Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following actions would be of highest priority with regards to the external shunt?

• A. Avoid taking blood pressure or blood sample from the arm with the shunt
• B. Instruct the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt
• C. Heparinize the shunt daily
• D. Change the dressing of the shunt daily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Heparinizing the shunt daily (choice C) is the highest priority action as it prevents the formation of blood clots that can occlude the shunt, leading to potential complications such as thrombosis. Avoiding taking blood pressure or blood samples from the arm with the shunt (choice A) is also important, but secondary to heparinizing the shunt. Similarly, instructing the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt (choice B) can help prevent unnecessary strain on the shunt, but it is not as critical as preventing clot formation. Changing the dressing of the shunt daily (choice D) is a standard nursing care practice to prevent infection, but again, it is not as critical as ensuring the shunt remains patent through daily heparinization.

2. To ensure client safety before starting blood transfusions, the following are needed before the procedure can be done EXCEPT:

• A. take baseline vital signs
• B. warm the blood to room temperature for 30 minutes before administering the transfusion
• C. have two nurses verify client identification, blood type, unit number, and expiration date of blood
• D. get consent signed for blood transfusion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To ensure client safety before starting blood transfusions, taking baseline vital signs, warming the blood to room temperature, and having two nurses verify client identification, blood type, unit number, and expiration date of blood are crucial steps. Consent for blood transfusion is required but is typically obtained before the procedure. The focus before the procedure should be on confirming the right client, blood product, and ensuring the blood is prepared correctly to minimize risks of transfusion reactions.

3. A nurse is initiating continuous enteral feedings for a client who has a new gastrostomy tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Measure the client’s gastric residual every 12 hours.
• B. Obtain the client’s electrolyte levels every 4 hours.
• C. Keep the client’s head elevated at 15° during feedings.
• D. Flush the client’s tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Flushing the client’s tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours is essential to maintain tube patency and prevent blockages. This action helps ensure the continuous flow of enteral feedings without obstruction. Measuring the client’s gastric residual every 12 hours (Choice A) is important but not the priority when initiating enteral feedings. Obtaining the client’s electrolyte levels every 4 hours (Choice B) is unnecessary and not directly related to tube feeding initiation. Keeping the client’s head elevated at 15° during feedings (Choice C) is a good practice to prevent aspiration, but tube flushing is more crucial to prevent tube occlusion.

4. A patient is on a low-sodium diet. Which food item should the patient avoid?

• A. Fresh fruit
• B. Canned soup
• C. Whole grain bread
• D. Grilled chicken

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Canned soup. Canned soup is commonly high in sodium content, which is not suitable for a patient on a low-sodium diet. Fresh fruit, whole grain bread, and grilled chicken typically have lower sodium levels and can be included in a low-sodium diet. Therefore, the patient should avoid canned soup to adhere to the requirements of a low-sodium diet.

5. Which of the following is a normal change observed in an elderly individual?

• A. Enhanced sense of taste
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Frequent urination
• D. Lens thinning

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, frequent urination. As people age, they may experience physiological changes that can lead to an increased frequency of urination. This is due to a decrease in bladder capacity and increased bladder irritability, which are normal age-related changes. On the contrary, the sense of taste (Choice A) and appetite (Choice B) often decrease with age, not increase. As for Choice D, the lens of the eye actually thickens with age, not thins, leading to conditions like presbyopia. Therefore, Choices A, B, and D are incorrect.

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