Nursing Elites

1. What is the most appropriate next step when a client with an NG tube attached to low suctioning becomes nauseated, and the nurse observes a decrease in the flow of gastric secretions?

• A. Increase the suction pressure
• B. Irrigate the NG tube with sterile water
• C. Turn the client on their side
• D. Replace the NG tube with a new one

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to irrigate the NG tube with sterile water. When a client with an NG tube attached to low suctioning becomes nauseated and there is a decrease in the flow of gastric secretions, it indicates a possible blockage in the tube. Irrigating the tube with sterile water can help clear the blockage, allowing for proper suctioning and relieving the client's nausea. Increasing the suction pressure (Choice A) can further worsen the issue by potentially causing harm to the client. Turning the client on their side (Choice C) may not address the underlying problem of tube blockage. Replacing the NG tube with a new one (Choice D) should only be considered if other interventions, like irrigation, fail to clear the blockage.

2. A nurse in a long-term care facility is auscultating the lung sounds of a client who reports shortness of breath and increased fatigue. The nurse should report which of the following to the provider after hearing this sound?

• A. Fine crackles
• B. Rhonchi
• C. Wheezing
• D. Stridor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fine crackles. Fine crackles suggest fluid in the lungs, which could indicate a serious respiratory issue like pulmonary edema. This sound should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and possible intervention. Rhonchi (choice B) are low-pitched wheezing sounds often caused by secretions in the larger airways, wheezing (choice C) is a high-pitched whistling sound usually caused by narrowed airways, and stridor (choice D) is a high-pitched sound heard on inspiration that indicates upper airway obstruction. While these sounds also require attention, fine crackles are more indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, making them the priority for reporting in this scenario.

3. Which instruction should be emphasized for a client with diabetes being discharged?

• A. Check blood sugar once daily
• B. Take insulin before meals as prescribed
• C. Monitor glucose levels weekly
• D. Eat carbohydrate-rich meals to maintain glucose levels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Take insulin before meals as prescribed' because it is crucial for managing blood glucose levels effectively in clients with diabetes. Insulin helps the body utilize glucose from the food consumed, preventing high blood sugar levels. Checking blood sugar once daily (Choice A) may not be sufficient for proper management, as blood sugar levels can fluctuate throughout the day. Monitoring glucose levels weekly (Choice C) is too infrequent and may lead to missed opportunities for timely intervention. Eating carbohydrate-rich meals to maintain glucose levels (Choice D) is not appropriate advice, as it can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, especially without the proper insulin dosage.

4. Which intervention should be included for a client with heart failure?

• A. Encourage increased fluid intake
• B. Weigh the client daily to monitor fluid balance
• C. Restrict fluid intake during meals
• D. Limit daily activity to prevent fatigue

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Weighing the client daily to monitor fluid balance is crucial for clients with heart failure. This intervention helps assess for fluid retention or depletion, providing valuable information for managing the condition effectively. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice A) is contraindicated in heart failure as it can worsen fluid overload. Restricting fluid intake during meals (Choice C) may lead to dehydration, which is harmful for clients with heart failure. Limiting daily activity (Choice D) is not recommended as appropriate activity levels should be encouraged for overall well-being, under guidance to prevent excessive fatigue.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. The nurse should monitor for which of the following findings as a sign of hypocalcemia?

• A. Nausea
• B. Tingling in the fingers
• C. Numbness in the toes
• D. Sweating

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tingling in the fingers is a classic sign of hypocalcemia. Following a thyroidectomy, hypocalcemia can occur due to damage to the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels in the body. Nausea, numbness in the toes, and sweating are not specific signs of hypocalcemia. Numbness and tingling usually start in the hands and feet due to their increased nerve sensitivity to low calcium levels.

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