Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is teaching a group of assistive personnel about the expected integumentary changes in older adults. Which change should the healthcare professional include?

• A. Increase in skin turgor
• B. Increase in subcutaneous fat
• C. Decrease in moisture levels
• D. Increase in oil production

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decrease in moisture levels. In older adults, there is a reduction in oil production, leading to decreased moisture levels in the skin. This change can result in dry skin and increased risk of skin issues. The other choices are incorrect because in older adults, skin turgor tends to decrease, subcutaneous fat may decrease, and oil production typically decreases rather than increases.

2. 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.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Irrigate the catheter with normal saline
• B. Notify the provider
• C. Administer prescribed antibiotics
• D. Assess for signs of infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client reports pain at the site of an indwelling urinary catheter, the nurse's first action should be to notify the provider. This is important to ensure timely assessment and intervention by the healthcare provider. Irrigating the catheter with normal saline or administering antibiotics should not be done without provider's orders as it may mask symptoms or lead to inappropriate treatment. Assessing for signs of infection is important but should come after notifying the provider, who can guide further assessment and treatment.

4. A nurse is sitting with the partner of a client who recently died. Which action should the nurse take to facilitate mourning?

• A. Avoid discussing the deceased
• B. Encourage the partner to ask for help when needed
• C. Suggest bereavement counseling
• D. Offer to contact family members

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the partner to ask for help when needed is the most appropriate action in this scenario as it promotes healthy coping mechanisms and support during the mourning process. This approach empowers the individual to seek assistance when required, fostering a sense of control and acknowledging the partner's autonomy in dealing with their grief. Avoiding discussing the deceased (Choice A) may hinder the grieving process by suppressing emotions and preventing the partner from expressing their feelings. While suggesting bereavement counseling (Choice C) is important, the immediate support and encouragement to seek help when needed are crucial. Offering to contact family members (Choice D) may not be the most effective step at this stage, as the focus should be on empowering the partner to cope and seek help on their terms.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who reports pain at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and warm. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Flush the IV line with saline
• B. Discontinue the IV infusion
• C. Apply a cold compress
• D. Increase the IV flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion. The signs of redness and warmth at the IV site indicate phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein. Discontinuing the IV infusion is crucial to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombosis. Flushing the IV line with saline would not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the cause. Increasing the IV flow rate can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.

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