Nursing Elites

1. A nurse receives a report on four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client scheduled for chemotherapy with a hemoglobin of 9 g/dL
• B. A client 24 hours post-TURP with small blood clots in the catheter
• C. A client receiving a blood transfusion who reports low back pain
• D. A client with a new colostomy and a reddish-pink stoma

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Low back pain during a blood transfusion is a classic sign of a transfusion reaction, specifically a transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) or hemolytic reaction, both of which require immediate attention to prevent serious complications. Assessing this client first is crucial to ensure prompt intervention. Choices A, B, and D do not indicate immediate life-threatening complications and can be addressed after the client experiencing low back pain during a blood transfusion is stabilized.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left lower extremity. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client with the affected extremity higher than the heart
• B. Administer acetaminophen for pain
• C. Massage the affected extremity every 4 hours
• D. Withhold heparin IV infusion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to withhold heparin IV infusion. The nurse should withhold heparin if there are signs of complications, such as bleeding, or if there are contraindications to continuing anticoagulation therapy. Positioning the client with the affected extremity higher than the heart helps reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Administering acetaminophen for pain management can be appropriate, but it is not the priority in this situation. Massaging the affected extremity can dislodge the clot and lead to serious complications, so it should be avoided.

3. A client is in the transition phase of labor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Assist the client to void every 3 hours
• B. Monitor contractions every 30 minutes
• C. Place the client in a lithotomy position
• D. Encourage the client to use a pant-blow breathing pattern

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging the client to use a pant-blow breathing pattern is crucial during the transition phase of labor. This phase is characterized by intense contractions and emotional responses. Pant-blow breathing helps manage pain and anxiety, providing comfort and support to the client. Voiding every 3 hours is not specific to the transition phase and may not address immediate needs. Monitoring contractions every 30 minutes is important but may not be as directly beneficial as focusing on coping mechanisms like breathing techniques. Placing the client in a lithotomy position is generally not recommended during the transition phase as it can impede progress and comfort.

4. A nurse is caring for a client recovering from bowel surgery who has a nasogastric (NG) tube connected to low intermittent suction. Which of the following assessment findings should indicate to the nurse that the NG tube may not be functioning properly?

• A. Drainage fluid is greenish-yellow
• B. Aspirate pH of 3
• C. Abdominal rigidity
• D. Air bubbles noted in the NG tube

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Abdominal rigidity can indicate a serious complication, such as a blockage or infection, requiring immediate intervention to determine if the NG tube is functioning properly. Choices A, B, and D are not indicative of a malfunctioning NG tube. Greenish-yellow drainage fluid may be normal, an aspirate pH of 3 is within the expected range for gastric contents, and air bubbles in the NG tube are not abnormal as long as they are moving.

5. A charge nurse is discussing the use of applying ice to a client’s injured knee with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following is a benefit of this treatment?

• A. Systemic analgesic effect
• B. Increase in metabolism
• C. Decreased capillary permeability
• D. Vasodilation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased capillary permeability. Ice application helps decrease capillary permeability, which in turn reduces swelling and inflammation at the injury site. This vasoconstriction effect helps to limit the extent of the injury. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Applying ice locally does not produce a systemic analgesic effect but rather a localized numbing effect. It does not increase metabolism but rather slows down metabolic processes in the affected area. Additionally, ice application causes vasoconstriction, not vasodilation.

Similar Questions