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. When administering an IM injection to a 5-month-old infant, which of the following injection sites should be used?

• A. Deltoid
• B. Ventrogluteal
• C. Vastus lateralis
• D. Dorsogluteal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For infants and young children, the vastus lateralis muscle located over the anterior thigh is the preferred site for intramuscular injections. This site is chosen for its large muscle mass and reduced risk of injury to major nerves and blood vessels. Infants have less developed muscle structures, making the vastus lateralis a safer and more effective site for injections compared to other sites like the deltoid, ventrogluteal, or dorsogluteal. Using the correct injection site is essential to prevent complications and ensure the proper absorption of the medication.

4. Which of the following techniques should be used to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client?

• A. Use sterile technique.
• B. Insert the catheter 2-3 inches into the urethra.
• C. Inflate the balloon after insertion.
• D. Lubricate the catheter tip before insertion.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lubricating the catheter tip before insertion is crucial for female urinary catheterization. This step helps reduce discomfort for the patient and facilitates smooth catheter insertion into the urethra. Using sterile technique maintains asepsis during the procedure, inserting the catheter 2-3 inches ensures proper placement, and inflating the balloon after insertion secures the catheter in place without causing trauma. Proper technique is fundamental for patient comfort, preventing infection, and ensuring the success of the catheterization procedure.

5. A client with dysphagia and at risk for aspiration needs care planning. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Encourage the client to drink thickened liquids.
• B. Instruct the client to swallow with chin tucked.
• C. Provide the client with a cup with a lid.
• D. Place the client in Fowler's position for meals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Placing the client in Fowler's position is crucial in preventing aspiration as it helps maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of food or liquid entering the lungs during swallowing. This position promotes safer swallowing and minimizes the chances of aspiration pneumonia. Choices A, B, and C are less effective interventions for preventing aspiration. Encouraging the client to drink thickened liquids may help, but the position is more critical. Instructing the client to swallow with chin tucked is beneficial for some individuals but not as effective as positioning. Providing a cup with a lid does not directly address the risk of aspiration associated with dysphagia.

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