Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and warm. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Flush the IV line with saline
• B. Discontinue the IV infusion
• C. Apply a cold compress
• D. Increase the IV flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion. The signs of redness and warmth at the IV site indicate phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Discontinuing the IV infusion is crucial to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Flushing the IV line with saline would not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the cause. Increasing the IV flow rate can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.

4. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with a prescription for home oxygen therapy. What information should the nurse include?

• A. Use synthetic fabrics to avoid static electricity
• B. Turn off the oxygen when not in use
• C. Avoid open flames or smoking near oxygen
• D. Increase the oxygen flow rate as needed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Avoid open flames or smoking near oxygen.' This information is crucial to prevent fires because oxygen supports combustion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not relevant to oxygen therapy. Choice B is incorrect as oxygen should not be turned off when in use as prescribed. Choice D is incorrect because adjusting the oxygen flow rate without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous.

5. A nurse is planning to administer several medications to a client through a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Dissolve crushed tablet medications in tap water
• B. Administer all medications together
• C. Flush the NG tube with 60 mL of water before each medication
• D. Dissolve medications separately and flush with sterile water

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when administering medications through a nasogastric (NG) tube is to dissolve medications separately and flush the tube with sterile water. This is important to prevent interactions between medications and ensure accurate administration. Option A is incorrect because tap water may not be sterile and could lead to contamination. Option B is incorrect as it increases the risk of drug interactions and may affect the effectiveness of each medication. Option C is incorrect as 60 mL of water before each medication may not be enough to ensure proper medication delivery and prevent interactions.

Similar Questions