Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer enteral feedings to a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Measure the residual gastric volume
• B. Verify tube placement
• C. Flush the tube with 100 mL of water
• D. Administer the feeding in small boluses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying tube placement is the crucial initial step a nurse should take before administering enteral feedings through an NG tube. This step ensures that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration. Measuring residual gastric volume, flushing the tube with water, or administering the feeding in small boluses are all important steps in enteral feeding but should only be done after confirming the correct tube placement.

2. While assessing the IV infusion site of a client experiencing pain, redness, and warmth, what should the nurse do?

• A. Increase the IV flow rate
• B. Discontinue the infusion
• C. Elevate the limb
• D. Apply a cold compress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the infusion. Pain, redness, and warmth at the IV site are signs of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. Continuing the infusion can further irritate the vein and lead to complications. Increasing the IV flow rate would exacerbate the issue by delivering more irritants to the vein. Elevating the limb and applying a cold compress are not the appropriate interventions for phlebitis, as discontinuing the infusion is crucial to prevent further harm.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. What finding indicates a catheter occlusion?

• A. Bladder distention
• B. Bladder spasms
• C. Hematuria
• D. Increased urine output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bladder distention is the correct finding that indicates a catheter occlusion. When the catheter is occluded, urine cannot drain properly, leading to the build-up of urine in the bladder, causing distention. Bladder spasms (Choice B) are not typically associated with catheter occlusion but may indicate irritation or infection. Hematuria (Choice C) refers to blood in the urine and is not specific to catheter occlusion. Increased urine output (Choice D) is not indicative of catheter occlusion but may suggest other conditions like diabetes insipidus.

4. A healthcare provider is assessing the pain level of a client who has dementia and difficulty communicating. Which pain assessment technique should the healthcare provider use?

• A. Verbal self-report
• B. Pain scale
• C. Behavioral indicators
• D. Observing facial expressions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In clients with dementia and difficulty communicating, using behavioral indicators such as agitation and restlessness is more reliable for assessing pain than relying on verbal self-report, pain scales, or observing facial expressions. Verbal self-report may not be possible due to communication challenges, pain scales may be difficult for the client to comprehend, and observing facial expressions alone may not provide a comprehensive assessment of pain in individuals with dementia.

5. A nurse is updating the plan of care for a client with limited mobility. What intervention should the nurse include to prevent skin breakdown?

• A. Reposition the client every 4 hours
• B. Apply lotion to the skin every 2 hours
• C. Use a special mattress to reduce pressure on the skin
• D. Increase fluid intake to promote skin hydration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use a special mattress to reduce pressure on the skin.' This intervention is crucial in preventing skin breakdown in clients with limited mobility as it helps to reduce pressure on bony prominences. Repositioning every 4 hours (Choice A) is important but may not be sufficient to prevent skin breakdown entirely. Applying lotion every 2 hours (Choice B) may not address the root cause of skin breakdown related to pressure. Increasing fluid intake (Choice D) is beneficial for overall skin health but may not directly prevent skin breakdown caused by pressure points.

Similar Questions