Nursing Elites

1. After placement of a left subclavian central venous catheter (CVC), the nurse receives a report of the X-ray findings indicating that the CVC tip is in the client's superior vena cava. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Remove the catheter and apply direct pressure for 5 minutes.
• B. Initiate intravenous fluids as prescribed.
• C. Secure the catheter using aseptic technique.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider of the need to reposition the catheter.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Initiating intravenous fluids as prescribed is the appropriate action when the CVC tip is correctly placed in the superior vena cava. Intravenous fluids can now be administered effectively through the central line. Removing the catheter and applying direct pressure is unnecessary and not indicated as the tip is in the correct position. Securing the catheter using aseptic technique is important for preventing infections but is not the immediate action needed in this situation. Notifying the healthcare provider of the need to reposition the catheter may delay necessary fluid administration, which is the priority at this time.

2. The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has just undergone a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding is most concerning?

• A. Hoarseness of the voice
• B. Slight swelling at the incision site
• C. Tingling around the mouth
• D. Mild fever

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tingling around the mouth is the most concerning finding as it may indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication after thyroidectomy. Hoarseness of the voice is common due to surgical manipulation, slight swelling at the incision site is expected postoperatively, and mild fever can be a normal inflammatory response. Hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy can lead to serious complications and should be addressed promptly to prevent further issues.

3. The nurse is teaching a client with diabetes about foot care. Which instruction is most important to prevent complications?

• A. Soak feet in warm water daily
• B. Apply moisturizer between the toes
• C. Wear cotton socks
• D. Inspect feet daily for cuts or sores

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Inspect feet daily for cuts or sores. Daily foot inspection is crucial for clients with diabetes to detect early signs of injury or infection. Soaking feet in warm water daily (choice A) can lead to skin maceration, making the skin more susceptible to breakdown. Applying moisturizer between the toes (choice B) can increase moisture and the risk of fungal infections. While wearing cotton socks (choice C) is beneficial for diabetic foot care, it is not as crucial as daily foot inspections to prevent complications.

4. The nurse is assessing a client with cirrhosis who has developed ascites. What is the most important intervention to include in the care plan?

• A. Restrict sodium intake
• B. Encourage high-protein meals
• C. Increase fluid intake
• D. Administer diuretics as prescribed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer diuretics as prescribed. Diuretics are often prescribed to help manage fluid accumulation in ascites, which is a common complication of cirrhosis. Restricting sodium intake (Choice A) is essential in managing ascites, but administering diuretics takes precedence in the care plan. Encouraging high-protein meals (Choice B) and increasing fluid intake (Choice C) are not the primary interventions for managing ascites in cirrhosis.

5. The nurse is monitoring a client's intravenous infusion and observes that the venipuncture site is cool to the touch, swollen, and the infusion rate is slower than the prescribed rate. What is the most likely cause of this finding?

• A. The solution's rate is too rapid
• B. The client has phlebitis
• C. The infusion site is infected
• D. The infusion is infiltrated

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. An infiltrated IV occurs when fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing coolness, swelling, and a slow infusion rate. Choice A is incorrect because a rapid solution rate does not typically cause these specific symptoms. Choice B, phlebitis, presents with redness, warmth, and tenderness along the vein, not coolness. Choice C, infection, usually manifests with redness, warmth, and possibly purulent drainage, not coolness and swelling.

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