Nursing Elites

1. While administering a cleansing enema, the client reports abdominal cramping. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Have the client hold their breath briefly and bear down.
• B. Clamp the enema tubing.
• C. Remind the client that cramping is common at this time.
• D. Raise the level of the enema fluid container.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client reports abdominal cramping during a cleansing enema, it is important for the nurse to reassure the client that cramping is a common side effect. This reassurance helps the client understand that the cramping is normal and may subside once the enema is completed. Instructing the client to hold their breath and bear down (Choice A) is not appropriate and may cause discomfort. Clamping the enema tubing (Choice B) is unnecessary and could lead to complications. Raising the level of the enema fluid container (Choice D) does not address the client's discomfort due to cramping. Therefore, the most suitable action is to provide reassurance to the client about the common occurrence of cramping during the enema.

2. The healthcare professional is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which observation requires immediate intervention?

• A. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber
• B. Intermittent bubbling in the water seal chamber
• C. Drainage of 50 ml per hour
• D. Crepitus around the insertion site

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Crepitus around the chest tube insertion site may indicate subcutaneous emphysema, which requires immediate attention. The presence of crepitus suggests air leaking into the tissues, which could lead to respiratory compromise. Constant bubbling in the suction control chamber is expected and indicates proper functioning of the chest tube system. Intermittent bubbling in the water seal chamber is also normal, showing the system is intact. Drainage of 50 ml per hour is within the expected range for a chest tube.

3. A client is being treated for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory value would be most concerning?

• A. Blood glucose of 350 mg/dL
• B. Serum bicarbonate of 18 mEq/L
• C. Arterial pH of 7.20
• D. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the most concerning laboratory value is an arterial pH of 7.20. An arterial pH of 7.20 indicates severe acidosis, which is a critical condition requiring immediate intervention. This pH level reflects a significant imbalance in the body's acid-base status, potentially leading to serious complications. High blood glucose levels (choice A) are expected in DKA but do not directly indicate the severity of acidosis. A serum bicarbonate level of 18 mEq/L (choice B) is low but not as immediately critical as a pH of 7.20. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L (choice D) is elevated, which can occur in DKA due to insulin deficiency, but it is not the most concerning value in this scenario.

4. The nurse assesses a client who has a nasal cannula delivering oxygen at 2 L/min. To assess for skin damage related to the cannula, which areas should the nurse observe?

• A. Tops of the ears
• B. Bridge of the nose
• C. Around the nostrils
• D. Over the cheeks

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client is using a nasal cannula for oxygen therapy, the areas prone to skin damage are the tops of the ears and around the nostrils. The pressure exerted by the cannula on these areas can lead to skin breakdown, so it is important for the nurse to observe these sites for any signs of damage. The correct answer is 'Tops of the ears.' Choices 'Bridge of the nose' and 'Over the cheeks' are not typically areas where skin damage related to the cannula would occur, making them incorrect choices.

5. When performing nasotracheal suctioning on a client with a respiratory infection, what technique should be used?

• A. Apply intermittent suction when withdrawing the catheter.
• B. Apply continuous suction during insertion of the catheter.
• C. Apply suction only during insertion of the catheter.
• D. Insert the catheter while the client is exhaling.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique for nasotracheal suctioning is to apply intermittent suction when withdrawing the catheter. This method helps prevent damage to the mucosa and is the recommended approach. Continuous suction during insertion (choice B) can cause trauma to the airway lining. Applying suction only during insertion (choice C) is not sufficient for effective removal of secretions. Inserting the catheter while the client is exhaling (choice D) does not follow the standard procedure for nasotracheal suctioning.

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