Nursing Elites

1. When caring for a patient with a colostomy, which nursing action is most important?

• A. Monitor the colostomy for signs of infection.
• B. Empty the colostomy bag when it is half full.
• C. Encourage the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• D. Apply a skin barrier to prevent irritation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Emptying the colostomy bag when it is half full is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a colostomy. This practice helps prevent leakage, reduces the risk of skin irritation, and promotes patient comfort. Monitoring for signs of infection (Choice A) is essential but not as crucial as maintaining proper colostomy care. Encouraging the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals (Choice C) can be beneficial for colostomy patients but is not as critical as ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag. Applying a skin barrier to prevent irritation (Choice D) is important, but ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag takes precedence in preventing complications associated with a colostomy.

2. A client has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to prevent infection?

• A. Change the catheter every 72 hours.
• B. Ensure the tubing is unkinked.
• C. Empty the drainage bag every 4 hours.
• D. Hang the drainage bag below the bladder.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to hang the drainage bag below the bladder. This positioning helps prevent backflow of urine, reducing the risk of infection. Changing the catheter every 72 hours is not necessary unless clinically indicated and may increase infection risk by introducing pathogens. Ensuring the tubing is unkinked promotes proper urine flow but does not directly prevent infection. Emptying the drainage bag regularly is important to prevent urinary stasis but does not directly address infection prevention.

3. A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is preparing to delegate tasks to a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Which of the following tasks should the charge nurse delegate to the LPN?

• A. Administering an oral antibiotic to a client
• B. Performing an admission assessment of a client
• C. Creating new teaching for a guardian of a toddler
• D. Administering IV conscious sedation to a client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oral antibiotics is within the scope of practice for an LPN and can be safely delegated. LPNs are trained to administer medications, including oral ones. Performing an admission assessment (Choice B) involves critical thinking and comprehensive evaluation, typically done by registered nurses. Creating new teaching material (Choice C) requires specialized knowledge and is usually the responsibility of a nurse with additional training in education. Administering IV conscious sedation (Choice D) is a high-risk task that requires advanced skills and should be performed by a registered nurse or higher-level provider.

4. A client is vomiting, and a nurse is providing care. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer an antiemetic to the client
• B. Notify housekeeping
• C. Prevent the client from aspirating
• D. Provide the client with an emesis basin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preventing aspiration is the priority when caring for a client who is vomiting to reduce the risk of pneumonia or other respiratory complications. Aspiration can occur when vomitus enters the airway, leading to respiratory distress. Ensuring the airway is protected during vomiting episodes is essential. Administering an antiemetic (Choice A) can be considered after addressing the immediate risk of aspiration. Notifying housekeeping (Choice B) and providing an emesis basin (Choice D) are important but are secondary to preventing aspiration, which is crucial for the client's safety and well-being.

5. A nurse at a provider's office is providing teaching to a client who is taking chemotherapy and losing weight. Which of the following should the nurse recommend to increase calorie and protein intake? (SATA)

• A. Top fruits with yogurt
• B. Add cream to soups
• C. Increase fluids during meals
• D. Use milk instead of water in recipes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Topping fruits with yogurt is the correct recommendation to increase calorie and protein intake for a client on chemotherapy who is losing weight. Yogurt is a good source of protein and adding it to fruits can provide additional calories as well. Choice B, adding cream to soups, may increase calorie intake but does not specifically address protein needs. Choice C, increasing fluids during meals, is important for hydration but does not directly address calorie and protein intake. Choice D, using milk instead of water in recipes, may increase calorie content but does not focus on increasing protein intake, which is essential for clients on chemotherapy.

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