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 client is being taught how to use a cane. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Use the cane on the stronger side
• B. Use the cane on the weaker side
• C. Ensure the cane has a rubber tip
• D. Hold the cane 1-2 inches from the ground

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to use the cane on the stronger side. This instruction is important because it provides better support and balance. Placing the cane on the stronger side helps to shift weight off the weaker or injured side, reducing the risk of falls and promoting stability. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Using the cane on the weaker side would not provide optimal support. While ensuring the cane has a rubber tip and holding it 1-2 inches from the ground are important, they are not as crucial as using the cane on the stronger side for proper support and balance.

3. 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.

4. A nurse is reviewing the health history of a client who has a hip fracture. What risk factor should the nurse identify for developing pressure injuries?

• A. Frequent repositioning
• B. Poor nutrition
• C. Increased fluid intake
• D. Use of a special mattress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Poor nutrition increases the risk of developing pressure injuries as it impairs skin integrity and healing. Frequent repositioning, increased fluid intake, and the use of a special mattress are all important interventions for preventing pressure injuries, rather than risk factors for developing them. Repositioning helps relieve pressure, adequate fluid intake maintains skin hydration, and special mattresses redistribute pressure to prevent injuries.

5. 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.

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