Nursing Elites

1. When planning to insert a peripheral IV catheter for an older adult client, which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Insert the catheter at a 45° angle
• B. Place the client's arm in a dependent position
• C. Shave excess hair from the insertion site
• D. Initiate IV therapy in the veins of the hand

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Placing the client's arm in a dependent position is the correct action when inserting a peripheral IV catheter for an older adult client. This position helps veins dilate due to gravity, facilitating easier insertion of the IV catheter. Choice A is incorrect because catheters are typically inserted at a lower angle, around 10-30 degrees. Choice C is unnecessary unless excessive hair impedes the insertion process. Choice D is incorrect as veins in the hand are generally smaller and more prone to complications, making them less ideal for IV therapy in older adults.

2. During a skin assessment, a client expresses concern about skin cancer due to a lesion on the anterior thigh. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider as a possible indication of a skin malignancy?

• A. An uneven shape
• B. A uniformly colored lesion
• C. A lesion that is small and flat
• D. A lesion that is less than 1 cm in diameter

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An uneven shape of a lesion is a common characteristic of malignant skin lesions. Asymmetric or irregularly shaped lesions are concerning for skin cancer and should be reported promptly for further evaluation and management. Choice B, a uniformly colored lesion, is more indicative of a benign lesion as malignant lesions often exhibit variations in color. Choice C, a lesion that is small and flat, does not necessarily indicate malignancy by itself. Choice D, a lesion that is less than 1 cm in diameter, is more suggestive of a benign lesion, as malignant lesions are typically larger in size.

3. A client receives the influenza vaccine in a clinic. Within 15 minutes after the immunization, the client complains of itchy and watery eyes, increased anxiety, and difficulty breathing. What should be the first action in the sequence of care for this client?

• A. Maintain the airway
• B. Administer epinephrine 1:1000 as ordered
• C. Monitor for hypotension with shock
• D. Administer diphenhydramine as ordered

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the scenario described, the client is experiencing symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction, a severe allergic response. The priority action in an anaphylactic reaction is to administer epinephrine. Epinephrine helps counteract the severe allergic response, improves breathing difficulties, and maintains airway and circulation. Administering epinephrine takes precedence to stabilize the client's condition. Options A, C, and D may be necessary in the management of anaphylaxis, but the immediate priority is to administer epinephrine to address the life-threatening symptoms.

4. When providing oral care for an unconscious client, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Place the client in a lateral position with the head turned to the side before beginning the procedure.
• B. Insert a suction catheter before brushing the teeth.
• C. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush only with water.
• D. Brush the client's teeth while they are in a supine position.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When providing oral care for an unconscious client, it is essential to place them in a lateral position with the head turned to the side before beginning the procedure. This positioning helps prevent aspiration by allowing fluids to drain out of the mouth, reducing the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia. Inserting a suction catheter before brushing the teeth (Choice B) is not recommended as it can cause discomfort and increase the risk of oral tissue injury. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush only with water (Choice C) is not sufficient for effective oral care as toothpaste helps in removing plaque and bacteria. Brushing the client's teeth while they are in a supine position (Choice D) is not safe as it increases the risk of aspiration since fluids can easily enter the airway in this position.

5. After abdominal surgery, a client has not urinated since the urinary catheter was removed 8 hours ago. What action should the LPN take first?

• A. Perform a bladder scan to assess for urinary retention.
• B. Encourage the client to drink fluids.
• C. Insert a straight catheter to drain the bladder.
• D. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Performing a bladder scan is the initial step to assess for urinary retention in a postoperative client. This non-invasive technique helps determine the volume of urine in the bladder, guiding further interventions. Encouraging the client to drink fluids (Choice B) may be beneficial but is not the priority when assessing for urinary retention. Inserting a straight catheter (Choice C) should not be the initial action without first assessing for retention. Administering a diuretic (Choice D) should not be done without confirming the need through assessment.

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