Nursing Elites

1. The client has a nasogastric (NG) tube in place for decompression. What action should the LPN/LVN take to maintain patency of the NG tube?

• A. Irrigate the tube with normal saline every shift.
• B. Check the tube placement by auscultation.
• C. Secure the tube to the client's gown.
• D. Flush the tube with 5 mL of sterile water before and after medication administration.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To maintain patency of the NG tube, it is essential to irrigate the tube with normal saline every shift. This action helps prevent clogging and ensures that the tube remains clear for effective decompression. Checking tube placement by auscultation (Choice B) is important for verifying correct placement but does not directly impact patency. Securing the tube to the client's gown (Choice C) is crucial for safety and comfort but is not directly related to maintaining patency. Flushing the tube with sterile water before and after medication administration (Choice D) is not the recommended method for maintaining patency of an NG tube, as normal saline is the appropriate solution for this purpose.

2. A client who is terminally ill has a family member who is coping effectively with the situation. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication of effective coping?

• A. "We still have hope that everything will be okay."
• B. "This is a difficult time, but we are helping each other through this."
• C. "After he comes home, we can plan out a family reunion."
• D. "We don't need to talk about funeral arrangements at this time."

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because an effective coping strategy involves mutual support and communication within the family. This statement reflects effective coping skills as the family is shown to be helping each other through the difficult time. Choice A is incorrect as maintaining hope does not necessarily indicate effective coping. Choice C focuses on future events and may not address the current situation of coping with a terminally ill family member. Choice D avoids discussing important aspects of end-of-life planning, which may not reflect effective coping with the situation at hand.

3. When applying an ice bag to a client's ankle following a sports injury, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Fill the bag two-thirds full with ice.
• B. Apply the ice bag directly to the skin with a barrier.
• C. Keep the ice bag on for more than 30 minutes at a time.
• D. Use a frozen gel pack instead of ice.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Filling the ice bag two-thirds full is the correct action as it ensures the effectiveness of the ice application while allowing some space for the ice to move and conform to the injury. Choice B is incorrect because the ice bag should be applied with a barrier like a cloth to prevent direct contact with the skin, which can lead to ice burns. Choice C is wrong as ice should typically be applied for 20 minutes at a time to avoid tissue damage. Choice D is also incorrect as ice is preferred over frozen gel packs for immediate sports injury management.

4. What advice should the client be given if they are feeling dizzy upon standing after taking a diuretic for hypertension?

• A. Avoid standing up too quickly.
• B. Increase fluid intake to stay hydrated.
• C. Eat more salt to help retain fluids.
• D. Wear compression stockings during the day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct advice for a client feeling dizzy upon standing after taking a diuretic for hypertension is to avoid standing up too quickly. Diuretics can lead to orthostatic hypotension, causing dizziness upon sudden position changes. Increasing fluid intake can exacerbate the issue by further lowering blood pressure. Eating more salt might counteract the diuretic's effects but is not the primary intervention for orthostatic hypotension. Compression stockings are more relevant for venous insufficiency than for orthostatic hypotension.

5. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of left-sided heart failure. Which assessment finding would be most concerning?

• A. Peripheral edema
• B. Crackles in the lungs
• C. Jugular vein distention
• D. Hepatomegaly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Crackles in the lungs. Crackles in the lungs indicate pulmonary congestion, a serious complication of left-sided heart failure. The presence of crackles suggests fluid accumulation in the lungs, impairing gas exchange and potentially leading to respiratory distress. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent worsening respiratory function. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: Peripheral edema is a common finding in heart failure but may not be as acutely concerning as pulmonary congestion. Jugular vein distention is associated with right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure. Hepatomegaly is often seen in liver conditions and right-sided heart failure, not specifically left-sided heart failure.

Similar Questions