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 is experiencing chest pain. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer aspirin
• B. Provide oxygen
• C. Perform an ECG
• D. Administer nitroglycerin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering nitroglycerin is the priority action when a client is experiencing chest pain as it helps alleviate the pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Oxygen can be beneficial, but nitroglycerin takes precedence in this situation. Aspirin can also be given, but nitroglycerin is the priority. Performing an ECG can provide valuable information but is not the first action to take in this scenario.

3. During an initial visit, a home health nurse is assessing a client who has cultural beliefs different from their own. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask to determine the client's beliefs about environmental control?

• A. Do you spend more time thinking about the past, present, or future?
• B. Who makes most of the decisions in your family group?
• C. What do you think you can do to affect your health status?
• D. Can you list any diseases that your parents or siblings have had?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct question to ask in this scenario is: 'What do you think you can do to affect your health status?' This question directly addresses the client's beliefs about their ability to control their health and reflects their beliefs about environmental control. Choices A, B, and D do not directly relate to assessing the client's beliefs about environmental control. Choice A focuses on time orientation, choice B pertains to family decision-making dynamics, and choice D is related to family medical history, which are not directly relevant to understanding the client's beliefs about environmental control.

4. The healthcare provider is assessing an immobile patient for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). What should the healthcare provider do?

• A. Lightly rub the lower leg to check for redness and tenderness.
• B. Apply elastic stockings every 4 hours.
• C. Measure the calf circumference of both legs.
• D. Flex the foot while assessing for patient discomfort.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Measuring the calf circumference of both legs is crucial when assessing for DVT in an immobile patient. A significant increase in the circumference of one calf compared to the other suggests the presence of a deep vein thrombosis. Option A is incorrect because rubbing the lower leg may dislodge a clot if present. Option B is incorrect as elastic stockings should not be removed frequently as this can increase the risk of clot formation. Option D is incorrect as dorsiflexing the foot can lead to pain and should not be done to assess for DVT.

5. A nurse delegates a position change to a nursing assistive personnel. The nurse instructs the assistive personnel (AP) to place the patient in the lateral position. Which finding by the nurse indicates a correct outcome?

• A. Patient is lying semiprone.
• B. Patient is lying on side.
• C. Patient is lying on abdomen.
• D. Patient is lying on back.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the lateral position means lying on the side with body weight on the dependent hip and shoulder. Choice A is incorrect as 'semiprone' means lying on the abdomen with one leg flexed. Choice C is incorrect as 'prone' means lying face down. Choice D is incorrect as 'supine' means lying on the back.

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