Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client several hours after surgery, the nurse observes that the client grimaces and guards the incision while moving in bed. The client is diaphoretic, has a radial pulse rate of 110 beats/min, and a respiratory rate of 35 breaths/min. What assessment should the nurse perform first?

• A. Apical heart rate
• B. IV site and fluids
• C. Pain scale
• D. Temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client’s grimacing and guarding suggest pain; assessing the pain scale is crucial for addressing the discomfort. Pain management is a priority to ensure the client's well-being and comfort. Checking the apical heart rate, IV site and fluids, or temperature can be important but addressing the client's pain takes precedence in this scenario. The elevated pulse rate and respiratory rate could be indicative of pain, making the pain scale assessment essential to guide appropriate interventions.

2. A female client with fibromyalgia asks the nurse to arrange for hospice care to help her manage the severe, chronic pain. Which interdisciplinary team member should the nurse consult to assist the client?

• A. Contact a hospice nurse for an evaluation
• B. Arrange an appointment with a pain specialist
• C. Ask for a consultation with a psychologist
• D. Form an interdisciplinary team for evaluation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate interdisciplinary team member for the nurse to consult is a hospice nurse. Hospice nurses specialize in managing pain and symptom control, which aligns with the client's needs for managing severe chronic pain. While pain specialists (choice B) focus on pain management, in this case, the client specifically requested hospice care for pain management. Consulting a psychologist (choice C) may be beneficial for addressing psychological aspects, but the client's immediate need is pain management. Forming an interdisciplinary team (choice D) is not as specific as consulting a hospice nurse, who has the specialized skills required to address the client's pain effectively.

3. When gathering subjective data from a client, what intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Listen attentively
• B. Establish rapport
• C. List problems
• D. Clarify inferences

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Establishing rapport is the initial step the nurse should take when gathering subjective data from a client. Building trust and a good relationship with the client creates an environment where the client feels comfortable sharing accurate and honest information. Listening attentively is important but should come after rapport is established to enhance active listening. Listing problems and clarifying inferences are actions that occur later in the assessment process, after the nurse has established a good rapport and obtained a comprehensive understanding of the client's perspective. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

4. The client is assessing a client who was recently diagnosed with heart failure and is on a low-sodium diet. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. “I will use lemon juice and herbs for flavoring.”
• B. “I will not eat canned soups or frozen dinners.”
• C. “I can have salt substitutes to enhance the taste of my food.”
• D. “I will check the food labels for sodium content before buying.”

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Some salt substitutes can be high in potassium, which may not be suitable for clients with heart failure. Option A is correct as using lemon juice and herbs for flavoring is a good low-sodium alternative. Option B is also correct as canned soups and frozen dinners are typically high in sodium content. Option D is correct as checking food labels for sodium content is an essential part of managing a low-sodium diet. Therefore, the client's statement about using salt substitutes needs correction as it can introduce high levels of potassium, which may not be recommended for individuals with heart failure.

5. The urinary drainage of a client with continuous bladder irrigation is becoming increasingly red. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Increase the irrigation rate
• B. Lower the head of the bed
• C. Milk the catheter tubing
• D. Evaluate for fluid overload

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Increasing the irrigation rate can help clear any blood clots and reduce the redness in the urinary drainage. This intervention aims to improve the flushing of the bladder and potentially resolve the issue. Lowering the head of the bed would not directly address the red urinary drainage. Milking the catheter tubing is not recommended as it can cause trauma to the catheter or bladder, leading to further complications. While evaluating for fluid overload is an important nursing consideration, it does not directly address the immediate concern of redness in the urinary drainage, which requires a focused intervention to clear any blockages or clots in the system.

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