Nursing Elites

1. When performing an abdominal assessment on a client, what action should the nurse take first?

• A. Palpate the abdomen
• B. Auscultate bowel sounds
• C. Inspect the abdomen
• D. Percuss the abdomen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate bowel sounds. This action should be taken first because it ensures that bowel sounds are not altered by physical manipulation. Inspecting the abdomen (choice C) may provide visual cues but does not address functional assessment. Palpating the abdomen (choice A) should follow auscultation to prevent altering bowel sounds. Percussing the abdomen (choice D) is typically done after auscultation and palpation.

2. 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.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who reports pain and burning around the peripheral IV site. What is the nurse's priority action?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Discontinue the IV line. When a client reports pain and burning around the peripheral IV site, it indicates possible phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The priority action is to discontinue the IV line to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Applying a warm compress (Choice A) may worsen the inflammation. Increasing the IV flow rate (Choice C) can exacerbate the symptoms and elevate the risk of complications. Elevating the limb (Choice D) may provide comfort, but it does not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Therefore, the priority action is to discontinue the IV line.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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