Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication through a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Flush the NG tube with 60 mL of water
• B. Verify tube placement
• C. Crush the medications and dissolve them in water
• D. Administer all medications together

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying tube placement is the priority before administering any medications through a nasogastric tube. This step ensures that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach to prevent complications such as aspiration. Flushing the tube with water, crushing medications, or administering them together should only be done after confirming the correct placement of the NG tube. Therefore, option B is the correct first action to take in this scenario.

2. 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.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a narcotic medication. What should the nurse do with the unused portion after administration?

• A. Store it in the medication cart for later use
• B. Discard it with a witness present
• C. Return it to the pharmacy
• D. Report it to the provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take with the unused portion of a narcotic medication after administration is to discard it with a witness present. This procedure is necessary to comply with controlled substance regulations and prevent diversion or misuse of the medication. Storing it in the medication cart for later use is inappropriate as it can lead to unauthorized access. Returning it to the pharmacy is not recommended as the medication has already been dispensed. Reporting it to the provider is not the standard procedure for disposing of controlled substances.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain and tenderness at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline
• B. Notify the provider
• C. Assess for signs of infection
• D. Administer prescribed antibiotics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a client reports pain and tenderness at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter is to notify the provider. Pain and tenderness at the catheter site may indicate infection, and the healthcare provider needs to be informed for further assessment and appropriate interventions. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline (Choice A) should not be the initial action without consulting the provider first. While assessing for signs of infection (Choice C) is important, notifying the provider takes precedence. Administering prescribed antibiotics (Choice D) should only be done based on the provider's orders after assessment and confirmation of infection.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to transfer a client from a chair to the bed. The client can bear partial weight and has upper body strength. Which device should the professional use?

• A. Gait belt
• B. Mechanical lift
• C. Stand-assist lift
• D. Slide board

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A stand-assist lift is the most suitable device for transferring a client who can bear partial weight and has upper body strength. This lift provides support and assistance for clients to stand up and be safely transferred. A gait belt is used for providing support during walking or transferring short distances for clients who need minimal assistance with balance and strength. A mechanical lift is typically used for clients who are non-weight bearing or have limited weight-bearing capacity. A slide board is utilized for transferring clients who are unable to bear weight on their legs and need assistance in sliding from one surface to another.

Similar Questions