Nursing Elites

1. A client reports difficulty having a bowel movement. What is the most appropriate intervention?

• A. Administer a laxative to relieve constipation
• B. Encourage the client to increase fiber intake
• C. Advise the client to rest in bed to avoid straining
• D. Encourage the client to exercise to stimulate bowel movement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the client to increase fiber intake. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements by adding bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass. Administering a laxative (Choice A) should not be the first-line intervention as it can lead to dependency and may not address the underlying cause of constipation. Advising the client to rest in bed (Choice C) may worsen constipation as physical activity helps stimulate bowel movements. Encouraging the client to exercise (Choice D) is beneficial, but increasing fiber intake is more directly related to improving bowel movements in this scenario.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Numbness of the extremities.
• B. Abdominal cramping.
• C. Bradycardia.
• D. Positive Chvostek's sign.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia, as the sodium imbalance affects muscle function. Numbness of the extremities (Choice A) is more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances such as hypocalcemia. Bradycardia (Choice C) is not typically a direct manifestation of hyponatremia. Positive Chvostek's sign (Choice D) is related to hypocalcemia, not hyponatremia.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hours postoperative following an appendectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Urine output of 20 mL/hr.
• B. Temperature of 36.5°C (97.7°F).
• C. Sanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing.
• D. WBC count of 9,000/mm3.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Urine output of 20 mL/hr. A urine output less than 30 mL/hr can indicate decreased renal perfusion, potentially due to hypovolemia or other issues, and should be reported to the provider. B: A temperature of 36.5°C (97.7°F) falls within the normal range and does not require immediate reporting. C: Sanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing is expected in the early postoperative period and should be monitored but does not need immediate reporting unless excessive. D: A WBC count of 9,000/mm3 is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate concern.

4. A client receiving chemotherapy has developed stomatitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Provide lemon-glycerin swabs
• B. Encourage the client to eat soft foods
• C. Avoid using toothpaste
• D. Instruct the client to use a mouthwash containing alcohol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with stomatitis is to encourage them to eat soft foods. Soft foods help prevent further irritation of the mouth, making it easier for the client to eat and reducing discomfort. Providing lemon-glycerin swabs could be too harsh on the already irritated mucosa. Avoiding toothpaste is relevant for clients with stomatitis to prevent further irritation. Instructing the client to use a mouthwash containing alcohol is contraindicated as alcohol can further irritate the mucosa.

5. A client with dementia is at risk of falling. What is the best intervention to prevent injury?

• A. Place the client in a room close to the nurses' station
• B. Use a bed exit alarm
• C. Encourage family members to stay with the client at all times
• D. Raise all four side rails

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using a bed exit alarm is the best intervention to prevent injury in a client with dementia at risk of falling. This device alerts staff when the client attempts to leave the bed, allowing for timely assistance and reducing the risk of falls. Placing the client in a room close to the nurses' station may help with supervision but does not provide immediate alerts like a bed exit alarm. Encouraging family members to stay with the client at all times may not be feasible, and raising all four side rails can lead to restraint issues and is not recommended unless necessary for the client's safety.

Similar Questions