as hydration is important for overall health and well-being, especially for clients on bed rest.

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