Nursing Elites

1. What is the proper technique for obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line?

• A. Use sterile gloves and discard the first 10 mL of blood
• B. Flush the line with heparin and then draw the specimen
• C. Draw the specimen and then administer heparin
• D. Use non-sterile gloves to reduce contamination risk

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique for obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line is to use sterile gloves and discard the first 10 mL of blood. This practice helps ensure that the blood sample collected is not contaminated. Choice B is incorrect because flushing the line with heparin before drawing the specimen can contaminate the sample. Choice C is incorrect as administering heparin before drawing the specimen can affect the accuracy of the blood sample. Choice D is incorrect as using non-sterile gloves increases the risk of contamination, which is not recommended when obtaining a blood specimen from a central venous line.

2. Which nursing intervention is best for a client with constipation?

• A. Encourage the client to remain in bed to avoid straining
• B. Administer a stool softener as prescribed
• C. Increase fiber intake through dietary changes
• D. Encourage regular exercise to promote bowel movement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increasing fiber intake is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a client experiencing constipation. Fiber helps add bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass and promoting regular bowel movements. Encouraging the client to remain in bed may exacerbate constipation by reducing movement and promoting inactivity. While stool softeners can be beneficial, they are typically used as a short-term solution and may not address the underlying issue of low fiber intake. Regular exercise is important for overall bowel health; however, in the immediate management of constipation, increasing fiber intake is the most effective intervention.

3. A 23-year-old woman at 32-weeks gestation is seen in the outpatient clinic. Which of the following findings, if assessed by the nurse, would indicate a possible complication?

• A. The client's urine test is positive for glucose and acetone
• B. The client has 1+ pedal edema in both feet at the end of the day
• C. The client complains of an increase in vaginal discharge
• D. The client says she feels pressure against her diaphragm when the baby moves

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Positive urine glucose and acetone could indicate gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, both of which are complications. Choice B, pedal edema, is common in pregnancy but may also be a sign of preeclampsia if severe. Choice C, an increase in vaginal discharge, is a normal finding in pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Choice D, pressure against the diaphragm when the baby moves, is a normal sensation due to the growing uterus displacing abdominal contents.

4. A client who decides not to have surgery despite significant blockages in his coronary arteries is an example of what principle?

• A. Fidelity
• B. Autonomy
• C. Justice
• D. Non-maleficence

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Autonomy. Autonomy in healthcare refers to respecting a patient's right to make decisions about their own care, even if those decisions may not align with healthcare providers' recommendations. In this scenario, the client's decision not to have surgery despite significant blockages in his coronary arteries demonstrates his autonomy in making choices about his own health. Choice A, Fidelity, refers to the concept of keeping promises and being faithful to commitments, which is not applicable in this situation. Choice C, Justice, involves fairness and equal treatment in healthcare, which is not the primary principle at play when a patient exercises autonomy. Choice D, Non-maleficence, relates to the principle of doing no harm, which is important but not directly relevant to the client's decision to refuse surgery.

5. What is the most appropriate strategy for a client with an NG tube who is experiencing nausea and decreased gastric secretions?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Irrigating the NG tube with sterile water is the most appropriate strategy for a client with an NG tube experiencing nausea and decreased gastric secretions. This intervention helps in relieving blockages within the tube and can help reduce nausea by ensuring proper drainage. Increasing the suction pressure (Choice A) can lead to complications and should not be done without healthcare provider orders. Turning the client onto their side (Choice C) is a general measure for patient comfort but does not directly address the issue with the NG tube. Replacing the NG tube with a new one (Choice D) is not necessary unless there are specific indications like tube damage or dislodgement.

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