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 at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and warm. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Flush the IV line with saline
• B. Discontinue the IV infusion
• C. Apply a cold compress
• D. Increase the IV flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion. The signs of redness and warmth at the IV site indicate phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Discontinuing the IV infusion is crucial to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Flushing the IV line with saline would not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the cause. Increasing the IV flow rate can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.

3. A nurse is assessing the IV infusion site of a client who reports pain at the site. The site is red, and there is warmth along the course of the vein. What should the nurse do?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the infusion (Choice B) as the signs described suggest phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Increasing the IV flow rate (Choice A) can exacerbate the condition by increasing the irritation. Elevating the limb (Choice C) and applying a cold compress (Choice D) are not the appropriate interventions for phlebitis. Elevation and cold therapy are more suitable for conditions like swelling or inflammation, but in this case, discontinuing the infusion is the priority to prevent further complications.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. What finding indicates a catheter occlusion?

• A. Bladder distention
• B. Bladder spasms
• C. Hematuria
• D. Increased urine output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bladder distention is the correct finding that indicates a catheter occlusion. When the catheter is occluded, urine cannot drain properly, leading to the build-up of urine in the bladder, causing distention. Bladder spasms (Choice B) are not typically associated with catheter occlusion but may indicate irritation or infection. Hematuria (Choice C) refers to blood in the urine and is not specific to catheter occlusion. Increased urine output (Choice D) is not indicative of catheter occlusion but may suggest other conditions like diabetes insipidus.

5. A nurse is reviewing a client's health history and identifies urinary incontinence as a risk factor for pressure injuries. What should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Use a heating pad for comfort
• B. Apply a barrier cream to the skin
• C. Reposition the client every 4 hours
• D. Change the client's position every 2 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to reposition the client every 4 hours. Repositioning the client helps prevent pressure injuries caused by urinary incontinence by relieving pressure on vulnerable areas of the skin. Choice A, using a heating pad for comfort, is not directly related to preventing pressure injuries. Choice B, applying a barrier cream to the skin, may help protect the skin but does not address the underlying cause of pressure injuries. Choice D, changing the client's position every 2 hours, is more frequent than necessary and may not be as effective in preventing pressure injuries as repositioning every 4 hours.

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