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 preparing to perform a routine abdominal assessment for a client. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Palpate the abdomen before auscultation
• B. Inspect the abdomen after palpation
• C. Auscultate before palpation
• D. Start by percussing the abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate before palpation when performing an abdominal assessment. This sequence is crucial to prevent altering bowel sounds. Starting with palpation (Choice A) can lead to false interpretations of bowel sounds due to stimulation of the intestines. Inspecting the abdomen after palpation (Choice B) can also potentially alter the assessment findings. Starting with percussion (Choice D) is not recommended as it should come after auscultation to further assess underlying structures.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. What behavior should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for constipation?

• A. Increased physical activity
• B. Frequent urge suppression
• C. Adequate sleep
• D. Increased fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Frequent urge suppression can lead to constipation, especially postoperatively. Suppressing the urge to defecate can disrupt the normal bowel movement pattern and lead to constipation. Choices A, C, and D are behaviors that generally help prevent constipation rather than increase the risk. Increased physical activity, adequate sleep, and increased fluid intake promote bowel regularity and reduce the risk of constipation.

4. A nurse is monitoring a client receiving intermittent enteral feedings. What should the nurse identify as a sign of intolerance to the feeding?

• A. Decreased heart rate
• B. Nausea
• C. Fever
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nausea is a common sign of intolerance to enteral feedings and should be addressed promptly. Nausea can indicate various issues such as feeding intolerance, formula composition problems, or underlying medical conditions. Decreased heart rate, fever, and weight gain are not typical signs of feeding intolerance. Decreased heart rate and fever may indicate other medical conditions, while weight gain is not an immediate sign of intolerance to enteral feedings.

5. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with a prescription for home oxygen therapy. What information should the nurse include?

• A. Use synthetic fabrics to avoid static electricity
• B. Turn off the oxygen when not in use
• C. Avoid open flames or smoking near oxygen
• D. Increase the oxygen flow rate as needed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Avoid open flames or smoking near oxygen.' This information is crucial to prevent fires because oxygen supports combustion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not relevant to oxygen therapy. Choice B is incorrect as oxygen should not be turned off when in use as prescribed. Choice D is incorrect because adjusting the oxygen flow rate without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous.

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