Nursing Elites

1. A client has developed phlebitis at the IV site. What is the most appropriate next step?

• A. Apply a warm compress over the IV site
• B. Notify the provider and discontinue the IV infusion
• C. Increase the IV flow rate to clear the blockage
• D. Elevate the extremity and apply an ice pack

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Phlebitis, inflammation of a vein, is a complication that requires prompt action. The most appropriate next step is to discontinue the IV infusion and notify the healthcare provider. Applying a warm compress, increasing the IV flow rate, or applying an ice pack are not appropriate interventions for phlebitis. Warm compresses may worsen inflammation, increasing the IV flow rate could exacerbate the condition, and ice packs are not recommended for phlebitis.

2. A nurse in a long-term care facility is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has a new ostomy. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Change the appliance daily
• B. Clean the stoma once a day
• C. Avoid changing the appliance for a week
• D. Change the appliance twice each week

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to change the appliance twice each week. Changing the appliance too frequently can irritate the skin around the stoma, while not changing it often enough can lead to infection. Changing the appliance twice a week helps to maintain hygiene without causing irritation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because changing the appliance daily can cause irritation, cleaning the stoma once a day may not be sufficient for proper hygiene, and avoiding changing the appliance for a week can increase the risk of infection and skin breakdown.

3. A client diagnosed with dementia wanders the halls of the locked nursing unit during the day. To ensure the client's safety while walking in the halls, the nurse should do which of the following?

• A. Administer PRN haloperidol (Haldol) to decrease the need to walk
• B. Assess the client's gait for steadiness
• C. Restrain the client in a geriatric chair
• D. Administer PRN lorazepam (Ativan) to provide sedation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the client's gait for steadiness is the most appropriate action to ensure the safety of a client with dementia while walking. This allows the nurse to identify any issues that may increase the risk of falls or accidents. Administering PRN haloperidol or lorazepam is not indicated as the first-line approach in managing wandering behavior and can have adverse effects like increased risk of falls, confusion, or oversedation. Restraint use should be avoided whenever possible, as it can lead to physical and psychological harm to the client.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple fractures following a motor-vehicle crash. For which of the following client statements should the nurse recommend a referral to an occupational therapist?

• A. I can't brush my teeth properly
• B. I am so frustrated I can't open my milk carton
• C. I can't hold a pencil
• D. I can't write anymore

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The client's frustration with opening a milk carton indicates difficulty with activities of daily living, which is a common concern addressed by occupational therapists. Choices A, C, and D are related to fine motor skills, which may also be addressed by an occupational therapist but are not as directly linked to activities of daily living as struggling with tasks like opening containers.

5. How should a healthcare professional care for a patient with a central venous catheter?

• A. Monitor for infection and change the dressing regularly
• B. Ensure the catheter is patent and flush as needed
• C. Educate the patient on self-care and proper hygiene
• D. Monitor blood glucose levels and administer IV fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Regular monitoring for infection and dressing changes are essential aspects of caring for a patient with a central venous catheter. Infections are a significant risk with these catheters, so vigilant monitoring and timely dressing changes help prevent complications. Choice B is important too, but ensuring catheter patency and flushing are more focused on maintaining the functionality of the catheter rather than infection prevention. Choice C is also important for patient education, but the immediate concern for a healthcare professional is monitoring and preventing infections related to the catheter. Choice D is not directly related to the care of a central venous catheter.

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