Nursing Elites

1. When preparing to insert an NG tube for a client who requires gastric decompression, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client with the head of the bed elevated to 30° prior to insertion
• B. Measure the tube from the client's nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process
• C. Lubricate the entire length of the tube with water-soluble lubricant
• D. Instruct the client to cough during insertion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Measuring the tube from the client's nose to the earlobe to the xiphoid process ensures the tube is inserted to the correct depth. This measurement helps prevent complications such as tube misplacement or lung insertion. Positioning the client with the head of the bed elevated to 30° is important to facilitate easier insertion but is not the most crucial step. Lubricating the entire length of the tube with water-soluble lubricant is essential for smooth insertion but is not the most critical action. Instructing the client to cough during insertion is not necessary and may lead to unnecessary discomfort.

2. A healthcare professional is planning care for a client who has a new prescription for a low-sodium diet. Which of the following foods should the healthcare professional recommend?

• A. Canned soup
• B. Fresh fruit
• C. Pickles
• D. Soy sauce

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fresh fruit is naturally low in sodium and is a suitable choice for a low-sodium diet. It provides essential nutrients without adding significant amounts of sodium, making it a healthy option for individuals following a low-sodium diet. Canned soup, pickles, and soy sauce are high in sodium content and should be avoided by individuals on a low-sodium diet. Canned soups are often loaded with added salt, pickles are preserved in brine containing high sodium levels, and soy sauce is a condiment with a high sodium content.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a subcutaneous injection of insulin. Which of the following actions should the professional take?

• A. Use a 1-inch needle.
• B. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
• C. Use a tuberculin syringe.
• D. Aspirate before injecting.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When administering a subcutaneous injection, inserting the needle at a 90-degree angle is appropriate. This angle helps ensure proper delivery of the medication into the subcutaneous tissue. Using a 1-inch needle is common for subcutaneous injections to reach the subcutaneous fat layer adequately. Tuberculin syringes are typically used for intradermal injections, not subcutaneous injections. Aspirating before injecting is not necessary for subcutaneous injections as it is primarily used for intramuscular injections to ensure the needle is not in a blood vessel.

4. 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.

5. When assessing a client with diabetes mellitus experiencing DKA, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Tremors
• B. Urine retention
• C. Kussmaul respirations
• D. Bradypnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are a type of deep and labored breathing pattern associated with severe metabolic acidosis, commonly observed in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate, resulting in Kussmaul respirations. This helps eliminate excess carbon dioxide and reduce the acidity of the blood. Tremors (Choice A) are not typically associated with DKA. Urine retention (Choice B) is not a common finding in DKA; in fact, clients with DKA often have polyuria due to the osmotic diuresis caused by high blood glucose levels. Bradypnea (Choice D), which is abnormally slow breathing rate, is not a characteristic finding in DKA where the respiratory rate is usually increased to compensate for metabolic acidosis.

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