Nursing Elites

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

• A. Use a 1-inch needle.
• B. Stretch the skin at the injection site.
• C. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
• D. Aspirate for blood return before injecting.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Aspirating for blood return before injecting is a crucial step in administering intramuscular injections. This action ensures that the needle is not in a blood vessel, reducing the risk of injecting medication into a blood vessel, which can lead to potential complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Using a longer 1-inch needle is often necessary for intramuscular injections to reach the muscle tissue properly. Stretching the skin is not recommended as it can cause unnecessary pain and tissue damage. Inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle is the preferred method for intramuscular injections to ensure proper medication delivery.

2. What is a true statement about caring for a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube?

• A. The NG tube should be flushed with 30 mL of water every 4 hours.
• B. The client should be positioned in a supine position.
• C. The NG tube should be advanced 5 cm if resistance is met.
• D. The client's nasal mucosa should be inspected daily.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Flushing the NG tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours is crucial to maintain its patency and prevent blockages. This routine ensures the tube stays clear and functional, enabling proper delivery of medications and nutrition to the client. Regular flushing also helps prevent residue buildup or clogs within the tube, reducing risks like aspiration or inaccurate medication dosing.

3. During discharge instructions, a client with a new prescription for a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) states, 'I will shake the inhaler before each use.' Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will shake the inhaler before each use.
• B. I will use the inhaler immediately after meals.
• C. I will inhale the medication quickly.
• D. I will clean the mouthpiece with alcohol.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because shaking the inhaler before each use ensures that the medication is properly mixed, which is essential for effective administration. This action helps to disperse the medication evenly, enhancing its efficacy when inhaled. Proper mixing through shaking prevents inconsistent dosing and ensures that the client receives the correct amount of medication with each use.

4. When providing teaching to a client with a new prescription for digoxin, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take your pulse before taking the medication.
• B. Take the medication with an antacid.
• C. Double the dose if you miss one.
• D. Take the medication with a high-fiber meal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with a new prescription for digoxin is to take their pulse before taking the medication. Digoxin can lead to bradycardia as a side effect, and monitoring the pulse helps in assessing the heart rate prior to medication administration. This precaution allows for the identification of any significant changes in heart rate that may require medical attention.

5. A healthcare professional is supervising a newly licensed colleague who is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed colleague requires intervention?

• A. Selecting a 25-gauge needle
• B. Administering the injection at a 45° angle
• C. Using the ventrogluteal site for the injection
• D. Aspirating for blood return before injecting the medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Administering an intramuscular injection at a 90° angle is essential for proper medication delivery into the muscle tissue. Injecting at a 45° angle is incorrect for intramuscular injections and is typically used for subcutaneous injections where the needle is inserted into the fatty tissue layer beneath the skin. Choice A is correct as selecting a 25-gauge needle is appropriate for an intramuscular injection. Choice C is also correct as the ventrogluteal site is a suitable site for intramuscular injections. Choice D is correct as aspirating for blood return is a necessary step to ensure the needle is not in a blood vessel before injecting the medication.

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