Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing surgery for a hip fracture. What is a priority intervention to reduce the risk of postoperative complications?

• A. Encourage early ambulation
• B. Provide intravenous antibiotics
• C. Apply anti-embolism stockings
• D. Place a Foley catheter to monitor output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging early ambulation is crucial in reducing the risk of postoperative complications, such as blood clots and pneumonia. Early mobilization helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia by promoting circulation and preventing respiratory complications. Providing intravenous antibiotics (Choice B) is important for preventing infections but is not the priority immediately post-surgery. Applying anti-embolism stockings (Choice C) is beneficial in preventing venous thromboembolism but does not address the immediate need for mobility. Placing a Foley catheter (Choice D) may be necessary during surgery but is not a priority intervention to reduce postoperative complications related to immobility.

2. A nurse is preparing to perform a routine abdominal assessment for a client. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Palpate the abdomen before auscultation
• B. Inspect the abdomen after palpation
• C. Auscultate before palpation
• D. Start by percussing the abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate before palpation when performing an abdominal assessment. This sequence is crucial to prevent altering bowel sounds. Starting with palpation (Choice A) can lead to false interpretations of bowel sounds due to stimulation of the intestines. Inspecting the abdomen after palpation (Choice B) can also potentially alter the assessment findings. Starting with percussion (Choice D) is not recommended as it should come after auscultation to further assess underlying structures.

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 is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Flush the IV line with saline
• 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. The symptoms described - pain, redness, and warmth along the vein - are indicative of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Continuing the infusion can lead to further complications. Flushing the IV line, elevating the limb, or applying a cold compress do not address the underlying issue of phlebitis and may not be sufficient to resolve the problem. Therefore, the priority action is to discontinue the infusion to prevent worsening of the condition.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to transfer a client from a chair to the bed. The client can bear partial weight and has upper body strength. Which device should the professional use?

• A. Gait belt
• B. Mechanical lift
• C. Stand-assist lift
• D. Slide board

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A stand-assist lift is the most suitable device for transferring a client who can bear partial weight and has upper body strength. This lift provides support and assistance for clients to stand up and be safely transferred. A gait belt is used for providing support during walking or transferring short distances for clients who need minimal assistance with balance and strength. A mechanical lift is typically used for clients who are non-weight bearing or have limited weight-bearing capacity. A slide board is utilized for transferring clients who are unable to bear weight on their legs and need assistance in sliding from one surface to another.

5. While assessing the IV infusion site of a client experiencing pain, redness, and warmth, 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. Pain, redness, and warmth at the IV site are signs of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Continuing the infusion can further irritate the vein and lead to complications. Increasing the IV flow rate would exacerbate the issue by delivering more irritants to the vein. Elevating the limb and applying a cold compress are not the appropriate interventions for phlebitis, as discontinuing the infusion is crucial to prevent further harm.

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