Nursing Elites

1. To assess pedal pulses, which arterial sites should the nurse palpate? (Select all that apply)

• A. Posterior tibial artery
• B. Radial artery
• C. External iliac artery
• D. Dorsalis pedis artery

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dorsalis pedis artery. When assessing pedal pulses, the nurse should palpate the dorsalis pedis artery and the posterior tibial artery. The radial artery is located in the wrist and is not a site for assessing pedal pulses. The external iliac artery is not a correct site for assessing pedal pulses in the lower extremities, making it the correct answer.

2. A client reports pain after medication administration. What is the next best step for the nurse?

• A. Reassess the client’s pain
• B. Increase the pain medication dose
• C. Apply a cold compress
• D. Contact the healthcare provider

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to reassess the client’s pain. Reassessment is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the initial intervention. By reassessing, the nurse can determine if the current pain management plan is adequate or if further interventions are required. Increasing the pain medication dose without reassessment can lead to overmedication and potential adverse effects. Applying a cold compress may not address the underlying cause of the pain and should be based on a proper assessment. Contacting the healthcare provider should be considered if the reassessment indicates a need for further evaluation or intervention beyond the nurse's scope of practice.

3. The nurse observes that a post-operative client's surgical wound has reddened edges and is oozing. What is the appropriate nursing action?

• A. Apply an antibiotic ointment
• B. Clean the wound with sterile saline
• C. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing
• D. Notify the surgeon immediately

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action when a post-operative client's surgical wound has reddened edges and is oozing is to notify the surgeon immediately. Reddened, oozing wound edges can indicate an infection that requires prompt evaluation and intervention by the surgical team. Applying an antibiotic ointment (Choice A) without proper assessment and guidance can be inappropriate. Cleaning the wound with sterile saline (Choice B) and covering it with a sterile dressing (Choice C) may not address the potential infection adequately, and the client may require more specialized care that the surgeon can provide.

4. The nurse is caring for a client who has just undergone a total hip replacement. Which intervention is most important to prevent postoperative complications?

• A. Encourage early ambulation
• B. Apply ice to the surgical site
• C. Monitor the surgical site for signs of infection
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging early ambulation is crucial following a total hip replacement surgery as it helps prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by promoting circulation. Early ambulation also aids in preventing pneumonia, muscle atrophy, and pressure ulcers. Applying ice to the surgical site may help with pain and swelling, but it is not as critical in preventing complications as early ambulation. While monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection is important, it is not as crucial in preventing postoperative complications compared to early ambulation. Administering pain medication as prescribed is essential for comfort and pain management but does not directly prevent postoperative complications like early ambulation does.

5. A grand multiparous client had a precipitous delivery in the emergency room 6 hours ago. The client was given oxytocin intramuscularly after birth. The nurse examines the client and observes the pad under her buttocks is full of blood. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Place a new pad and weigh the pad removed to determine blood loss.
• B. Massage the fundus and express clots.
• C. Start an IV and begin an oxytocin infusion.
• D. Clean the perineal area and encourage her to breastfeed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Massaging the fundus and expressing clots helps contract the uterus and reduce postpartum hemorrhage.

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