Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. What finding indicates a catheter occlusion?

• A. Bladder distention
• B. Bladder spasms
• C. Hematuria
• D. Increased urine output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bladder distention is the correct finding that indicates a catheter occlusion. When the catheter is occluded, urine cannot drain properly, leading to the build-up of urine in the bladder, causing distention. Bladder spasms (Choice B) are not typically associated with catheter occlusion but may indicate irritation or infection. Hematuria (Choice C) refers to blood in the urine and is not specific to catheter occlusion. Increased urine output (Choice D) is not indicative of catheter occlusion but may suggest other conditions like diabetes insipidus.

2. 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.

3. When performing an abdominal assessment on a client, what action should the nurse take first?

• A. Palpate the abdomen
• B. Auscultate bowel sounds
• C. Inspect the abdomen
• D. Percuss the abdomen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate bowel sounds. This action should be taken first because it ensures that bowel sounds are not altered by physical manipulation. Inspecting the abdomen (choice C) may provide visual cues but does not address functional assessment. Palpating the abdomen (choice A) should follow auscultation to prevent altering bowel sounds. Percussing the abdomen (choice D) is typically done after auscultation and palpation.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who reports a decrease in the effectiveness of their arthritis medication. What factor should the nurse identify as contributing to this decrease?

• A. Improved mobility
• B. Bowel inflammation
• C. Long-term use of the medication
• D. Frequent dehydration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bowel inflammation. Bowel inflammation can decrease the absorption of medications, reducing their effectiveness. Improved mobility (choice A) would generally not contribute to a decrease in medication effectiveness. Long-term use of the medication (choice C) may lead to tolerance but would not directly cause a decrease in effectiveness. Frequent dehydration (choice D) can affect overall health but is not a direct factor in the medication's effectiveness for arthritis.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is experiencing fluid volume deficit (FVD). What finding should the professional expect?

• A. Decreased hematocrit
• B. Increased hematocrit
• C. Decreased white blood cell count
• D. Increased red blood cell count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Increased hematocrit.' In fluid volume deficit (FVD), there is a decrease in the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, leading to hemoconcentration. This results in an increase in hematocrit levels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a decrease in hematocrit, decrease in white blood cell count, and an increase in red blood cell count are not typically seen in fluid volume deficit.

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