Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. What should the nurse identify as a sign of catheter occlusion?

• A. Bladder spasms
• B. Bladder distention
• C. Frequent urination
• D. Hematuria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bladder distention. Bladder distention is a sign of catheter occlusion because it indicates a failure to drain urine properly. Bladder spasms (Choice A) are more commonly associated with bladder irritability rather than catheter occlusion. Frequent urination (Choice C) is unlikely in a client with an indwelling catheter as the urine should be draining continuously. Hematuria (Choice D) refers to blood in the urine and is not typically a direct sign of catheter occlusion.

2. 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.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who reports a burning sensation at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and warm. What should the nurse do?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client presents with symptoms of phlebitis at the IV site, such as redness, warmth, and pain, it is essential to discontinue the IV line. Increasing the IV flow rate could exacerbate the condition by further irritating the vein. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Elevating the limb is not the primary intervention for phlebitis and discontinuing the IV line takes precedence to prevent complications.

4. A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving continuous enteral feedings. What is a sign of intolerance to the feeding?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nausea is a common sign of intolerance to enteral feedings and should be addressed promptly. Weight gain (Choice A) is not typically a sign of intolerance to enteral feedings but may indicate other health issues. Constipation (Choice C) is not a common sign of feeding intolerance. Decreased heart rate (Choice D) is not typically associated with intolerance to enteral feedings.

5. 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.

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