Nursing Elites

1. During a neurologic assessment of a client with a suspected stroke, which finding is most concerning?

• A. Unilateral facial droop
• B. Slurred speech
• C. Weakness in one arm
• D. Sudden loss of consciousness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sudden loss of consciousness in a client with a suspected stroke is the most concerning finding as it indicates a more severe neurological event, such as brain stem involvement or hemorrhage, requiring immediate intervention. While unilateral facial droop, slurred speech, and weakness in one arm are all common signs of a stroke, sudden loss of consciousness signifies a critical condition that needs urgent attention and evaluation to prevent further complications.

2. The nurse is providing care for a client with a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications associated with the tube?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed to 15 degrees during feedings
• B. Aspirate gastric contents before administering medications
• C. Clamp the tube between feedings
• D. Flush the tube with water before and after feedings

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Flushing the PEG tube with water before and after feedings helps prevent clogging and maintains tube patency. Proper flushing is essential for avoiding complications related to tube blockages. Elevating the head of the bed is important for preventing aspiration during and after feedings, not specifically related to PEG tube complications. Aspirating gastric contents before administering medications is not routinely recommended for PEG tube care. Clamping the tube between feedings can lead to tube occlusion and is not a standard practice in PEG tube care.

3. A client is admitted with ascites, malnutrition, and recent complaints of spitting up blood. What assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Capillary refill of 8 seconds
• B. Bruises on arms and legs
• C. Round and tight abdomen
• D. Pitting edema in lower legs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A round and tight abdomen suggests fluid accumulation from ascites, which could signal a more severe underlying condition requiring immediate intervention. This finding indicates increased intra-abdominal pressure, which can lead to respiratory compromise or other serious complications. Capillary refill time, bruises on arms and legs, and pitting edema in the lower legs are important assessments but do not directly indicate the need for immediate intervention as a round and tight abdomen does in this case.

4. A client has a nasogastric tube after colon surgery. Which one of these tasks can be safely delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

• A. To observe the type and amount of nasogastric tube drainage
• B. Monitor the client for nausea or other complications
• C. Irrigate the nasogastric tube with the ordered irrigation solution
• D. Perform nostril and mouth care

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Performing nostril and mouth care is a non-invasive task that can be safely delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Observing the type and amount of nasogastric tube drainage requires assessment skills and understanding of potential complications, making it more appropriate for a licensed healthcare professional. Monitoring the client for nausea or other complications involves interpreting client responses and identifying adverse reactions, which also requires a licensed healthcare professional. Irrigating the nasogastric tube with the ordered solution involves a procedure that can impact the client's condition and should be performed by a licensed healthcare professional to prevent complications.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube. Which of the following interventions is a priority to maintain client safety?

• A. Flush the tube with water every 4 hours
• B. Check the tube placement before each feeding
• C. Secure the tube to the client's nose with tape
• D. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying the correct placement of a nasogastric tube before each feeding is essential to prevent aspiration and ensure that the tube is properly positioned in the stomach or intestine. This action is a priority to maintain client safety. Flushing the tube with water every 4 hours is important for tube patency but is not the priority over verifying placement. Securing the tube with tape and keeping the head of the bed elevated are crucial but are considered secondary measures compared to confirming the correct tube placement.

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