Nursing Elites

1. Thirty minutes after receiving IV morphine, a postoperative client continues to rate pain as 7 on a 10-point scale. Which action should the PN implement first?

• A. Call healthcare provider to request a different analgesic
• B. Determine when morphine can be given again
• C. Implement complementary pain relief methods
• D. Observe dressing to determine the presence of bleeding

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate action for the PN to implement first is to implement complementary pain relief methods. This includes repositioning the client, applying heat or cold packs, or using relaxation techniques. These strategies can provide additional pain relief before the next dose of medication is due or before seeking further instructions from the healthcare provider. Calling the healthcare provider immediately to request a different analgesic (Choice A) may not be necessary at this moment since other non-pharmacological methods can be attempted first. Determining when morphine can be given again (Choice B) is important but addressing the client's immediate pain relief takes precedence. Observing the dressing for bleeding (Choice D) is important but not the first priority when the client is experiencing unrelieved pain.

2. While ambulating in the hallway following an appendectomy yesterday, a client complains of chest tightness and shortness of breath. Which action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
• B. Assist the client back to the room
• C. Have the client sit down in the hall
• D. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Having the client sit down in the hallway is the first action the nurse should implement. This is crucial to prevent further strain on the heart and to provide a safer environment for assessment and potential emergency intervention. Administering sublingual nitroglycerin (Choice A) may be appropriate later but should not precede ensuring the client's immediate safety. Assisting the client back to the room (Choice B) may not be advisable if the client is experiencing chest tightness and shortness of breath. Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (Choice D) is important but would not be the initial action to address the client's immediate symptoms.

3. At the first dressing change, the PN tells the client that her mastectomy incision is healing well, but the client refuses to look at the incision and refuses to talk about it. Which response by the PN to the client's silence is best?

• A. You will feel better when you see that the incision is not as bad as you may think.
• B. It's OK if you don't want to look or talk about the mastectomy. I will be available when you're ready.
• C. Part of recovery is accepting your new body image, and you will need to look at your incision.
• D. Would you like me to call another nurse to be here while I show you the wound?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acknowledging the client's feelings and providing emotional support without pressuring them to look at the incision is important. Choice B is the best response as it respects the client's emotional readiness to confront their body image changes. The client's autonomy and emotional needs are prioritized in this response. Choice A may invalidate the client's feelings by assuming the incision is not as bad as they think, potentially dismissing their emotions. Choice C is insensitive as it imposes a particular view of recovery on the client, disregarding their current emotional state. Choice D may escalate the situation by suggesting the need for another nurse, which could make the client feel uncomfortable and pressured.

4. After adding feeding solution to a client's tube feeding system as seen in the picture, what action should the PN take next?

• A. Remove the air from the solution bag
• B. Obtain a piston syringe and irrigation set
• C. Record the solution added as fluid intake
• D. Calculate the rate of flow of the solution

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After adding feeding solution, obtaining a piston syringe and irrigation set is necessary to flush the feeding tube and ensure patency before starting the feeding. This helps prevent blockages and ensures proper delivery of the nutritional solution. Option A is incorrect because removing air from the solution bag is not the immediate next step after adding the feeding solution. Option C is incorrect as recording the solution added as fluid intake is important but not the immediate next step. Option D is incorrect as calculating the rate of flow of the solution is not the next step after adding the feeding solution.

5. A client post-splenectomy is at risk for infection. What is the most important preventive measure the nurse should emphasize during discharge teaching?

• A. Take all prescribed antibiotics as directed.
• B. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick.
• C. Wash hands frequently and practice good hygiene.
• D. Keep the surgical site clean and dry.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Wash hands frequently and practice good hygiene.' After a splenectomy, the client is at an increased risk of infection due to the role of the spleen in the immune system. Maintaining good hand hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, is crucial to prevent infections. While taking prescribed antibiotics as directed (Choice A) is important if prescribed, it is not the most crucial preventive measure in this scenario. Avoiding crowded places and sick people (Choice B) can help reduce the risk of exposure to pathogens but may not always be feasible. Keeping the surgical site clean and dry (Choice D) is important for wound care but is not the primary preventive measure to protect against infections in a post-splenectomy client.

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