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. During a focused assessment for a client with dysrhythmias, what indicates ineffective cardiac contractions?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Pulse deficit
• C. Elevated blood pressure
• D. Bounding pulse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A pulse deficit is a crucial finding in clients with dysrhythmias as it indicates ineffective cardiac contractions. A pulse deficit occurs when the apical heart rate is faster than the radial pulse rate, suggesting that some heartbeats are not generating a pulse. This can be a sign of serious heart conditions like atrial fibrillation or heart failure. The other options, such as an increased heart rate (choice A), elevated blood pressure (choice C), and bounding pulse (choice D), do not specifically indicate ineffective cardiac contractions and are not directly associated with dysrhythmias.

3. A client is reviewing a medical record for advance directives. Which client statement indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I don't need a living will because my family will make decisions.
• B. My living will takes effect only if I lose consciousness.
• C. My family will decide when to follow my living will.
• D. I can change my living will at any time.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because clients can change their living will at any time as long as they are mentally competent. Choice A is incorrect because relying solely on family to make decisions may not align with the client's wishes. Choice B is incorrect because a living will can address various situations, not just loss of consciousness. Choice C is incorrect because the client should be the primary decision-maker regarding their living will, not the family.

4. A nurse is assisting with meal planning for a client who has been prescribed a mechanical soft diet. Which food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

• A. Steamed carrots
• B. Orange slices
• C. Mashed potatoes
• D. Baked chicken

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct! Orange slices should be avoided by clients on a mechanical soft diet as they can be difficult to chew and swallow. Steamed carrots, mashed potatoes, and baked chicken are suitable choices for a mechanical soft diet, as they are softer in texture and easier to consume without posing a risk of choking or swallowing difficulties.

5. A client with diabetes mellitus is being taught about the importance of foot care by a nurse. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Cut toenails straight across
• B. Wear shoes at all times
• C. Soak feet in hot water daily
• D. Apply lotion between the toes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Wear shoes at all times.' Clients with diabetes are at a higher risk of foot complications due to poor circulation and nerve damage. Wearing shoes at all times helps protect their feet from injuries. Choice A is incorrect because toenails should be cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Choice C is incorrect as soaking feet in hot water can lead to burns or skin damage, especially for those with diabetes who may have reduced sensation. Choice D is incorrect because applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment, increasing the risk of fungal infections.

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