Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who reports a decrease in the effectiveness of their pain medication. What factor should the nurse identify as contributing to this decrease?

• A. History of frequent alcohol use
• B. Decreased physical activity
• C. Bowel inflammation
• D. History of opioid use

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bowel inflammation. Bowel inflammation can interfere with the absorption of medications, including pain medication, leading to decreased effectiveness. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because although they can impact pain management in various ways, they are not directly related to the decreased effectiveness of pain medication due to absorption issues.

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 client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery is at risk for constipation due to which behavior?

• A. Increased fiber intake
• B. Decreased fluid intake
• C. Frequent urge suppression
• D. Increased physical activity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Postoperative clients are at risk for constipation due to various factors, including decreased fluid intake. Insufficient fluid consumption can lead to hardening of stools, making them difficult to pass. Increased fiber intake (choice A) is actually beneficial for preventing constipation as it adds bulk to the stool. Frequent urge suppression (choice C) can contribute to constipation by disrupting normal bowel habits. Increased physical activity (choice D) generally helps promote bowel movements and reduce the risk of constipation.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who reports a burning sensation at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and swollen. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Apply a cold compress
• B. Discontinue the IV line
• C. Elevate the limb
• D. Increase the IV flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV line. The client's symptoms of a burning sensation, redness, and swelling at the IV site indicate phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The priority action in this situation is to remove the source of irritation, which is the IV line, to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Elevating the limb is not the priority in this case. Increasing the IV flow rate can worsen the phlebitis by causing further irritation to the vein.

5. 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 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 (Choice B) as the signs described suggest phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Increasing the IV flow rate (Choice A) can exacerbate the condition by increasing the irritation. Elevating the limb (Choice C) and applying a cold compress (Choice D) are not the appropriate interventions for phlebitis. Elevation and cold therapy are more suitable for conditions like swelling or inflammation, but in this case, discontinuing the infusion is the priority to prevent further complications.

Similar Questions