Nursing Elites

1. What are the priority nursing assessments for a patient who has just undergone major surgery?

• A. Providing analgesia as prescribed
• B. Monitoring for signs of infection
• C. Assessing the surgical site for bleeding
• D. Monitoring the patient's vital signs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor for signs of infection. After major surgery, one of the priority nursing assessments is to watch for signs of infection, such as increased temperature, redness, swelling, or drainage at the surgical site. While providing analgesia is important for pain management, monitoring for infection takes precedence as it can lead to severe complications if not detected early. Assessing the surgical site for bleeding is crucial but is usually more relevant immediately after surgery. Monitoring the patient's vital signs is essential, but the specific focus on infection assessment is crucial in the immediate postoperative period.

2. What is the most appropriate method for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?

• A. Insert a urinary catheter using clean gloves.
• B. Limit the duration of catheter use.
• C. Use a smaller size catheter to prevent trauma.
• D. Change the catheter tubing every 24 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Limit the duration of catheter use. Limiting the duration of catheterization is a crucial method for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Prolonged catheter use increases the risk of introducing pathogens into the urinary tract, leading to infections. Using clean gloves for insertion (choice A) is important for preventing contamination but does not address the main cause of CAUTIs. Using a smaller size catheter (choice C) may help reduce trauma but does not directly prevent infections. Changing the catheter tubing every 24 hours (choice D) is not necessary unless clinically indicated, and it is not the most effective method for preventing CAUTIs.

3. A healthcare professional is assessing a client 15 minutes after administering morphine sulfate 2 mg via IV push. The healthcare professional should identify which of the following findings as an adverse effect of the medication?

• A. Drowsy but responsive when her name is called
• B. SaO2 94%
• C. Respiratory rate 8/min
• D. Pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8/min is a significant adverse effect of morphine that indicates respiratory depression, which requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications. The client may not be effectively ventilating, leading to hypoxia and respiratory acidosis. Option A is less concerning as being drowsy but responsive is a common side effect of morphine. Option B indicates decreased oxygen saturation, which is also a concern but not as severe as respiratory depression. Option D is important but not as critical as the potential respiratory compromise indicated by the low respiratory rate.

4. A client reports difficulty sleeping while in the hospital. Which of the following actions taken by the assistive personnel (AP) while the client is sleeping should prompt the nurse to intervene?

• A. Closes the door to the client's room
• B. Flushes the client's toilet after emptying the urinary catheter's drainage bag
• C. Measures the client's vital signs routinely
• D. Asks a group of personnel in the hall to speak quietly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because flushing the client's toilet after emptying the urinary catheter's drainage bag could disturb the client's rest. The nurse should intervene to ensure a restful environment for the client. Choices A, C, and D are not actions that would be disruptive to the client's sleep. Closing the door to the client's room, measuring vital signs routinely, and asking personnel in the hall to speak quietly are appropriate actions that do not directly disturb the client's rest.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure and is taking digoxin. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations as an indication of digoxin toxicity to report to the provider?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Vomiting
• C. Ringing in ears
• D. Dizziness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vomiting. Vomiting is a common sign of digoxin toxicity and should be reported to the healthcare provider. Diarrhea (Choice A) is a more common side effect of digoxin but not typically associated with toxicity. Ringing in the ears (Choice C) is a potential sign of toxicity; however, vomiting is a more immediate concern. Dizziness (Choice D) can occur with digoxin use but is not a specific indicator of toxicity.

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