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 caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral feedings. What finding indicates intolerance to the feeding?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Nausea
• C. Constipation
• D. Elevated heart rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nausea is a common sign of intolerance to enteral feedings and should be addressed promptly. Weight gain is not typically associated with intolerance to enteral feedings; instead, it may indicate other issues such as fluid retention. Constipation is also not a direct indicator of intolerance to enteral feedings. While an elevated heart rate can occur for various reasons, it is less specific to enteral feeding intolerance compared to nausea.

3. A healthcare professional is performing a focused assessment on a client who has a history of COPD and is experiencing dyspnea. What finding should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Decreased respiratory rate
• B. Flushing of the skin
• C. Flaring of the nostrils
• D. Productive cough

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Flaring of the nostrils is a sign of increased respiratory effort, which is common in clients with COPD experiencing dyspnea. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A decreased respiratory rate is not expected in a client with COPD experiencing dyspnea, as they often have an increased respiratory rate. Flushing of the skin is not a typical finding associated with COPD or dyspnea. While a productive cough can be seen in COPD, it is not specifically related to the increased respiratory effort seen with dyspnea.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who has received intermittent enteral feedings. What finding indicates the client is tolerating the feeding?

• A. Nausea and vomiting
• B. Normal bowel sounds
• C. Weight gain
• D. Decreased abdominal distention

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreased abdominal distention. This finding indicates that the client is tolerating the feeding well without experiencing bloating or discomfort. Nausea and vomiting (choice A) are symptoms of intolerance to enteral feedings. Normal bowel sounds (choice B) are a good sign but do not directly indicate tolerance to the feeding. Weight gain (choice C) may occur due to factors other than enteral feedings.

5. When teaching a client about the correct use of a cane, what should the nurse include?

• A. Hold the cane on the weaker side
• B. Ensure the cane has a rubber tip
• C. Keep the cane on the dominant side
• D. Use the cane only on stairs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When instructing a client on the use of a cane, it is essential to ensure that the cane has a rubber tip. This rubber tip helps prevent slipping, providing additional stability and safety. Option A, holding the cane on the weaker side, is incorrect as the cane should be held on the stronger side to provide better balance and support. Option C, keeping the cane on the dominant side, is also incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side. Option D, using the cane only on stairs, is not comprehensive as the cane can be used for support and balance while walking on level ground as well.

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