Nursing Elites

1. Which assessment data would provide the most accurate determination of proper placement of a nasogastric tube?

• A. Aspirating gastric contents to assure a pH value of 4 or less.
• B. Hearing air pass in the stomach after injecting air into the tubing.
• C. Examining a chest x-ray obtained after the tubing was inserted.
• D. Checking the remaining length of tubing to ensure that the correct length was inserted.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most accurate method to confirm the proper placement of a nasogastric tube is by examining a chest x-ray obtained after the tubing was inserted. This visual assessment allows healthcare providers to directly visualize the position of the tube in relation to anatomical landmarks, ensuring it is correctly placed in the stomach. Aspirating gastric contents or hearing air pass may provide some information but are not as definitive as a chest x-ray for confirming placement. Checking the remaining length of tubing is not a reliable method for determining proper placement as it does not indicate where the tip of the tube lies within the body.

2. A client with a diagnosis of renal failure is receiving hemodialysis. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. The client's blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg.
• B. The client gains 1 kg in 24 hours.
• C. The client's potassium level is 5.5 mEq/L.
• D. The client's weight decreases by 0.5 kg in 24 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L (C) is elevated and concerning in a client with renal failure receiving hemodialysis, as it can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring blood pressure (A), weight gain (B), and weight loss (D) are essential in clients on hemodialysis, but an elevated potassium level poses an immediate risk that requires prompt intervention.

3. When assessing a client with wrist restraints, the nurse observes that the fingers on the right hand are blue. What action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Loosen the right wrist restraint.
• B. Apply a pulse oximeter to the right hand.
• C. Compare hand color bilaterally.
• D. Palpate the right radial pulse.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action is to restore circulation by loosening the restraint (A) because blue fingers (cyanosis) indicate decreased circulation. Comparing hand color bilaterally (C) and palpating the right radial pulse (D) are important assessments to gather more information, but they do not have the priority of addressing the decreased circulation by loosening the restraint. Applying a pulse oximeter (B) is not indicated in this scenario as it measures the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen, which is not relevant when cyanosis is related to mechanical compression from the restraints.

4. Which client is most likely to be at risk for spiritual distress?

• A. Roman Catholic woman considering an abortion
• B. Jewish man considering hospice care for his wife
• C. Seventh-day Adventist in need of a blood transfusion
• D. Muslim man in need of a total knee replacement

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In Roman Catholicism, abortion is strictly prohibited, so a Roman Catholic woman considering this procedure may experience spiritual distress due to conflicts with her religious beliefs. This conflict can lead to emotional and psychological turmoil, affecting her spiritual well-being. It is essential for healthcare providers to recognize and address such conflicts with sensitivity and understanding to provide holistic care.

5. The client is being taught how to self-administer a subcutaneous injection. To ensure sterility of the procedure, which subject is most important for the instructor to include in the teaching plan?

• A. Hand washing before preparing the injection.
• B. Technique for drawing medication from a vial.
• C. Selection and rotation of injection sites.
• D. Proper disposal of injection equipment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To maintain the sterility of the procedure, it is crucial to teach the client the correct technique for drawing medication from a vial. This ensures that the medication remains sterile during preparation and administration. While hand washing, injection site selection, and equipment disposal are important aspects of injection safety, the key focus should be on maintaining the sterility of the medication itself to prevent infections and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.

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