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. While ambulating an unsteady client who begins to fall, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Allow the client to slide down their outstretched leg.
• B. Place their arms around the client to prevent the fall.
• C. Remain upright as the client falls toward them.
• D. Move quickly to a position in front of the client.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client is falling, allowing them to slide down your leg can help control the descent and prevent injury. This technique ensures a more controlled fall compared to attempting to catch or stop the client abruptly, which could lead to both the client and the nurse getting injured. Placing arms around the client may not provide enough support or control during the fall. Remaining upright or moving quickly in front of the client might not be practical or safe in this scenario.

3. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has a prescription for a stool specimen to be sent to the laboratory to be tested for ova and parasites. Which of the following instructions regarding specimen collection should the healthcare professional provide to the assistive personnel?

• A. Collect at least 2 inches of formed stool.
• B. Wear sterile gloves while obtaining the specimen.
• C. Use a culturette for specimen collection.
• D. Record the date and time the stool was collected.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To ensure accurate testing, a minimum amount of stool is required for specimen collection, typically at least 2 inches of formed stool. This amount provides an adequate sample for testing. Wearing sterile gloves is important for infection control but is not specifically required for stool specimen collection. Using a culturette is not typically necessary for collecting stool specimens. Recording the date and time the stool was collected is essential to ensure timely processing but does not directly impact the collection of the specimen itself.

4. What intervention can help prevent atelectasis and pneumonia in a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

• A. Active and passive range of motion exercises twice a day
• B. Every 4 hours incentive spirometer
• C. Chest physiotherapy twice a day
• D. Repositioning every 2 hours around the clock

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chest physiotherapy is essential for clients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia. Chest physiotherapy aids in clearing secretions, maintaining lung function, and preventing respiratory complications. Active and passive range of motion exercises (Choice A) are important for maintaining joint mobility but are not directly associated with preventing atelectasis and pneumonia in ALS. Incentive spirometer use every 4 hours (Choice B) is beneficial for lung expansion and preventing atelectasis but may not be as effective as chest physiotherapy in managing secretions. Repositioning every 2 hours (Choice D) is crucial for preventing pressure ulcers but is not directly related to preventing atelectasis and pneumonia in ALS.

5. During a home safety assessment for a client receiving supplemental oxygen, which observation should the nurse identify as proper safety protocol?

• A. The client uses non-acetone nail polish remover.
• B. The client uses an electric razor for shaving.
• C. The client cleans their oxygen equipment weekly.
• D. The client uses wool blankets.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Using non-acetone nail polish remover is crucial for clients on supplemental oxygen as acetone is flammable and poses a safety risk. Acetone can react with oxygen, increasing the fire hazard. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Electric razors can generate sparks, which are dangerous near oxygen due to the risk of ignition. While cleaning oxygen equipment is important, the type of nail polish remover used is more critical for immediate safety. Wool blankets can create static electricity, increasing the risk of fire around oxygen due to its flammability.

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