Nursing Elites

1. A nurse in an acute care facility is caring for a client who is postop following abdominal surgery. Which behavior should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for constipation?

• A. Increased physical activity
• B. Frequent urge suppression
• C. Increased fiber intake
• D. Decreased fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Frequent urge suppression can lead to constipation, especially postoperatively. Suppressing the urge to defecate can disrupt normal bowel movements and result in constipation. Increased physical activity, increased fiber intake, and adequate fluid intake are measures that typically help prevent constipation by promoting bowel regularity and preventing stool hardening. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are not behaviors that increase the client's risk for constipation.

2. A client with diabetes mellitus is being taught about foot care by a nurse. What statement indicates understanding?

• A. I will soak my feet in hot water every day
• B. I will wear cotton socks at all times
• C. I will cut my toenails in a rounded shape
• D. I will apply lotion between my toes after bathing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Wearing cotton socks is essential for clients with diabetes as it helps protect the feet and reduces the risk of skin breakdown. Choice A is incorrect because soaking feet in hot water can lead to burns or skin damage. Choice C is incorrect as clients with diabetes should cut their toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Choice D is incorrect as applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment that may increase the risk of fungal infections.

3. A nurse is updating the plan of care for a client with limited mobility. What intervention should the nurse include to prevent skin breakdown?

• A. Reposition the client every 4 hours
• B. Apply lotion to the skin every 2 hours
• C. Use a special mattress to reduce pressure on the skin
• D. Increase fluid intake to promote skin hydration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use a special mattress to reduce pressure on the skin.' This intervention is crucial in preventing skin breakdown in clients with limited mobility as it helps to reduce pressure on bony prominences. Repositioning every 4 hours (Choice A) is important but may not be sufficient to prevent skin breakdown entirely. Applying lotion every 2 hours (Choice B) may not address the root cause of skin breakdown related to pressure. Increasing fluid intake (Choice D) is beneficial for overall skin health but may not directly prevent skin breakdown caused by pressure points.

4. A healthcare professional is planning to administer an intramuscular injection to a client. What muscle should the healthcare professional choose to avoid injury?

• A. Deltoid
• B. Ventrogluteal
• C. Rectus femoris
• D. Dorsogluteal

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The ventrogluteal muscle is the preferred site for intramuscular injections to avoid injury. Choosing the ventrogluteal site reduces the risk of injury to major nerves and blood vessels, unlike the deltoid, rectus femoris, or dorsogluteal sites. The deltoid muscle is commonly used for vaccines but has a higher risk of injury due to its proximity to the radial nerve. The rectus femoris muscle is not recommended for intramuscular injections due to its location and the risk of injury. The dorsogluteal site is also not recommended as it poses a risk of injury to the sciatic nerve and superior gluteal artery.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer enteral feedings to a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Measure the residual gastric volume
• B. Verify tube placement
• C. Flush the tube with 100 mL of water
• D. Administer the feeding in small boluses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying tube placement is the crucial initial step a nurse should take before administering enteral feedings through an NG tube. This step ensures that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration. Measuring residual gastric volume, flushing the tube with water, or administering the feeding in small boluses are all important steps in enteral feeding but should only be done after confirming the correct tube placement.

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