Nursing Elites

1. Which is the correct method for teaching a client to use a cane when they have left-leg weakness?

• A. Use the cane on the weaker side of the body
• B. Advance the cane and the strong leg together
• C. Maintain two points of support on the floor at all times
• D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm (12-18 in) with each step

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct method for teaching a client to use a cane when they have left-leg weakness is to maintain two points of support on the floor at all times. This approach ensures stability and helps the client maintain balance while using the cane. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side of the body to provide additional support. Choice B is incorrect as advancing the cane and the strong leg together may compromise stability. Choice D is incorrect as advancing the cane too far with each step can lead to imbalance and falls.

2. A client has developed phlebitis at the IV site. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Apply a warm compress to the IV site
• B. Discontinue the IV and notify the provider
• C. Monitor the IV site for signs of infection
• D. Administer an anti-inflammatory medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client develops phlebitis at the IV site, the priority action for the nurse is to discontinue the IV and notify the provider. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, and removing the IV can help prevent further complications. Applying a warm compress may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the root cause. Monitoring for infection is important, but immediate action to remove the source of inflammation is crucial. Administering an anti-inflammatory medication is not the first-line intervention for phlebitis; removal of the IV is necessary.

3. How should a healthcare provider assess a patient with sepsis?

• A. Monitor vital signs and administer fluids
• B. Monitor for fever and administer antibiotics
• C. Check for tachycardia and elevated white blood cell count
• D. Administer fluids and provide nutritional support

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In sepsis, it is crucial to monitor vital signs to assess the patient's condition and administer fluids to maintain circulation. This approach helps in stabilizing blood pressure and perfusion. While monitoring for fever and administering antibiotics (choice B) is important in managing sepsis, the initial priority lies in assessing and stabilizing the patient's hemodynamic status. Checking for tachycardia and elevated white blood cell count (choice C) can be part of the assessment but does not encompass the immediate intervention needed in sepsis. Administering fluids and providing nutritional support (choice D) are essential in managing sepsis, but the primary step should be to assess the patient's condition through vital sign monitoring.

4. A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

• A. A client with pneumonia who had new onset of confusion
• B. A client with diabetes who had low blood sugar overnight
• C. A client with a leg fracture who needs pain medication
• D. A client whose urinary output was 100 mL for the past 12 hours

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. New confusion in a client with pneumonia could indicate hypoxia or a worsening condition, requiring immediate attention. Option B, a client with diabetes having low blood sugar overnight, is a concerning condition but not as urgent as potential hypoxia. Option C, a client with a leg fracture needing pain medication, and option D, a client with decreased urinary output, are important but do not take precedence over addressing a potentially critical respiratory issue.

5. A client is constipated and asks the nurse for advice. What should the nurse recommend?

• A. Administer a laxative to relieve discomfort
• B. Increase dietary fiber to promote bowel movements
• C. Advise the client to rest until symptoms resolve
• D. Encourage bed rest to allow bowel function to return

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation for constipation is to increase dietary fiber to promote bowel movements. Dietary fiber helps add bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass and promoting regular bowel movements. Administering a laxative (Choice A) is not the first-line recommendation and should be used cautiously due to potential side effects. Resting until symptoms resolve (Choice C) and encouraging bed rest (Choice D) are not effective interventions for relieving constipation.

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