Nursing Elites

1. A client is still experiencing mild back pain after receiving analgesia 1 hour ago. Which of the following nonpharmacological pain management techniques should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Encourage the client to apply a heating pad for 2 hours at a time
• B. Apply an ice pack to the client’s back for 1 hour
• C. Remove distractions from the client’s room
• D. Instruct the client to take deep, rhythmic breaths

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should instruct the client to take deep, rhythmic breaths as a nonpharmacological pain management technique. Deep, rhythmic breathing helps with relaxation and pain management, potentially reducing the perception of pain. Encouraging the client to apply a heating pad for 2 hours at a time (Choice A) is not recommended as prolonged heat application can lead to tissue damage and is not suitable for mild back pain. Applying an ice pack for 1 hour (Choice B) may not be appropriate for mild back pain as cold therapy is more commonly used for acute injuries. Removing distractions from the client’s room (Choice C) may help create a more calming environment, but it does not directly address the client's pain.

2. A client tells the nurse, “I have to check with my partner and see if they think I am ready to go home.” The nurse responds, “How do you feel about going home today?” Which clarifying technique is the nurse using to enhance communication with the client?

• A. Pacing
• B. Reflecting
• C. Paraphrasing
• D. Restating

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Reflecting is the correct answer as it involves echoing back the client’s feelings and concerns, helping them explore their thoughts. In this scenario, the nurse mirrors the client's statement to encourage the client to delve deeper into their emotions. Pacing involves matching the rate and flow of communication, paraphrasing is restating in different words, and restating is repeating what the client said without adding new information. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are not the appropriate clarifying technique demonstrated in the situation described.

3. At a mobile screening clinic, a nurse is assessing a client who reports a history of a heart murmur due to aortic stenosis. To auscultate the aortic valve, where should the nurse place the stethoscope?

• A. Second intercostal space to the right of the sternum
• B. Fifth intercostal space to the left of the sternum
• C. Third intercostal space to the left of the sternum
• D. Fourth intercostal space at the midclavicular line

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct location to auscultate the aortic valve is the second intercostal space to the right of the sternum. This area corresponds to the aortic valve area where aortic valve sounds are best heard. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect for auscultating the aortic valve. The fifth intercostal space to the left of the sternum is where the mitral valve is best heard, the third intercostal space to the left of the sternum is where the pulmonic valve is best heard, and the fourth intercostal space at the midclavicular line is where the tricuspid valve is best auscultated.

4. A client has been admitted to the hospital with severe diarrhea. The nurse should monitor the client for which complication?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Severe diarrhea can lead to metabolic acidosis due to the loss of bicarbonate. When there is excessive loss of bicarbonate through diarrhea, the pH of the blood decreases, leading to metabolic acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis (Choice B) is not typically associated with severe diarrhea as it involves elevated pH and bicarbonate levels. Hyperkalemia (Choice C) is less likely with severe diarrhea as potassium is often lost along with fluids. Hypercalcemia (Choice D) is not a common complication of severe diarrhea; instead, hypocalcemia may occur due to malabsorption of calcium.

5. A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse prepare a sterile field. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse identify as contaminating the sterile field?

• A. The nurse opens the sterile field on a wet surface.
• B. The nurse turns away from the sterile field.
• C. The nurse uses a non-sterile glove to touch the sterile field.
• D. The nurse touches the edge of the sterile drape with her hand.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Opening the sterile field on a wet surface contaminates it, rendering it unsafe for use. Moisture can carry microorganisms that can compromise the sterility of the field. Choice B is incorrect because turning away from the sterile field alone does not necessarily contaminate it unless the nurse touches non-sterile items. Choice C is incorrect because using a non-sterile glove to touch the sterile field directly introduces contaminants. Choice D is incorrect as touching the edge of the sterile drape with a hand may not necessarily contaminate the entire field, unlike opening it on a wet surface.

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