Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who reports a burning sensation at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and swollen. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Apply a cold compress
• B. Discontinue the IV line
• C. Elevate the limb
• D. Increase the IV flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV line. The client's symptoms of a burning sensation, redness, and swelling at the IV site indicate phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The priority action in this situation is to remove the source of irritation, which is the IV line, to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Elevating the limb is not the priority in this case. Increasing the IV flow rate can worsen the phlebitis by causing further irritation to the vein.

2. 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.

3. A nurse is caring for an older adult who has a nonpalpable skin lesion that is less than 0.5cm (0.2in) in diameter. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?

• A. Papule
• B. Macule
• C. Nodule
• D. Tumor

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Macule. A macule is a flat, nonpalpable skin lesion that is smaller than 1 cm in diameter. In this case, the lesion is less than 0.5cm, fitting the description of a macule. A papule (choice A) is a solid, elevated lesion less than 0.5 cm in diameter. A nodule (choice C) is a solid, elevated lesion that is 0.5 cm or larger in diameter. A tumor (choice D) refers to a mass of abnormal tissue growth, which is not applicable in this scenario.

4. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being taught breathing exercises by a nurse. What instruction should the nurse include to improve oxygenation?

• A. Use pursed-lip breathing during activities
• B. Use deep breathing exercises after meals
• C. Perform diaphragmatic breathing during exercise
• D. Breathe in short, shallow breaths

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include to improve oxygenation for a client with COPD is to 'Use pursed-lip breathing during activities.' Pursed-lip breathing helps improve oxygenation by slowing down the respiratory rate, reducing the work of breathing, and keeping the airways open. This technique also helps prevent the collapse of small airways during exhalation, allowing for more complete emptying of the lungs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because deep breathing exercises after meals, diaphragmatic breathing during exercise, and breathing in short, shallow breaths do not specifically target the improvement of oxygenation in individuals with COPD.

5. A charge nurse discovers that a nurse did not notify the provider that a client's condition had changed. The charge nurse should identify that the nurse is accountable for which of the following torts?

• A. Negligence
• B. Assault
• C. Battery
• D. Defamation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Negligence. Negligence in nursing occurs when a healthcare provider fails to take appropriate action that a reasonably prudent provider would take in a similar situation, such as not notifying the provider of changes in a client's condition. In this scenario, the nurse's failure to inform the provider of the client's changed condition constitutes negligence. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Assault involves the intentional threat of bodily harm to another person, battery is the intentional harmful or offensive touching of another person without their consent, and defamation is the act of making false statements about someone to a third party that harms that person's reputation.

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