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 reviewing a client's health history and identifies chronic constipation as a potential complication of immobility. What intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Increase fiber intake
• B. Encourage the client to walk daily
• C. Use a stool softener as needed
• D. Use a laxative daily

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Increasing fiber intake is the appropriate intervention to include in the plan of care for a client with chronic constipation due to immobility. Fiber helps add bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass, thereby preventing constipation. Encouraging the client to walk daily (choice B) is also beneficial as it promotes mobility and can help alleviate constipation associated with immobility. Using a stool softener as needed (choice C) and using a laxative daily (choice D) are not the first-line interventions for managing constipation related to immobility. Stool softeners and laxatives should be used judiciously and under healthcare provider guidance.

3. 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.

4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What instruction should the nurse include to help improve oxygenation?

• A. Use pursed-lip breathing during activities
• B. Avoid physical activity
• C. Perform weight-bearing exercises
• D. Use a humidifier while sleeping

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: The nurse should instruct the client to use pursed-lip breathing during activities to help improve oxygenation. Pursed-lip breathing can keep the airways open longer, facilitating better oxygen exchange and making it easier to exhale carbon dioxide. Choice B is incorrect as physical activity, within the client's limitations, is beneficial for maintaining overall health. Choice C is incorrect as weight-bearing exercises are important for bone health but not directly related to improving oxygenation in COPD. Choice D is incorrect as using a humidifier while sleeping can help with moisture in the airways but does not directly impact oxygenation in COPD.

5. A nurse enters a client's room and sees smoke coming from the trash can. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Call for assistance
• B. Evacuate the room
• C. Attempt to put out the fire
• D. Turn off the oxygen supply

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the event of a fire, the priority is to ensure everyone's safety. Therefore, the nurse's initial action should be to evacuate the room. Calling for assistance can be done while evacuating, ensuring help is on the way. Attempting to put out the fire can be dangerous and may delay evacuation. Turning off the oxygen supply is not the first step in this situation, as the immediate concern is to remove individuals from the potential danger.

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