Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing a client's health history and identifies chronic constipation as a potential complication of immobility. What intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Increase fiber intake
• B. Encourage the client to walk daily
• C. Use a stool softener as needed
• D. Use a laxative daily

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Increasing fiber intake is the appropriate intervention to include in the plan of care for a client with chronic constipation due to immobility. Fiber helps add bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass, thereby preventing constipation. Encouraging the client to walk daily (choice B) is also beneficial as it promotes mobility and can help alleviate constipation associated with immobility. Using a stool softener as needed (choice C) and using a laxative daily (choice D) are not the first-line interventions for managing constipation related to immobility. Stool softeners and laxatives should be used judiciously and under healthcare provider guidance.

2. A nurse receives a report from an assistive personnel that a client's BP is 160/95. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer antihypertensive medication
• B. Notify the healthcare provider
• C. Recheck the blood pressure
• D. Document the blood pressure in the chart

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse in this scenario is to recheck the blood pressure. This step is crucial to confirm the accuracy of the initial reading. Administering antihypertensive medication without verifying the blood pressure could lead to inappropriate treatment. Notifying the healthcare provider can be done after ensuring the accuracy of the reading. Simply documenting the blood pressure without validation may result in acting on potentially incorrect information. Therefore, the priority is to recheck the blood pressure.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. What behavior should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for constipation?

• A. Increased physical activity
• B. Frequent urge suppression
• C. Adequate sleep
• D. Increased fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Frequent urge suppression can lead to constipation, especially postoperatively. Suppressing the urge to defecate can disrupt the normal bowel movement pattern and lead to constipation. Choices A, C, and D are behaviors that generally help prevent constipation rather than increase the risk. Increased physical activity, adequate sleep, and increased fluid intake promote bowel regularity and reduce the risk of constipation.

4. A client scheduled for cataract surgery tells the nurse, 'I see just fine and have decided to cancel my surgery.' What should the nurse do?

• A. Proceed with the surgery as planned
• B. Document the refusal and inform the surgeon
• C. Explain the benefits of the surgery
• D. Respect the client's decision

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should explain the benefits of the surgery to the client. By providing more information, the client may reconsider their decision after understanding the positive impact the surgery could have on their vision. Proceeding with the surgery against the client's wishes (Choice A) is not ethical and goes against the principle of autonomy. While documenting the refusal and informing the surgeon (Choice B) is important for the client's medical record, it is crucial to first try to educate the client about the benefits. Simply respecting the client's decision (Choice D) without attempting to provide more information may not be in the client's best interest.

5. A nurse is performing a focused assessment on a client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What finding should the nurse expect?

• A. Increased breath sounds
• B. Flushed skin
• C. Nasal flaring
• D. Decreased respiratory rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Flushed skin. Flushed skin is a common finding in clients with COPD who are experiencing dyspnea. Increased breath sounds (choice A) are not typically associated with COPD; they may indicate conditions like pneumonia. Nasal flaring (choice C) is more commonly seen in respiratory distress in pediatric patients. Decreased respiratory rate (choice D) is not a typical finding in COPD and could indicate respiratory depression.

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