Nursing Elites

1. What are the key steps in administering oral medications to a patient with dysphagia?

• A. Crush medications and mix with food
• B. Use a straw to facilitate swallowing
• C. Encourage the patient to drink thickened liquids
• D. Have the patient lie flat during administration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Crush medications and mix with food. When administering oral medications to a patient with dysphagia, crushing the medications and mixing them with food is a common method to aid in swallowing. Choice B is incorrect because using a straw could pose a choking hazard for patients with dysphagia. Choice C is incorrect as thickened liquids may not always be suitable for all medications. Choice D is incorrect because having the patient lie flat can increase the risk of aspiration, which is not recommended for patients with dysphagia.

2. A client is being taught by a nurse how to ascend stairs while using crutches. Which of the following actions should the nurse instruct the client to take first?

• A. Move both crutches up first
• B. Step up with the unaffected leg first
• C. Lean forward on the crutches before stepping up
• D. Hold onto the handrail for support

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to step up with the unaffected leg first. This action is crucial as it ensures proper balance and safety when ascending stairs with crutches. By stepping up with the unaffected leg first, the client can maintain stability and reduce the risk of falls. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Moving both crutches up first (Choice A) may lead to imbalance and difficulty in weight distribution. Leaning forward on the crutches before stepping up (Choice C) can compromise the client's stability and increase the risk of falling. While holding onto the handrail for support (Choice D) is important, stepping up with the unaffected leg first takes precedence to establish a secure and safe movement up the stairs.

3. A client is receiving IV fluids and has developed phlebitis. What is the next step the nurse should take?

• A. Monitor the site for further swelling
• B. Remove the catheter and place it in another site
• C. Reduce the flow rate of IV fluids
• D. Switch to oral hydration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct next step when a client develops phlebitis while receiving IV fluids is to remove the catheter and place it in another site. Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein, and leaving the catheter in the same site can lead to further complications. Monitoring the site for further swelling, as in choice A, is not enough as the source of inflammation needs to be removed. Choice C, reducing the flow rate, may not address the underlying issue causing phlebitis. Switching to oral hydration, as in choice D, is not necessary for addressing phlebitis related to IV fluid administration.

4. A nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving hemodialysis via an AV fistula. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Avoid taking blood pressures on the arm with the AV fistula.
• B. Check the fistula site daily for pallor.
• C. Place a warm compress over the fistula site every 4 hours.
• D. Keep the client's arm elevated on two pillows.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention is to avoid taking blood pressures on the arm with the AV fistula. This is crucial to prevent complications such as damage to the fistula. Checking the fistula site for pallor is not as important as avoiding blood pressures on the affected arm. Placing warm compresses over the fistula site is not recommended as it can increase the risk of infection. Keeping the client's arm elevated on two pillows is not necessary for the care of an AV fistula.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Numbness of the extremities.
• B. Abdominal cramping.
• C. Bradycardia.
• D. Positive Chvostek's sign.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia, as the sodium imbalance affects muscle function. Numbness of the extremities (Choice A) is more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances such as hypocalcemia. Bradycardia (Choice C) is not typically a direct manifestation of hyponatremia. Positive Chvostek's sign (Choice D) is related to hypocalcemia, not hyponatremia.

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