Nursing Elites

1. During an abdominal examination, a nurse in a provider’s office determines that a client has abdominal distention. The protrusion is at midline, the skin over the area is taut, and the nurse notes no involvement of the flanks. Which of the following possible causes of distention should the nurse suspect?

• A. Fat
• B. Fluid
• C. Flatus
• D. Hernias

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hernias.' Abdominal distention with a midline protrusion, taut skin, and no involvement of the flanks is characteristic of hernias. Hernias are caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall, allowing organs or tissues to protrude through. Fluid accumulation (ascites) typically presents with a more generalized distention, while fat accumulation may cause more diffuse distension rather than a focal midline protrusion. Flatus, or gas, would not typically present with a visible midline protrusion and taut skin like hernias.

2. A nurse is teaching the parents of a toddler about discipline. Which of the following actions should the nurse suggest?

• A. Establish consistent boundaries for the toddler.
• B. Place the toddler in a room with the door closed.
• C. Inform the toddler how you feel when he misbehaves.
• D. Use a favorite snack to reward the toddler.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to establish consistent boundaries for the toddler. This approach helps toddlers understand expectations and promotes consistent behavior. Placing the toddler alone or using food rewards may not effectively teach discipline and could be inappropriate. Informing the toddler about feelings when misbehaving may not be developmentally appropriate for a toddler to understand the consequences of their actions.

3. A healthcare professional is assessing an adult client who has been immobile for the past 3 weeks. The healthcare professional should identify that which of the following findings requires further intervention?

• A. Erythema on pressure points
• B. Lower-extremity pulse strength of 2+
• C. Fluid intake of 3,000 mL per day
• D. A bowel movement every other day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Erythema on pressure points indicates potential skin breakdown due to prolonged immobility. It requires immediate intervention to prevent pressure ulcers. Lower-extremity pulse strength of 2+ is a normal finding, indicating adequate peripheral perfusion. Fluid intake of 3,000 mL per day is within the normal range and promotes hydration. A bowel movement every other day is a reasonable frequency for some individuals and does not necessarily indicate a need for immediate intervention in this scenario.

4. When communicating with a client who is hearing impaired, what should the nurse do?

• A. Face the client and speak slowly
• B. Speak loudly and clearly
• C. Use written communication only
• D. Avoid using gestures or body language

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When communicating with a client who is hearing impaired, it is important to face the client and speak slowly. This helps the individual lip-read and understand the communication more easily. Speaking loudly can distort speech and make it harder for the person to understand. Written communication may not always be practical or accessible for the client, especially in real-time interactions. Gestures and body language can actually aid in communication by providing visual cues and context. Therefore, the best approach is to face the client, speak clearly at a moderate pace, and use gestures and body language to enhance understanding.

5. A nurse manager is preparing to review medication documentation with a group of newly licensed nurses. Which of the following statements should the nurse manager plan to include in the teaching?

• A. Use the complete name of the medication magnesium sulfate.
• B. Delete the space between the numerical dose and the unit of measure.
• C. Write the letter U when noting the dosage of insulin.
• D. Use the abbreviation SC when indicating an injection.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to use the complete name of the medication magnesium sulfate. This is important to prevent confusion with morphine sulfate, which is abbreviated as MSO4. Choice B is incorrect as it is essential to maintain a space between the numerical dose and the unit of measure for clarity in medication documentation. Choice C is incorrect as the standard abbreviation for units is 'U' for international units, not for the dosage of insulin. Choice D is incorrect as the appropriate abbreviation for subcutaneous injection is 'SC,' not just 'SC.' Therefore, the nurse manager should emphasize using the full name of medications to avoid errors and ensure patient safety.

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