Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to perform an admission assessment for a client who reports abdominal pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Perform deep palpation at the end of the admission assessment
• B. Auscultate the client’s abdomen before palpation
• C. Begin palpation of the abdomen at the site of pain
• D. Assess the client’s bowel sounds using the bell of the stethoscope

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Auscultating the abdomen before palpation is the correct action for the nurse to take in this scenario. This approach helps to assess bowel sounds accurately and prevents the alteration of bowel sounds that can occur due to palpation. By auscultating first, the nurse can gather important information about bowel function before proceeding with the palpation. Choice A is incorrect because deep palpation should be avoided initially, especially in a client reporting abdominal pain, as it may cause discomfort or potential harm. Choice C is incorrect as palpation should typically start away from the site of pain to prevent exacerbating discomfort. Choice D is incorrect because assessing bowel sounds with the bell of the stethoscope is not the initial step recommended when a client reports abdominal pain; auscultation should be performed with the diaphragm of the stethoscope first.

2. A healthcare provider is delegating client care to assistive personnel. Which of the following tasks should the healthcare provider delegate?

• A. Evaluating healing of an incision
• B. Inserting an NG Tube
• C. Performing a simple dressing change
• D. Changing IV tubing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct task that a healthcare provider should delegate to assistive personnel is performing a simple dressing change. Assistive personnel are trained and competent in performing basic wound care activities like simple dressing changes. Evaluating the healing of an incision requires clinical judgment and assessment skills that are typically performed by licensed healthcare professionals, such as nurses or physicians. Inserting an NG tube and changing IV tubing involve invasive procedures that require specialized training and skills, making them tasks that should be performed by licensed healthcare providers rather than assistive personnel.

3. The healthcare provider is caring for a 17-month-old with acetaminophen poisoning. Which lab reports should the healthcare provider review first?

• A. Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
• B. Red blood cell and white blood cell counts
• C. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels
• D. Liver enzymes (AST and ALT)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In acetaminophen poisoning, liver damage is a significant concern due to the toxic effects of the drug on the liver. Liver enzymes such as AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) are essential markers to assess liver function and damage. Monitoring these enzymes early is crucial to detect hepatotoxicity and guide further management. Prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time are coagulation studies and are not the priority in acetaminophen poisoning. Red and white blood cell counts are not specific to assess liver damage in this context. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels are primarily used to evaluate kidney function, which is not the primary concern in acetaminophen poisoning.

4. A client with heart failure is being taught by a nurse on reducing daily sodium intake. What is the most important factor in determining the client's ability to learn new dietary habits?

• A. The involvement of the client in planning the change
• B. The presence of a dietitian during the teaching
• C. The use of dietary supplements
• D. The client's family support

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most crucial factor in the client's ability to learn new dietary habits is their involvement in planning the change. When clients actively participate in setting their dietary goals, they are more likely to commit to and adhere to the changes. This empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, enhancing the chances of successful dietary modifications. The presence of a dietitian, use of dietary supplements, and family support, while beneficial, are not as critical as the client's active participation in planning the dietary changes.

5. A nurse is preparing to insert an IV catheter for an adult client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Choose the most distal site on the selected extremity
• B. Apply a cool compress to the selected extremity before insertion of the IV catheter
• C. Stroke the selected extremity before insertion of the IV catheter
• D. Place the tourniquet above the proposed insertion site

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When preparing to insert an IV catheter, stroking the extremity before insertion helps to visualize veins, making it easier to locate a suitable vein for catheter insertion. Choosing the most distal site on the extremity is correct because veins more distal are preferred for IV catheter insertion. Applying a cool compress to the extremity before insertion is unnecessary and not a standard practice. Placing the tourniquet below the proposed insertion site is incorrect; the tourniquet should be placed above the proposed insertion site to help engorge the veins for easier visualization and access.

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