Nursing Elites

1. A client receiving codeine for pain every 4 to 6 hours over 4 days. Which assessment should the nurse perform before administering the next dose?

• A. Auscultate the bowel sounds.
• B. Palpate the ankles for edema.
• C. Observe the skin for bruising.
• D. Measure the body temperature.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Auscultate the bowel sounds. Codeine is known to cause constipation, so it is essential to assess bowel sounds before administering another dose to monitor for potential constipation or bowel motility issues. Palpating the ankles for edema (Choice B) is not directly related to codeine use or its side effects. Observing the skin for bruising (Choice C) is important but not specifically associated with codeine administration. Measuring body temperature (Choice D) is not a priority assessment related to codeine use; monitoring for constipation is more critical in this case.

2. A client with Type 1 diabetes reports feeling shaky and lightheaded. The nurse checks the client's blood glucose level and it is 60 mg/dL. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Give the client a glucagon injection
• B. Encourage the client to eat a high-protein snack
• C. Recheck the blood glucose level in 15 minutes
• D. Administer 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate. The first step in treating hypoglycemia is to quickly raise the client's blood sugar level. Fast-acting carbohydrates like glucose tablets or juice are essential for this purpose. Giving a glucagon injection is typically reserved for severe hypoglycemia when the client is unable to take anything by mouth. Encouraging the client to eat a high-protein snack is not appropriate for immediate treatment of hypoglycemia. Rechecking the blood glucose level in 15 minutes is important after administering the fast-acting carbohydrate to ensure that the blood sugar has returned to a safe level.

3. The nurse is conducting intake interviews of children at a city clinic. Which child is most susceptible to contracting lead poisoning?

• A. An 8-year-old living in a housing project.
• B. A 2-year-old playing on aging playground equipment.
• C. An adolescent working in a paint factory.
• D. A 10-year-old with Type 1 diabetes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Young children, like the 2-year-old playing on aging playground equipment, are more susceptible to lead poisoning from environmental sources due to their behaviors like hand-to-mouth contact and exploratory behaviors. Choices A, C, and D are less likely to be at high risk for lead poisoning compared to young children due to differences in exposure levels and behaviors related to potential sources of lead contamination.

4. The nurse is teaching a client with asthma to use a peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) meter to manage asthma at home. The nurse knows the client understands the proper use of the meter when the client:

• A. Inhales as rapidly as possible when using the meter
• B. Records the highest of three readings
• C. Uses the meter after taking a bronchodilator
• D. Blows out forcefully into the meter after taking a deep breath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Records the highest of three readings.' When using a peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) meter, the client should record the highest of three readings to ensure an accurate measurement of their peak expiratory flow rate. Inhaling rapidly, using the meter after taking a bronchodilator, or blowing out forcefully into the meter after a deep breath are not correct techniques for using a PEFR meter and may lead to inaccurate results.

5. The nurse is teaching a client about postoperative care following a total knee arthroplasty. What instruction should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Begin ambulation as soon as possible.
• B. Use continuous passive motion therapy to maintain joint mobility.
• C. Avoid putting weight on the affected leg.
• D. Apply ice packs to reduce pain and swelling.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Use continuous passive motion therapy to maintain joint mobility.' Continuous passive motion therapy is crucial in postoperative care following a total knee arthroplasty as it helps prevent stiffness and maintain joint mobility. Ambulation is important but should be guided and not immediate. Avoiding putting weight on the affected leg is also essential initially to prevent complications. Applying ice packs can help reduce pain and swelling, but it is not the priority instruction for maintaining joint mobility and preventing stiffness.

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