Nursing Elites

1. A client is 48 hours postoperative following a small bowel resection. The client reports gas pains in the periumbilical area. The nurse should plan care based on which of the following factors contributing to this postoperative complication?

• A. Impaired peristalsis of the intestines
• B. Infection at the surgical site
• C. Fluid overload
• D. Inadequate pain management

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Gas pains in the periumbilical area postoperatively are often caused by impaired peristalsis and bowel function. Following abdominal surgery, it is common for peristalsis to be reduced due to surgical manipulation and anesthesia effects. This reduction in peristalsis can lead to the accumulation of gas in the intestines, resulting in gas pains. Infection at the surgical site (Choice B) would present with localized signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, and drainage, rather than diffuse gas pains. Fluid overload (Choice C) would manifest with symptoms such as edema, increased blood pressure, and respiratory distress, not gas pains. Inadequate pain management (Choice D) may lead to increased discomfort, but it is not the primary cause of gas pains in the periumbilical area following a small bowel resection.

2. The nurse is working on an orthopedic rehabilitation unit that requires lifting and positioning of patients. Which personal injury will the nurse most likely try to prevent?

• A. Arm
• B. Hip
• C. Back
• D. Ankle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Back. Back injuries are common among healthcare workers, especially nurses, due to improper lifting techniques and bending. Working on an orthopedic rehabilitation unit involves frequent lifting and positioning of patients, putting the nurse at risk of back injuries. Preventing back injuries is crucial for maintaining the nurse's health and ability to provide care effectively. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while lifting and positioning patients may involve these body parts, back injuries are most likely to occur due to the strain and stress placed on the back during such activities.

3. The LPN is instructing a client with high cholesterol about diet and lifestyle modifications. What comment from the client indicates that the teaching has been effective?

• A. If I exercise at least twice weekly for one hour, I will lower my cholesterol.
• B. I need to avoid eating proteins, including red meat.
• C. I will limit my intake of beef to 4 ounces per week.
• D. My blood level of low-density lipoproteins needs to increase.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Limiting intake of beef to 4 ounces per week is an effective dietary modification to manage high cholesterol. Choice A is incorrect because the frequency and duration of exercise alone may not be sufficient to lower cholesterol significantly. Choice B is incorrect as proteins, including lean sources like poultry and fish, can be a part of a healthy diet. Choice D is incorrect as low-density lipoproteins, known as bad cholesterol, should be decreased, not increased, for heart health.

4. A nurse is collecting data from a client who is reporting pain despite taking analgesics. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to determine the intensity of the client’s pain?

• A. Ask the client what precipitates the pain.
• B. Question the client about the location of the pain.
• C. Offer the client a pain scale to measure their pain.
• D. Use open-ended questions to identify the client’s pain sensations.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Offering the client a pain scale is the most appropriate action to determine the intensity of the client’s pain. Pain scales help quantify the intensity of pain, providing a standardized way to assess and compare pain levels. Asking about precipitating factors (choice A) may help identify triggers but does not directly measure pain intensity. Questioning about the location of pain (choice B) helps with localization but not with quantifying intensity. Using open-ended questions (choice D) may provide insights into the quality and experience of pain but does not provide a standardized measure of intensity.

5. A charge nurse is discussing the responsibility of nurses caring for clients who have a Clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Assign the client to a room with a negative air-flow system.
• B. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when leaving the client's room.
• C. Clean contaminated surfaces in the client's room with a phenol solution.
• D. Have family members wear a gown and gloves when visiting.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for clients with Clostridium difficile infection, it is important to prevent the transmission of spores. Having family members wear a gown and gloves when visiting helps reduce the spread of the infection. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because assigning the client to a room with a negative air-flow system, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and cleaning surfaces with a phenol solution are not specific measures targeted at preventing the transmission of Clostridium difficile spores.

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