Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client with dementia. Which of the following findings should the nurse address first?

• A. Psychosocial stressors
• B. Restlessness and agitation
• C. Frequent wandering at night
• D. Urinary incontinence

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In clients with dementia, restlessness and agitation are important symptoms that the nurse should address first. These symptoms can indicate underlying issues such as pain, discomfort, or unmet needs, and addressing them promptly can prevent complications. Psychosocial stressors may contribute to the client's condition but should not be the initial priority. Frequent wandering at night and urinary incontinence are also common in dementia but do not pose immediate risks compared to restlessness and agitation.

2. Which intervention is essential when caring for a client with heart failure on fluid restriction?

• A. Encourage the client to drink water throughout the day
• B. Monitor the client's weight daily to assess fluid balance
• C. Limit fluid intake during meals
• D. Weigh the client once a week to assess fluid balance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor the client's weight daily to assess fluid balance.' When caring for a client with heart failure on fluid restriction, it is essential to monitor their weight daily to evaluate fluid balance accurately. This helps healthcare providers assess if the client is retaining excess fluid, a common issue in heart failure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Encouraging the client to drink water throughout the day contradicts fluid restriction. Limiting fluid intake during meals may not provide a comprehensive assessment of fluid balance, and weighing the client once a week is not frequent enough to detect rapid changes in fluid status that could worsen heart failure symptoms.

3. A client with a chest tube is post-op. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Clamp the chest tube every 2 hours
• B. Check for air leaks and proper functioning of the chest tube
• C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours
• D. Encourage frequent coughing to clear secretions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks and ensure the proper functioning of the chest tube. This action is crucial post-op to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube every 2 hours (Choice A) is incorrect as it can lead to a buildup of pressure within the chest, risking complications. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours (Choice C) is important for respiratory hygiene but not the priority over ensuring the chest tube's proper function. Encouraging frequent coughing to clear secretions (Choice D) is not the priority when assessing a chest tube post-op; ensuring the chest tube's integrity and function take precedence.

4. A nurse on a med surge unit has received change of shift report and will care for 4 clients. Which of the following clients' needs will the nurse assign to an AP?

• A. Feeding a client who was admitted 24 hours ago with aspiration pneumonia
• B. Reinforcing teaching with a client who is learning to walk with a quad cane
• C. Reapplying a condom catheter for a client who has urinary incontinence
• D. Applying a sterile dressing to a pressure ulcer

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because reapplying a condom catheter for a client with urinary incontinence is a task that can be safely assigned to an assistive personnel (AP) as it falls within their scope of practice. Choice A involves the assessment of a client with aspiration pneumonia, which requires nursing judgment. Choice B requires teaching and guidance, which is the responsibility of the nurse. Choice D involves applying a sterile dressing, which requires nursing skills and knowledge.

5. A client with IV fluids has developed redness and warmth at the IV site. What is the next step the nurse should take?

• A. Apply a cold compress to the IV site
• B. Discontinue the IV and notify the healthcare provider
• C. Monitor the IV site for signs of infection
• D. Increase the IV flow rate to improve circulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client develops redness and warmth at the IV site, it is indicative of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The next step for the nurse should be to discontinue the IV and notify the healthcare provider. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Monitoring for infection is important, but in this case, the presence of redness and warmth suggests phlebitis, not infection. Increasing the IV flow rate can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.

Similar Questions