Nursing Elites

1. Which assessment data indicates the need for the nurse to include the problem 'Risk for falls' in a client’s plan of care?

• A. Recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL
• B. Opioid analgesic received one hour ago
• C. Stooped posture with an unsteady gait
• D. Expressed feelings of depression

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The administration of opioid analgesics can impair balance and increase the risk of falls, justifying the inclusion of 'Risk for falls' in the client’s care plan. Choice A, a recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL, is not directly related to the risk of falls. Choice C, stooped posture with an unsteady gait, may indicate a risk for falls, but the direct influence of opioid analgesics on balance is more immediate. Choice D, expressed feelings of depression, while important, is not a direct indicator of the immediate risk for falls associated with opioid analgesic use.

2. While the nurse is discharging an adult woman who was hospitalized for 6 days for treatment of pneumonia and reviewing the prescribed medications, the client appears anxious. What action is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Instruct the client to repeat the medication plan
• B. Encourage the client to take a PRN antianxiety drug
• C. Provide written instructions that are easy to follow
• D. Include a family member in the teaching session

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this situation, the most important action for the nurse to implement is to instruct the client to repeat the medication plan. By using the teach-back method, the nurse can ensure the client's understanding of the prescribed medications and address any concerns or anxieties the client may have. This approach promotes patient engagement, active participation, and retention of important information, ultimately enhancing medication adherence and safety.

3. The caregiver learns the use of a gait belt from the nurse for a woman with right-sided weakness. The caregiver demonstrates the skill. Which observation indicates that the caregiver has learned how to perform this procedure correctly?

• A. Standing on the woman's strong side, the caregiver is ready to hold the gait belt if any evidence of weakness is observed.
• B. Standing on the woman's weak side, the caregiver provides security by holding the gait belt from the back.
• C. Standing behind the woman, the caregiver provides balance by holding both sides of the gait belt.
• D. Standing slightly in front and to the right of the woman, the caregiver guides her forward by gently pulling on the gait belt.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Standing on the weak side of the client and holding the gait belt from the back provides better security and support during ambulation, reducing the risk of falls. This positioning allows the caregiver to offer stability and assistance without interfering with the client's movement, ensuring safe ambulation for the client with right-sided weakness. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not provide the optimal support and security needed for a client with right-sided weakness. Standing on the weak side and holding the gait belt from the back is the most effective way to assist the client while minimizing the risk of falls.

4. The healthcare professional is monitoring a client receiving IV potassium chloride. Which assessment finding should prompt the healthcare professional to immediately stop the infusion?

• A. The client reports pain at the IV site
• B. The client’s heart rate is irregular
• C. The client has swelling at the IV site
• D. The client’s blood pressure is elevated

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An irregular heart rate is a critical sign of hyperkalemia, a serious condition that can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Stopping the infusion promptly is crucial to prevent further complications. The healthcare professional should inform the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and management. Choice A is incorrect because pain at the IV site is common and may not necessitate stopping the infusion. Choice C is incorrect as swelling at the IV site may indicate a local reaction but is not a reason to stop the infusion. Choice D is incorrect as an elevated blood pressure alone is not a direct indication to stop the infusion of IV potassium chloride.

5. What action should the nurse take after applying gloves to irrigate a client's indwelling urinary catheter using an open technique?

• A. Empty the client's urinary drainage bag.
• B. Draw up the irrigating solution into the syringe.
• C. Secure the client's catheter to the drainage tubing.
• D. Use aseptic technique to instill the irrigating solution.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After applying gloves to irrigate an indwelling urinary catheter using an open technique, the next step for the nurse is to draw up the irrigating solution into the syringe. This step is crucial as it ensures that the solution is ready to be instilled through the catheter to maintain its patency and prevent blockages. Option A is incorrect as emptying the client's urinary drainage bag is not the immediate next step in the irrigation process. Option C is incorrect as securing the client's catheter to the drainage tubing is not necessary at this stage. Option D is incorrect as the question pertains to the action immediately after applying gloves and does not involve instilling the irrigating solution yet.

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