Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing fluid volume deficit (FVD). What clinical finding should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased hematocrit
• B. Increased heart rate
• C. Increased blood pressure
• D. Decreased respiratory rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increased heart rate is a common sign of fluid volume deficit (FVD) as the body compensates for decreased fluid levels. When a client is experiencing FVD, the body tries to maintain perfusion to vital organs by increasing the heart rate. This compensatory mechanism helps to improve cardiac output and maintain blood pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in FVD, hematocrit may be increased due to hemoconcentration, blood pressure tends to decrease as a compensatory response to FVD, and respiratory rate is usually unaffected or may increase due to attempts to maintain oxygenation.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain and redness at the site of a peripheral IV. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Apply a cold compress to the site
• B. Discontinue the IV line
• C. Notify the provider
• D. Increase the IV flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client reports pain and redness at the site of a peripheral IV, indicating signs of phlebitis, the nurse's initial action should be to discontinue the IV line. This helps prevent further complications and ensures patient safety. Applying a cold compress (Choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Notifying the provider (Choice C) is important but not the initial step. Increasing the IV flow rate (Choice D) can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is postop following abdominal surgery. What behavior should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for constipation?

• A. Increased fiber intake
• B. Decreased physical activity
• C. Frequent urge suppression
• D. Adequate sleep

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased physical activity. Following abdominal surgery, reduced physical activity can contribute to constipation due to decreased bowel motility. Increased fiber intake (choice A) generally helps prevent constipation by adding bulk to the stool. Frequent urge suppression (choice C) may lead to issues like urinary retention but is not directly linked to constipation. Adequate sleep (choice D) is important for overall recovery but does not significantly impact constipation risk.

4. A nurse is preparing to perform a sterile dressing change for a client who has a surgical wound. What should the nurse do to prevent contamination?

• A. Wear non-sterile gloves
• B. Apply sterile gloves over non-sterile gloves
• C. Change gloves if the sterile solution splashes onto the sterile field
• D. Cover the sterile field with a sterile drape

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. If sterile solution splashes onto the sterile field, it is considered contaminated. Changing gloves in this situation ensures that the sterility of the dressing change is maintained. Choice A is incorrect as non-sterile gloves would introduce contaminants. Choice B is incorrect as layering gloves can increase the risk of contamination. Choice D is incorrect as covering the sterile field with a sterile drape is not the appropriate action to take in response to contamination.

5. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with a prescription for home oxygen therapy. What information should the nurse include?

• A. Use synthetic fabrics to avoid static electricity
• B. Turn off the oxygen when not in use
• C. Avoid open flames or smoking near oxygen
• D. Increase the oxygen flow rate as needed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Avoid open flames or smoking near oxygen.' This information is crucial to prevent fires because oxygen supports combustion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not relevant to oxygen therapy. Choice B is incorrect as oxygen should not be turned off when in use as prescribed. Choice D is incorrect because adjusting the oxygen flow rate without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous.

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