Nursing Elites

1. While assessing the IV infusion site of a client experiencing pain, redness, and warmth, what should the nurse do?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the infusion. Pain, redness, and warmth at the IV site are signs of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Continuing the infusion can further irritate the vein and lead to complications. Increasing the IV flow rate would exacerbate the issue by delivering more irritants to the vein. Elevating the limb and applying a cold compress are not the appropriate interventions for phlebitis, as discontinuing the infusion is crucial to prevent further harm.

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. During a focused assessment for a client with dysrhythmias, what indicates ineffective cardiac contractions?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Pulse deficit
• C. Elevated blood pressure
• D. Bounding pulse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A pulse deficit is a crucial finding in clients with dysrhythmias as it indicates ineffective cardiac contractions. A pulse deficit occurs when the apical heart rate is faster than the radial pulse rate, suggesting that some heartbeats are not generating a pulse. This can be a sign of serious heart conditions like atrial fibrillation or heart failure. The other options, such as an increased heart rate (choice A), elevated blood pressure (choice C), and bounding pulse (choice D), do not specifically indicate ineffective cardiac contractions and are not directly associated with dysrhythmias.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline
• B. Notify the provider
• C. Apply a warm compress to the site
• D. Administer pain medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a client reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter is to notify the provider. Pain at the catheter site may indicate complications such as infection or blockage, which require further assessment and intervention by the healthcare provider. Irrigating the catheter, applying a warm compress, or administering pain medication should not be done without provider evaluation as they do not address the underlying cause of the pain and may potentially worsen the situation.

5. 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.

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