Nursing Elites

1. When caring for a patient diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and circulatory insufficiency, experiencing peripheral neuropathy and urinary incontinence, on which areas does the nurse focus care?

• A. Decreased pain sensation and increased risk of skin impairment
• B. Decreased caloric intake and accelerated wound healing
• C. High risk for skin infection and low saliva pH level
• D. High risk for impaired venous return and dementia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should focus on decreased pain sensation and increased risk of skin impairment due to the patient's conditions. Peripheral neuropathy can lead to decreased pain sensation, making the patient more prone to injuries without realizing it. Additionally, the combination of circulatory insufficiency, peripheral neuropathy, and urinary incontinence can increase the risk of skin breakdown and impaired healing. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific issues related to the patient's diagnoses and symptoms.

2. A client who has an indwelling catheter reports a need to urinate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Check the catheter to see whether it is patent.
• B. Reassure the client that it is not possible for them to urinate.
• C. Re-catheterize the bladder with a larger-gauge catheter.
• D. Collect a urine specimen for analysis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client with an indwelling catheter reports a need to urinate, the nurse's initial action should be to check the catheter for patency. This is crucial to ensure that the catheter is not blocked, twisted, or kinked, which could lead to urinary retention. Reassuring the client without assessing the catheter could delay necessary interventions. Re-catheterizing the bladder with a larger-gauge catheter should not be the first step unless catheter patency is confirmed as an issue. Collecting a urine specimen for analysis is important but not the immediate priority when the client reports a need to urinate.

3. When assessing a client's skin turgor, a nurse should:

• A. Grasp a fold of the skin on the chest under the clavicle, release it, and note the depth of the impression
• B. Check skin elasticity on the back of the hand
• C. Press on the skin over the abdomen
• D. Measure skin turgor on the lower leg

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct answer: When assessing a client's skin turgor, a nurse should grasp a fold of the skin on the chest under the clavicle, release it, and note the depth of the impression. This method is reliable for evaluating hydration status as it is less influenced by age-related skin changes or adipose tissue. Choice B, checking skin elasticity on the back of the hand, is not the preferred method for assessing skin turgor. Choice C, pressing on the skin over the abdomen, is not a standard location for assessing skin turgor. Choice D, measuring skin turgor on the lower leg, is not a recommended site for assessing skin turgor in clinical practice.

4. A nurse is preparing to perform an admission assessment for a client who reports abdominal pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Perform deep palpation at the end of the admission assessment
• B. Auscultate the client’s abdomen before palpation
• C. Begin palpation of the abdomen at the site of pain
• D. Assess the client’s bowel sounds using the bell of the stethoscope

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Auscultating the abdomen before palpation is the correct action for the nurse to take in this scenario. This approach helps to assess bowel sounds accurately and prevents the alteration of bowel sounds that can occur due to palpation. By auscultating first, the nurse can gather important information about bowel function before proceeding with the palpation. Choice A is incorrect because deep palpation should be avoided initially, especially in a client reporting abdominal pain, as it may cause discomfort or potential harm. Choice C is incorrect as palpation should typically start away from the site of pain to prevent exacerbating discomfort. Choice D is incorrect because assessing bowel sounds with the bell of the stethoscope is not the initial step recommended when a client reports abdominal pain; auscultation should be performed with the diaphragm of the stethoscope first.

5. A client has been on bed rest for several weeks. Which finding should the nurse identify as the priority during assessment?

• A. Musculoskeletal weakness
• B. Loss of appetite
• C. Increased heart rate during physical activity
• D. Left lower extremity tenderness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize assessing left lower extremity tenderness as it could indicate deep vein thrombosis, a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Musculoskeletal weakness, loss of appetite, and increased heart rate during physical activity are important but not as critical as a potential thrombotic event that could lead to life-threatening complications. Deep vein thrombosis is a common risk for individuals on prolonged bed rest due to reduced mobility and blood stasis.

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