Nursing Elites

1. Which intervention is most effective for managing a patient with constipation?

• A. Increase the patient's fluid intake.
• B. Administer a stool softener as prescribed.
• C. Provide the patient with a high-fiber diet.
• D. Teach the patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention for managing constipation in a patient is to administer a stool softener as prescribed. Stool softeners help relieve constipation by making the stool easier to pass, especially in postoperative patients. Increasing fluid intake can be beneficial but may not address the underlying cause of constipation. While a high-fiber diet is important for bowel health, it may not provide immediate relief for constipation. Teaching a patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers is not recommended for managing constipation as it can lead to adverse effects like increasing intra-abdominal pressure.

2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client prescribed warfarin. What should be included in the teaching?

• A. Avoid foods rich in vitamin K
• B. Take warfarin with meals
• C. Take aspirin for pain relief
• D. Report unusual bleeding or bruising

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a client is prescribed warfarin, they should be educated to report any unusual bleeding or bruising promptly. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Avoiding foods rich in vitamin K is not necessary when taking warfarin, as long as intake remains consistent. Warfarin does not need to be taken with meals, and aspirin should not be taken for pain relief due to its blood-thinning effects, which can increase the risk of bleeding when combined with warfarin.

3. A newly licensed nurse is giving a change-of-shift report using I-SBAR to an oncoming nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse should be included in the 'Background' portion of the report?

• A. The client has a new prescription for incentive spirometry
• B. The client's partner plans to return later today
• C. The client has no living family members
• D. I initiated a consultation with a nutritionist

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the 'Background' portion of the report, the nurse should include relevant historical information about the client, such as the fact that the client has no living family members. This information helps provide a more comprehensive understanding of the client's situation. Choices A, B, and D are not typically included in the 'Background' section as they do not pertain to the client's history or background.

4. After signing an informed consent form, a client states, 'I have changed my mind and do not want to have the procedure.' Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Suggest that family members discuss the importance of the surgery with the client
• B. Notify the surgeon that the client wishes to withdraw informed consent for the procedure
• C. Document the risks of refusing the procedure in the client's medical record
• D. Discuss the benefits of the procedure with the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to notify the surgeon that the client wishes to withdraw informed consent for the procedure. This ensures that the client's right to refuse treatment is respected. Choice A is incorrect because involving family members in this decision could violate the client's autonomy. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the immediate need to respect the client's decision. Choice D is also incorrect as the client has clearly stated their refusal of the procedure.

5. The patient has been in bed for several days and needs to be ambulated. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Dangle the patient at the bedside.
• B. Encourage isometric exercises.
• C. Suggest a high-calcium diet.
• D. Maintain a narrow base of support.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Dangle the patient at the bedside.' When a patient has been in bed for an extended period and needs to be ambulated, it is essential to dangle the patient at the bedside first. Dangling involves helping the patient sit on the edge of the bed with their legs over the side before standing up. This action helps prevent orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from lying down to standing up, which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Encouraging isometric exercises (choice B) or suggesting a high-calcium diet (choice C) are not the first actions to take before ambulating a patient. Maintaining a narrow base of support (choice D) is related to assisting with ambulation but is not the initial step that should be taken.

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