Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Use a 1-inch needle.
• B. Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle.
• C. Aspirate before injecting the medication.
• D. Administer the injection in the deltoid muscle.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Aspirating before injecting the medication is a crucial step in IM injections to check for blood return, ensuring that the needle is not in a blood vessel. This technique helps prevent accidental intravascular injection of the medication, reducing the risk of complications such as inadvertent intravenous administration of the substance.

2. When should discharge planning begin for a client admitted to a long-term care facility for rehabilitation after a total hip arthroplasty?

• A. One week prior to the client's discharge
• B. Upon the client's admission to the care facility
• C. Once the discharge date is identified
• D. When the client addresses the topic with the nurse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Discharge planning should begin upon the client's admission to the care facility. This early start allows the healthcare team to conduct assessments, set goals, and coordinate services for a smooth transition back home or to the community. Initiating discharge planning early ensures timely arrangements, leading to optimal outcomes and continuity of care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because waiting until one week before discharge, after the discharge date is identified, or until the client brings up the topic may lead to rushed decision-making, inadequate arrangements, and a less effective transition process.

3. During tracheostomy care, what action should a healthcare professional take?

• A. Use clean technique to remove the inner cannula.
• B. Remove the outer cannula for cleaning.
• C. Soak the inner cannula in normal saline.
• D. Change tracheostomy ties if they are wet.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Changing tracheostomy ties if they are wet is essential to prevent infection and maintain skin integrity. Wet ties can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of skin breakdown and other complications. Regularly changing wet ties promotes cleanliness, reduces the likelihood of complications, and ensures optimal care for the client with a tracheostomy.

4. A client with a new diagnosis of hypertension is receiving teaching from a healthcare provider. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will decrease my intake of potassium.
• B. I will increase my intake of vitamin K.
• C. I will decrease my intake of sodium.
• D. I will increase my intake of magnesium.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'I will decrease my intake of sodium.' Lowering sodium intake is essential in managing hypertension as it helps reduce blood pressure levels. Excess sodium can lead to fluid retention and increased blood volume, putting more strain on the heart and blood vessels. Therefore, this response indicates an understanding of the teaching provided. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because decreasing potassium intake, increasing vitamin K intake, and increasing magnesium intake are not primary dietary modifications recommended for hypertension. While potassium and magnesium can be beneficial for overall health, reducing sodium intake is the key dietary change to manage hypertension effectively.

5. A client is receiving continuous enteral feedings through a nasogastric tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed to 30°
• B. Flush the tube with 50 mL of water every 2 hours
• C. Replace the feeding bag and tubing every 72 hours
• D. Check the client's gastric residual every 8 hours

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 30° is the correct action to take when a client is receiving continuous enteral feedings through a nasogastric tube. This position helps prevent aspiration of the enteral feedings into the lungs, reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, elevating the head of the bed promotes proper digestion and absorption of the feedings by utilizing gravity to facilitate movement into the stomach and through the gastrointestinal tract. Flushing the tube with water every 2 hours (Choice B) is not necessary for continuous feedings and may disrupt the feeding schedule. Replacing the feeding bag and tubing every 72 hours (Choice C) is not the standard recommendation unless there are specific concerns or complications. Checking the client's gastric residual every 8 hours (Choice D) is important but not the immediate action needed to prevent aspiration during enteral feedings.

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