ATI Fundamentals
A nurse is taking a client's vital signs. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as outside the expected reference range? A. Pulse rate 90/min B. Rectal temperature 38°C (100.4°F) C. Pulse oximetry 95% D. BP 145/90 mmHg
BP 145/90 mmHg This blood pressure is greater than the expected reference range and should be reported to the provider.
A postoperative client has been placed on a clear liquid diet. The nurse should provide the client with which items that are allowed to be consumed on this diet? Select all that apply. Broth Coffee Gelatin Pudding Vegetable juice Pureed vegetables
Broth Coffee Gelatin A clear liquid diet consists of foods that are relatively transparent to light and are clear and liquid at room and body temperature. These foods include items such as water, bouillon, clear broth, carbonated beverages, gelatin, hard candy, lemonade, ice pops, and regular or decaffeinated coffee or tea. The incorrect food items are items that are allowed on a full liquid diet.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who becomes agitated when the nurse requests that the client's dentures be removed prior to surgery. Which of the following responses should the nurse provide? A. "It's for your safety. Dentures can slip and block your airway during surgery." B. "You wouldn't want your teeth to be lost or broken during surgery, would you?" C. "The anesthesiologist requires all clients to remove their dentures." D. "What worries you about being without your teeth?"
"What worries you about being without your teeth?" This response by the nurse is therapeutic because it validates the client's feelings of agitation and seeks a reason.
A nurse is teaching a client how to perform range-of-motion exercises of the wrist. To perform adduction, which of the following instructions should the nurse include? A. "With your palm facing down, move your wrist sideways toward your thumb." B. "Move your palm toward the inner part of your forearm." C. "With your palm facing down, move your wrist sideways toward your little finger." D. "Bring the back of your hand as far back toward the wrist as you can."
"With your palm facing down, move your wrist sideways toward your thumb." This motion describes adducting the wrist. The client should be able to move her wrist 30º to 50º with this motion.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for acetaminophen 325 mg PO for an oral temperature above 38.4°C. Above what Fahrenheit temperature should the nurse administer acetaminophen to the client? (Fill in the blank with the numeric value only, round the answer to the nearest tenth, and use a leading zero if applicable. Do not use a trailing zero.)
101.1 F = (C x 9/5) + 32 F = (38.4 x 9/5) + 32 F = 69.12 + 32 101.12 = 101.1
A nurse is measuring the blood pressure of several clients. Which of the following results is within the expected reference range for blood pressure? A. 142/85 mmHg B. 116/70 mmHg C. 130/76 mmHg D. 124/82 mmHg
116/70 mmHg This blood pressure is within the expected reference range, which is any value <120 mmHg systolic and <80 mmHg diastolic.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving dextrose 5% in water IV at 150 mL/hr and has ingested 4 oz of water and ½ pint of milk. What is the total 8-hr fluid intake in milliliters that the nurse should document for this client? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number and fill in the blank with the numeric value only.)
1560 1 oz / 30 mL = 4 oz / X mL X = 120 1 oz = 30 mL, it makes sense that 4 oz = 120 mL.
A nurse is teaching the parent of a child who is to take 30 mL of a liquid medication. The parent has a hollow medication spoon that has marks to indicate teaspoons and tablespoons. How many tablespoons of medication should the nurse instruct the parent to give to the child? (Fill in the blank with the numeric value only, round the answer to the nearest whole number, and use a leading zero if applicable. Do not use a trailing zero.)
2 15 mL/1 tbsp = 30 mL/X tbsp 15X = 30 X = 2 15 mL = 1 tbsp, then 30 mL = 2 tbsp.
A nurse is assessing the pH of a client's gastric fluid to confirm the placement of an NG tube in the stomach. Which of the following pH values should the nurse expect? A. 6 B. 2 C. 10 D. 8
2 A pH of 2 is within the expected reference range of 0 to 4 for gastric secretions. pH of 6 can indicate the tube is in the lung pH of 10 can indicate a false reading pH of 8 can indicate the tube has migrated down into the intestines
A nurse is monitoring a client's fluid intake. For breakfast, the client consumed 8 oz of milk, 10 oz of water, 4 oz of flavored gelatin, 1 scrambled egg, 1 crisp piece of bacon, and 2 biscuits with jelly. How many mL should the nurse record as the client's fluid intake? (Fill in the blank with the numeric value only, round the answer to the nearest whole number, and use a leading zero if applicable. Do not use a trailing zero.)
660 8 oz + 10 oz + 4oz = 22 oz 1 oz / 30 mL = 22 oz / X mL X = 660 mL 1 oz = 30 mL, then 22 oz = 660 mL.
A client has 1 L of dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride infusing IV at 125 mL/hr. How many hours will it take for the liter to infuse? (Fill in the blank with the numeric value only and round to the nearest whole number.)
8 1 L = 1,000 mL Volume (mL)/Time (hr) = X mL/hr 1,000 mL/X hr = 125 mL/hr X = 8 hr
A community health nurse is conducting a class about body mechanics for county office workers. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.) A. "Sit with your back supported." B. "Keep your knees at hip level." C. "Use an ergonomically designed computer keyboard." D. "Keep your elbows away from your body." E. "Adjust the monitor screen so that you have to tilt your head slightly to look at it."
A. "Sit with your back supported." B. "Keep your knees at hip level." C. "Use an ergonomically designed computer keyboard." Using lumbar support in a straight-back chair helps maintain good posture and prevent back pain. Keeping the knees at the level of the hip or higher helps reduce the risk of lordosis, which is an exaggeration of the curve of the lumbar spine. Using a keyboard that maintains ergonomic positioning of the wrists can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
A nurse is preparing to insert an NG tube for a client. Which of the following actions will help facilitate the insertion of the tube? (Select all that apply.) A. Coat the tip of the tube with a water-soluble lubricant B. Ask the client to swallow water while the tube enters her throat C. Place the coiled tube in ice chips prior to insertion D. Tell the client to tilt her head backward as insertion begins E. Instruct the client to bear down during insertion
A. Coat the tip of the tube with a water-soluble lubricant B. Ask the client to swallow water while the tube enters her throat D. Tell the client to tilt her head backward as insertion begins Lubricating the tube eases its passage. A water-based gel because will dissolve if the tube slips into the client's airway, while using petroleum jelly could cause respiratory problems. Swallowing water reduces the risk of gagging and aspiration and helps propel the tube down the esophagus. Hyperextending the neck reduces the curvature of the nasopharynx, which facilitates the insertion of the NG tube.
A nurse is preparing to change the bed linens of a client who has AIDS and is incontinent of stool. Which of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) items should the nurse don prior to providing client care? (Select all that apply.) A. Gown B. Gloves C. Mask D. Hair cover E. Goggles
A. Gown B. Gloves The nurse should follow standard precautions when caring for a client who has AIDS. Because the bed linens might be soiled, the nurse should don a gown. Because the nurse's hands will come in contact with the soiled bed linens, the nurse should don clean gloves in addition to other necessary PPE.
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has paralytic ileus. Which of the following abdominal assessments should the nurse expect? A. Frequent bowel sounds with flatus B. Absent bowel sounds with distention C. Hyperactive bowel sounds with diarrhea D. Normal bowel sounds with increased peristalsis
Absent bowel sounds with distention Paralytic ileus is an immobile bowel. In this disorder, bowel sounds are absent, and the abdomen is distended.
A nurse is beginning her shift and reviewing the medication administration records (MARs) for her clients. She notes a dosage of a medication above the safe range and sees that a nurse administered that dosage during the previous shift. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Call the nurse to verify that the client received that dosage. B. Give the medication in a safe dosage. C. Give the dose the provider prescribed. D. Call the provider to clarify the dosage.
Call the provider to clarify the dosage. After assessing the client for adverse effects of the medication, the nurse should notify the provider about her observations to determine the next step.
A nurse is inserting an IV catheter for a client that results in a blood spill on her gloved hand. The client has no documented bloodstream infection. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Wash the gloved hands and then throw the gloves away. B. Prepare an incident report to document the event. C. Carefully remove the gloves and proceed with hand hygiene. D. Ask the provider to order a blood culture to determine the risk of infection.
Carefully remove the gloves and proceed with hand hygiene. Standard precautions require the use of gloves and hand hygiene in the care of all clients.
A nurse is caring for a middle-aged adult client. The nurse should evaluate the client for progress toward which of the following developmental tasks? A. Managing a home B. Establishing a sense of self in the adult world C. Forming new friendships D. Ceasing to compare personal identity with others
Ceasing to compare personal identity with others Middle-aged adults usually feel more comfortable with themselves and cease to make comparisons with others.
A nurse is caring for a client who is having difficulty with muscle coordination following a head injury. The nurse should suspect injury to which of the following areas of the brain? A. Hypothalamus B. Cerebral cortex C. Pituitary D. Cerebellum
Cerebellum The nurse should suspect an injury to the cerebellum if the client is experiencing difficulty controlling balance and coordination. A client's movements can become uncoordinated, unsure, and clumsy following an injury to this area of the brain.
A nurse is caring for a client who states that she does not want to get out of bed due to pain from arthritis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Tell the client the provider does not want her to remain in bed B. Allow the client to remain in bed until her pain subsides C. Instruct the family to perform ADLs for the client D. Advise the client to perform range-of-motion exercises while in bed
Advise the client to perform range-of-motion exercises while in bed Performing range-of-motion exercises will help the client maintain mobility until her pain is under control and she is able to ambulate without excessive discomfort.
A newly licensed nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client. The nurse notes that the provider has prescribed a medication that is unfamiliar to him. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Consult the medication reference book available on the unit B. Ask a more experienced nurse for information about the medication C. Call the client's provider and verify the prescription D. Ask the client if she takes this medication at home
Consult the medication reference book available on the unit A nurse must have knowledge about medications to administer them safely. The nurse should become familiar with the medication by looking it up in the medication reference on the unit.
A nurse is teaching a client who is postoperative how to use a flow-oriented incentive spirometer. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? A. Blow into the spirometer to elevate the balls in the device B. Cough deeply after each use C. Clean the mouthpiece with an alcohol swab after each use D. Use the spirometer every 8 hr
Cough deeply after each use Proper use of the incentive spirometer loosens secretions in the client's lungs. The client should cough deeply to facilitate the removal of secretions from his lungs.
A nurse is measuring vital signs for a client and notices an irregularity in the pulse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Measure the pulse using a Doppler ultrasound stethoscope. Check the client's pedal pulses. Count the apical pulse rate for 1 full minute, and describe the rhythm in the chart. Take the pulse at each peripheral site and count the rate for 30 seconds.
Count the apical pulse rate for 1 full minute, and describe the rhythm in the chart. If the peripheral pulse is irregular, the nurse should auscultate the apical pulse for 60 seconds to obtain an accurate rate. The nurse should document the irregularity in the client's medical record.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness. The client is restless and reports severe pain but refuses the prescribed opioid pain medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Ask why the client is refusing the pain medication B. Administer a PRN antianxiety medication C. Help the client change positions D. Offer the client a heat or cold pack to place on painful areas
Ask why the client is refusing the pain medication Using the nursing process, the nurse should first assess the reason for the client's refusal of the opioid pain medication.
A nurse is supervising a newly licensed nurse who is caring for a client with streptococcal pharyngitis and is on transmission-based precautions. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of droplet precautions? A. Shaking soiled linen before putting it in a hamper B. Removing a face mask when standing 0.5 m (1.6 ft) from the client C. Assigning another client with the same infection to share the room with the client D. Allowing the client to visit a family member in the lobby of the facility
Assigning another client with the same infection to share the room with the client The nurse can place clients who are infected with the same pathogen in the same room if a private room is not available.
A nurse rates a client's biceps reflex as 2+. Which of the following characteristics should the nurse document about the client's reflexes? A. Diminished B. Average C. Brisk D. Hyperactive
Average Reflexes range on a scale of 0 to 4+. Active or expected reflexes are 2+.
A nurse rates a client's biceps reflex as 2+. Which of the following characteristics should the nurse document about the client's reflexes? A. Diminished B. Average C. Brisk D. Hyperactive
Average Reflexes range on a scale of 0 to 4+. Active or expected reflexes are 2+. Diminished reflexes are 1+ or less. Brisk reflexes are 3+ or more. Hyperactive reflexes are 4+.
A nurse is caring for a client who requires a peripheral IV insertion. When choosing the site, which of the following sites should the nurse select? A. Select a vein in the client's dominant arm B. Choose the most proximal vein in the extremity C. Choose a vein that is soft on palpation D. Select a site distal to previous venipuncture attempts
Choose a vein that is soft on palpation The nurse should select a vein that is soft and has a "bouncy" feeling when pressure is released upon palpation.
A nurse documents the presence of clubbing of the fingernails for a client who has emphysema. Which of the following is the underlying cause of this finding? A. Trauma B. Severe infection C. Iron-deficiency anemia D. Chronic hypoxemia
Chronic hypoxemia Clubbing of the nails of the fingers and toes is the result of chronic hypoxemia (low oxygen supply) such as with COPD. It is a change in the angle between the nail and the nail base, often with enlargement of the fingertips.
A nurse is preparing to administer a tuberculin skin test to a client. After performing hand hygiene, which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Select a 23-gauge needle B. Insert the needle into the skin at a 25º angle C. Massage the area of injection following removal of the needle D. Circle the injection area with a pen
Circle the injection area with a pen Circling the area with a pen ensures the nurse will examine the correct site when reading the test 48 to 72 hours later.
A nurse is providing teaching about proper care to a client who has a new colostomy. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include in the teaching? A. Change the colostomy bag following breakfast B. Cleanse the skin around the stoma with warm water C. Change the pouch every day D. Place an aspirin in the ostomy pouch to decrease odor
Cleanse the skin around the stoma with warm water The nurse should instruct the client to cleanse the skin around the stoma with warm water, as using soap can leave a residue on the skin and cause poor adherence of the pouch.
A nurse is collecting a specimen for culture from a client's infected wound. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform? A. Wear sterile gloves when collecting the specimen B. Cleanse the wound with 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation C. Allow the collection swab to absorb old exudate D. Rotate the collection swab over the edges of the wound
Cleanse the wound with 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation The nurse should cleanse the wound with sterile water or 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation to remove any surface debris or old exudate.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness. Which of the following findings indicates that the client's death is imminent? A. Urinary retention B. Cold extremities C. Hypertension D. Tachycardia
Cold extremities The presence of cold extremities, first in the feet and then in the hands, is a physical change that occurs when a client's death is imminent.
A nurse is performing a mental-status examination on a client who has manifestations of dementia. Which of the following directions should the nurse give the client when evaluating the client's ability to think abstractly? A. Subtract by 7 serially, starting at 100 B. Describe a previous illness C. Explain what to do if a fire happened in his bedroom D. Discuss the meaning of a common proverb
Discuss the meaning of a common proverb This part of the mental-status examination evaluates the client's ability to think abstractly.
A nurse is performing a physical assessment of a client. The nurse should recognize that which of the following findings places the client at risk of impaired skin integrity? A. 3+ Achilles reflex B. Faint pedal pulses C. Feet warm to the touch bilaterally D. Capillary refill of <2 sec
Faint pedal pulses Faint pedal pulses can indicate poor circulation and tissue perfusion, which puts the client at risk of impaired skin integrity.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has anorexia and nausea due to cancer treatment. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include? A. Serve foods at warm or hot temperatures B. Offer the client low-density foods C. Make sure the client lies supine after meals D. Limit drinking liquids with food
Limit drinking liquids with food Drinking beverages with food leads to early satiety and bloating, which results in the client consuming fewer calories.
A nurse is caring for a client who has cancer and refuses visitors because of his debilitated physical appearance. Which of the following comments should the nurse make? A. "You look just fine to me." B. "Nobody expects you to look beautiful in the hospital." C. "I understand how you feel. I would feel the same way." D. "Would you like to talk about how you feel?"
"Would you like to talk about how you feel?" This is a therapeutic response that will encourage the client to talk about his concerns and feelings.
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has paralytic ileus. Which of the following abdominal assessments should the nurse expect? Frequent bowel sounds with flatus Absent bowel sounds with distention Hyperactive bowel sounds with diarrhea Normal bowel sounds with increased peristalsis
Absent bowel sounds with distention Paralytic ileus is an immobile bowel. With this disorder, bowel sounds are absent and the abdomen is distended.
A nurse in an urgent-care center is caring for a 15-year-old client whose symptoms suggest a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The client's parent is unavailable, but the client's grandmother accompanied the client to the clinic. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Explain that the treatment can wait until the parent is available. B. Inform the grandmother that she may give consent for the treatment. C. Invoke the principle of implied consent and prepare the client for treatment. D. Ask the adolescent to sign the consent form.
Ask the adolescent to sign the consent form. Unemancipated minors (i.e. those who do not live on their own, are not married, and are not in the military) can legally give informed consent for diagnostic procedures and treatment in some situations. These situations include treatment for STIs and substance use disorders.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a prescription for collection of a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when obtaining the specimen? A. Collect the specimen when the client rises in the morning B. Force fluids during the day and collect the specimen in the evening C. Collect the specimen after antibiotics have been started D. Collect 2 mL of sputum before sending the specimen to the laboratory
Collect the specimen when the client rises in the morning The nurse should plan to collect the sputum specimen when the client arises in the morning because the client will be able to cough up the secretions that have accumulated during the night. Generally, the deepest specimens are obtained in the early morning, and it is preferable to collect the specimen before breakfast. The nurse should instruct the client to rinse the mouth, take a deep breath, and cough prior to expectorating into the sterile container.
A nurse is caring for a client who has cancer and is experiencing pain. The nurse should implement which of the following interventions to assist the client with pain relief? A. Encourage the client to listen to soft music B. Instruct the client to practice tai chi C. Place a jasmine-scented air freshener in the client's room D. Offer the client ginger tea
Encourage the client to listen to soft music The nurse should encourage the client to use music therapy to reduce anxiety, provide a distraction, and relieve pain.
A nurse is admitting a client who has decreased circulation in his left leg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? Evaluate pedal pulses Obtain a medical history Measure vital signs Assess for leg pain
Evaluate pedal pulses For a client who has decreased circulation in the leg, evaluating pedal pulses is critical in order to determine adequate blood supply to the foot. The nurse should apply the safety and risk reduction priority-setting framework. This framework assigns priority to the factor posing the greatest safety risk to the client. When there are several risks to client safety, the one posing the greatest threat is the highest priority. The nurse should use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the ABC priority-setting framework, and/or nursing knowledge to identify which risk poses the greatest threat to the client.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a stage II pressure ulcer. Which of the following wound dressings should the nurse apply to the ulcer? A. Hydrocolloid B. Collagen C. Calcium alginate D. Proteolytic enzyme
Hydrocolloid The nurse should apply a hydrocolloid dressing to a stage II pressure ulcer. This type of dressing is applied to absorb exudate and to produce a moist environment that will facilitate healing while preventing maceration of surrounding skin.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a gastric ulcer. The nurse should explain that prolonged exposure of the body to stress can also cause which of the following to occur? A. Hyperglycemia B. Hypotension C. Heightened immune response D. Bleeding tendencies
Hyperglycemia Stress causes an increased secretion of cortisol, which can lead to hypertension and hyperglycemia.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a tracheostomy and requires suctioning. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Hyperoxygenate the client before suctioning B. Insert the catheter during exhalation C. Apply suction during insertion of the catheter D. Apply suction for no more than 15 sec
Hyperoxygenate the client before suctioning The nurse should use a manual resuscitation bag to hyperoxygenate the client for several minutes prior to suctioning.
A nurse is receiving a client from the PACU who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform to transfer the client from the stretcher to the bed? A. Lock the wheels on the bed and stretcher. B. Instruct the client to raise his arms above his head. C. Elevate the stretcher 2.5 cm (1 in) above the height of the bed. D. Log-roll the client.
Lock the wheels on the bed and stretcher. Locking the wheels prevents the client from falling on the floor by not allowing the cart or bed to move apart or away from the client.
A nurse in a rehabilitation facility is observing an assistive personnel (AP) help a client transfer from a bed to a wheelchair. Which of the following actions indicates to the nurse that the AP understands how to perform this task? Locking the brakes on the bed and the wheelchair before moving the client Lowering the footplates of the wheelchair before the transfer Placing the wheelchair perpendicular to the bed Placing the wheelchair on the client's weaker side prior to the transfer
Locking the brakes on the bed and the wheelchair before moving the client Prior to starting the transfer, the AP should make sure that both the wheelchair and the bed are stationary and will not shift when the client moves into the chair.
A nurse on a mental health unit is preparing to terminate the nurse-client relationship with a client who no longer requires care. Which of the following concepts should the nurse and client discuss in the termination phase of the relationship? A. Loss B. Trust C. Self-disclosure D. Risk-taking
Loss At the close of a relationship, even when planned, loss is an expected feeling for both the client and the nurse. It is important for both the nurse and the client to terminate the relationship without feelings of guilt or anxiety.
A nurse is caring for a client who begins having a tonic-clonic seizure while sitting in a chair at the bedside. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Provide oxygen B. Place the client in a side-lying position C. Provide privacy D. Lower the client to the floor
Lower the client to the floor The nurse should apply the safety and risk reduction priority-setting framework, which assigns priority to the factor or situation posing the greatest safety risk to the client. When there are several risks to client safety, the one posing the greatest threat is the highest priority. The nurse should use Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the ABC priority-setting framework, and/or nursing knowledge to identify which risk poses the greatest threat to the client. Therefore, if a client begins to have a seizure while sitting or standing, the nurse should first lower the client to the floor to protect the client from injury.
A nurse in a long-term care facility is in the dining room while residents are eating lunch. One resident begins to choke and is coughing strongly. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Assist the client to the floor Perform an abdominal thrust Open the airway with a head-chin tilt Observe the client closely
Observe the client closely The nurse should observe the client closely at this point in time. As long as the client is able to cough strongly, the nurse does not need to intervene.
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first when using the nursing process? Identify goals for client care. Obtain client information. Document nursing care needs. Evaluate the effectiveness of care.
Obtain client information. The nursing process is based on the scientific process. The first step in the scientific process is the collection of data. Therefore, the first step in the nursing process is assessing and obtaining information about the client.
The nurse is teaching a client who has iron deficiency anemia about foods she should include in the diet. The nurse determines that the client understands the dietary modifications if which items are selected from the menu? Nuts and milk Coffee and tea Cooked rolled oats and fish .Oranges and dark green leafy vegetables
Oranges and dark green leafy vegetables Dark green leafy vegetables are a good source of iron, and oranges are a good source of vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption. All other options are not food sources that are high in iron and vitamin C.
A nurse is initiating seizure precautions for a client who has a seizure disorder. Which of the following pieces of equipment should the nurse have readily available at the client's bedside? Vest restraint Tongue blade Oxygen equipment Neck brace
Oxygen equipment The nurse should have oxygen equipment at the bedside of a client who is on seizure precautions. The nurse should be able to apply oxygen via mask or nasal cannula to a client who experiences a seizure.
zero.)A nurse is planning to document care provided for a client. Which of the following abbreviations should the nurse use? A. BT for bedtime B. SC for subcutaneously C. PC for after meals D. HS for half-strength
PC for after meals The nurse can use this abbreviation because it is approved and not error-prone.
A home health nurse is visiting an older adult client with severe dementia. The client's son, who serves as her primary caregiver, reports being "exhausted" from working part-time and caring for his mother at home. Which of the following options should the nurse suggest to the caregiver? Rehabilitation Assisted living facility Respite care Adult day care facility
Respite care Respite care is a service for caregivers who need time to rest from multiple responsibilities related to the care of a family member who needs assistance.
A nurse delegates the collection of a client's temperature to an assistive personnel (AP). The nurse notes in the documentation that the AP obtained the client's axillary temperature; however, the nurse wanted an oral temperature. The nurse should identify that which of the following rights of delegation should have prevented this situation from occurring? A. Right task B. Right circumstance C. Right person D. Right communication
Right communication The situation could have been avoided if the right communication was given by the nurse to the AP. The right communication entails providing clear, concise instructions regarding the task, including the objective, limits, and expectations.
A nurse is examining a client for signs of costovertebral angle tenderness. The nurse should place the client in which of the following positions for evaluation? A. Sims' B. Supine C. Sitting D. Standing
Sitting The costovertebral angle is the area where the spine and the twelfth rib intersect. A sitting position promotes relaxation and allows access to the back for percussion of that region.
A nurse is caring for a client who is unconscious. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when providing oral care for the client? A. Test for the presence of the client's gag reflex B. Place the client in the supine position C. Use a firm toothbrush for tooth and gum care D. Use 2 gauze-wrapped fingers to hold the mouth open
Test for the presence of the client's gag reflex The nurse is responsible for checking for the presence of a gag reflex prior to performing oral care. This is done to determine the risk of aspiration and is especially important for clients who are unconscious because many clients who have a decreased level of consciousness often do not have a gag reflex.
A nurse is evaluating a client's use of crutches. The nurse should identify that which of the following actions by the client indicates safe usage of this equipment? A. The client places a crutch on each side when assuming a sitting position. B. The client moves the unaffected leg onto a step first when descending stairs. C. The client places weight on the axillae when walking. D. The client has slightly flexed elbows when ambulating with the crutches.
The client has slightly flexed elbows when ambulating with the crutches. The client should have slightly flexed elbows when ambulating with crutches. This allows the client to bear weight on the hands and not on the axillae.
A nurse is demonstrating postoperative deep breathing and coughing exercises to a client who will have emergency surgery for appendicitis. Which of the following statements indicates a lack of readiness to learn by the client? The client asks the nurse to repeat the instructions before attempting the exercises. The client reports severe pain. The client asks the nurse how often deep breathing should be done after surgery. The client tells the nurse that this exercise will probably be painful after surgery.
The client reports severe pain. A client who is experiencing severe pain is not able to concentrate and therefore, is not ready to learn a new activity.
A nurse is caring for an adult client who is grieving following the death of a loved one. Which of the following factors increases the client's risk of developing complicated grief? A. The deceased was a close friend. B. The client lived far from the deceased. C. The death was sudden. D. The client has not visited the deceased in a long time.
The death was sudden. Complicated grief can occur when the death of a loved one is sudden and unexpected.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a vest restraint. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Fasten the ties on the restraint to the side rails of the bed. B. Tie the restraint with a quick-release knot. C. Allow a fingerbreadth between the restraint and the client's chest. D. Place the restraint under the client's clothing.
Tie the restraint with a quick-release knot. The nurse should use a quick-release knot that can be untied easily in case the client's well-being requires quickly removing the restraints.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is recovering from lung cancer. The provider instructed the client that he could resume lower-intensity activities of daily living. Which of the following activities should the nurse recommend to the client? A. Sweeping the floor B. Shoveling snow C. Cleaning windows D. Washing dishes
Washing dishes Washing dishes requires a low level of activity and is appropriate for this client
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has a positive Chvostek's sign. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect? A. Decreased calcium B. Decreased potassium C. Increased potassium D. Increased calcium
s. Decreased calcium Calcium is necessary for nerve conduction and muscle contractions. When the client's total calcium level is <8.4 mg/dL, tetany and muscle spasms may occur. The nurse should tap the facial nerve in front of the client's ear. If facial muscle twitching follows this stimulus, it is a positive Chvostek's sign and an indication of hypocalcemia.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a prescription for daily wound care via home health services. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? A. "A nurse will show me how to care for my wound." B. "A nurse will stay with me at home during the day." C. "I will call the nurse to change my bed linens." D. "I will call the nurse to help me bathe in the morning."
"A nurse will show me how to care for my wound." The home health nurse will provide wound care as prescribed and educate the client about wound care and illness management.
A nurse on a telemetry unit is caring for a client who had a myocardial infarction. The client states, "All this equipment is making me nervous." Which of the following responses should the nurse offer? A. "You won't need the equipment for very long." B. "All of this equipment can be frightening." C. "Why does the equipment bother you?" D. "Let me tell you about what each machine does."
"All of this equipment can be frightening." This statement is therapeutic because the nurse is reflecting the client's statement. The client is feeling fearful, and this response shows the nurse understands those feelings, which will encourage the client to communicate more.
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client to ease the passage of the catheter through the urinary meatus? A. "Bear down." B. "Perform Kegel exercises." C. "Hold your breath." D. "Raise your head off of the pillow."
"Bear down." The nurse should ask the client to "bear down" gently as if to void. This can enable the nurse to better visualize the urinary meatus and promote relaxation of the external urinary sphincter. Additionally, this will ease the passage of the catheter through the urinary meatus.
A nurse is teaching a client with lower extremity weakness how to use a 4-point crutch gait. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? A. "Support the majority of your weight on the axillae." B. "Keep your elbows extended." C. "Bear weight on both of your legs." D. "Move both crutches forward at the same time."
"Bear weight on both of your legs." The client should keep 3 points on the ground at all times. Therefore, he must be able to bear weight on both legs.
A nurse is administering medication to a client who asks the nurse to leave the medication at the bedside to be taken at a later time. Which of the following responses should the nurse make? A. "Call me when you are ready, and I will return with the medication." B. "Since you were taking this medication at home, I will leave it for you to take." C. "I will come back in 30 minutes to check that you took the medication so I can chart the time." D. "If you refuse to take the medication now, I can't give it again until your next scheduled time."
"Call me when you are ready, and I will return with the medication." The nurse is responsible for administering the medication and for following professional standards by adhering to the 6 rights of medication administration.
A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a client who is scheduled for arthroplasty in the next month and may require a blood transfusion. The client expresses concern about the risk of acquiring an infection from the blood transfusion. Which of the following statements should the nurse share with the client? A. "Ask your provider to prescribe epoetin before the surgery." B. "You should ask your provider about taking iron supplements prior to the surgery." C. "Ask a family member to donate blood for you." D. "Donate autologous blood before the surgery."
"Donate autologous blood before the surgery." Autologous blood transfusion is the collection and reinfusion of the client's blood. With preoperative autologous blood donation, the blood is drawn from the client 3 to 5 weeks before an elective surgical procedure and stored for transfusion at the time of the surgery. Autologous blood is the safest form of blood transfusion because exclusive use of a client's own blood eliminates exposure to a transfusion-transmitted infection.
A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a client who is scheduled for arthroplasty in the next month that might require a blood transfusion. The client expresses concern about the risk of acquiring an infection from the blood transfusion. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to the client? "Ask your provider to prescribe epoetin before the surgery." "You should ask your provider about taking iron supplements prior to the surgery." "Request a family member to donate blood for you." "Donate autologous blood before the surgery."
"Donate autologous blood before the surgery." Autologous blood transfusion is the collection and reinfusion of the client's blood. With preoperative autologous blood donation, the blood is drawn from the client 3 to 5 weeks before an elective surgical procedure and stored for transfusion at the time of the surgery. Autologous blood is the safest form of blood transfusion because exclusive use of a client's own blood eliminates exposure to transfusion-transmitted infection.
A nurse is planning an in-service training session about nutrition. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching? A. "Fats provide energy." B. "Carbohydrates repair body tissue." C. "Fats regulate fluid balance." D. "Carbohydrates prevent interstitial edema."
"Fats provide energy." Fat serves as a stored energy source for the body, providing 9 cal/g of energy.
A nurse is caring for an adult client who communicates an unmet spiritual need. Which of the following client statements should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing spiritual distress? A. "Life has its ups and downs." B. "I believe that I control my own destiny." C. "God is punishing me for something." D. "I like to keep my rosary beads in bed with me."
"God is punishing me for something." Spiritual distress is an impaired ability to integrate meaning and purpose in life through various means, including belief systems and relationships. Manifestations of spiritual distress can include a feeling that a higher power is punishing the individual for some behavior.
A nurse is teaching a client how to use an albuterol metered-dose inhaler. After removing the cap from the inhaler and shaking the canister, what sequence of instructions should the nurse give the client? (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.) "Hold your breath for 10 seconds." "Hold the mouthpiece 1 to 2 inches in front of your mouth." "Tilt your head back slightly and open your mouth wide." "Depress the canister while taking a slow, deep breath."
"Hold the mouthpiece 1 to 2 inches in front of your mouth." "Tilt your head back slightly and open your mouth wide." "Depress the canister while taking a slow, deep breath." "Hold your breath for 10 seconds." Step 1: The client should hold the mouthpiece 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2 in) from the mouth Step 2: The client should tilt the head back slightly, and then open the mouth. Step 3: The client should depress the medication canister while taking a deep breath to facilitate the delivery of the medication through the airway. Step 4: After holding this breath for 10 seconds, the client should resume a usual breathing pattern.
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a vaginal hysterectomy and asks for a drink. Her postoperative diet prescription states "clear liquids; advance diet as tolerated." Which of the following responses should the nurse make? A. "Lunch trays should be here within the hour." B. "I am going to listen to your abdomen." C. "I'll get you some water to drink." D. "Let's wait a bit so you don't feel sick."
"I am going to listen to your abdomen." A common reason clients experience nausea and vomiting after surgery is delayed gastric emptying time or decreased peristalsis. The nurse should auscultate the client's abdomen to determine the presence of bowel sounds before clear liquids can be administered.
A nurse is planning to insert a nasogastric tube for a client after explaining the procedure. The client states, "You are not putting that hose down my throat." Which of the following statements should the nurse make? A. "Let's get the process over with because you won't get better without this tube." B. "You should talk to your provider about your fears." C. "Why don't you want the tube inserted?" D. "I can see that this is upsetting you."
"I can see that this is upsetting you." This response uses the therapeutic communication techniques of reflecting and restating, which encourages further communication by the client.
A nurse is preparing a client for discharge and providing instructions about performing dressing changes at home. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands medical asepsis? A. "I'll wrap the old dressing in a paper bag and put it in the trash." B. "I'll wash my hands before I remove the old dressing and again before putting on the new one." C. "I'll need to take a pain pill 30 minutes before I change the dressing." D. "I'll wear sterile gloves when I apply the new dressing.
"I'll wash my hands before I remove the old dressing and again before putting on the new one." It is essential that the client understands the importance of hand hygiene before, during, and after any handling of the wound or its dressings.
A nurse is teaching a client who is using a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump to deliver morphine for pain management. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the instructions? A. "I'll limit pushing the button so I don't get an overdose." B. "If I push the button and still have pain after 2 minutes, I'll push it again." C. "I'll ask my niece to push the button when I am sleeping." D. "I can still use my transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit while I'm pushing the PCA button."
"I can still use my transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit while I'm pushing the PCA button." The nurse should encourage the client to utilize nonpharmacological methods of pain management such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) while using a PCA pump to reduce the amount of opioid dosing the client needs.
A nurse is conducting a health promotion class for a group of college students. Which of the following statements by a student should the nurse identify as a potential problem with achieving Erikson's developmental task for this age group? A. "I am in no hurry to get married. I think I'll enjoy single life for a while." B. "I go home on the weekends to be with my family because I do not have any good friends here on campus." C. "I am interested in politics and may consider becoming an elected official." D. "I am looking forward to finishing school and going to work for my family's business."
"I go home on the weekends to be with my family because I do not have any good friends here on campus." According to Erikson, the stage of psychosocial development for young adults is intimacy vs. isolation. This statement indicates that the student is having difficulty establishing relationships outside of the immediate family.
A nurse in an oncology clinic is assessing a client who is undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. Which of the following statements by the client indicates she is experiencing psychological distress? "My parents are retired, and they have come to help out with our children." "I am going to ask my husband to go to counseling with me." "I keep having nightmares about my upcoming surgery." "My girlfriends bought me a nice wig."
"I keep having nightmares about my upcoming surgery." Nightmares and sleep disturbances are manifestations of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. These indicate that the client is at risk for experiencing psychological distress.
A nurse in a provider's office is talking with an older adult client who reports having trouble sleeping. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as a possible cause of the client's sleeping difficulties? A. "I take a warm shower when getting ready for bed." B. "I often have a cup of coffee with my dessert before going to bed." C. "I usually read a chapter in a book before I go to bed." D. "I make sure I do my exercises in the morning."
"I often have a cup of coffee with my dessert before going to bed." The client should avoid beverages that contain caffeine in the late afternoon and evening because caffeine stimulates the CNS and can result in sleep disturbances. Caffeine is also a diuretic and can cause nighttime awakenings for urination.
A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about expected age-related changes. Which of the following statements by a group member indicates that the teaching has been effective? A. "I should expect my heart rate to take longer to return to normal after exercise as I get older." B. "Urinary incontinence is something I will have to live with as I grow older." C. "I can expect to have less ear wax as I get older." D. "My stomach will empty more quickly after meals as I grow older."
"I should expect my heart rate to take longer to return to normal after exercise as I get older." Older adults experience decreased cardiac output, which causes an increased pulse rate during exercise. The pulse rate also takes longer to return to normal after exercise.
A nurse is teaching a group of older adults about expected changes of aging. Which of the following statements by a group member indicates that the teaching has been effective? "I should expect my heart rate to take longer to return to normal after exercise as I get older." "Urinary incontinence is something I will have to live with as I grow older." "I can expect to have less ear wax as I get older." "My stomach will empty more quickly after meals as I grow older."
"I should expect my heart rate to take longer to return to normal after exercise as I get older." Older adults experience decreased cardiac output, which causes increased pulse rate during exercise. The pulse rate also takes longer to return to normal after exercise.
A nurse is caring for a middle-aged adult client. The nurse should identify which of the following statements as an indication that the client has completed Erikson's developmental task for her age group? A. "I am comfortable with my decision to choose a lifelong partner." B. "I think I have done a good job with my children since they are all independent now." C. "As I look back over my life, I can see that I have achieved most of the goals I set for myself." D. "I love my work so much that it is difficult to think about retirement."
"I think I have done a good job with my children since they are all independent now." According to Erikson, the developmental task for middle adults is generativity vs. stagnation. Middle adults help shape future generations through community involvement, parenting, mentoring, and teaching. This statement about helping her children achieve independence indicates that the client has accomplished this developmental task.
A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client. Which of the following responses by the nurse reflects the communication technique of clarifying? A. "Now that we have talked about your medications, let's talk about your pain." B. "Are you having other symptoms?" C. "It sounds like your pain is intermittent." D. "It seems as though you have really had a rough time these past few weeks."
"It sounds like your pain is intermittent." This response by the nurse reflects the communication technique of clarifying. The nurse should use this technique to ensure an understanding of the client's message.
A charge nurse is providing teaching to a newly licensed nurse about removing sutures from a client's laceration. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching? A. "I will use a staple remover and remove each suture individually." B. "Bandage scissors are used to cut the sutures." C. "Tweezers are necessary only for removing retention sutures." D. "I will clip each suture close to the skin and pull it through from the other side."
"I will clip each suture close to the skin and pull it through from the other side." Clipping close to the skin and pulling the suture from the other side does not disrupt the wound-healing process.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to an older adult client about personal safety. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? "I will have the steps to my house painted a dark color." "I will put a night-light in the hallway." "I will put on socks when I get out of bed." "I will secure any wires in my home under rugs."
"I will put a night-light in the hallway." The nurse should instruct the client to use night-lights in and around the home as an important safety measure to reduce the risk of falls in the home. Physiological changes associated with aging can affect an older adult client's ability to see surroundings. Older adults and infants are at an increased risk of serious injury from falls, and most falls occur in the client's home.
A nurse is teaching a client who has asthma about the proper use of an albuterol inhaler. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching? A. "I should rinse my mouth out right before I use the inhaler." B. "After the first puff, I will wait 10 seconds before taking the second puff." C. "I will shake the inhaler well right before I use it." D. "I will tilt my head forward while inhaling the medication."
"I will shake the inhaler well right before I use it." The nurse should instruct the client to shake the inhaler vigorously for 3 to 5 seconds, which will mix the medication within the inhaler evenly.
A nurse is instructing a client about collecting a 24-hr urine specimen for creatinine clearance. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the procedure? A. "The next time I urinate will be the first specimen of the collection." B. "I'll make sure to keep the collection bottle in the container of ice they gave me." C. "Once the container is half full, I no longer have to add any more urine." D. "It's okay if a piece of toilet paper gets in the bottle. The lab people will remove it when they do the test."
"I'll make sure to keep the collection bottle in the container of ice they gave me." The urine collection must remain chilled to prevent any change in urine composition during the collection.
A nurse is preparing a client for discharge and providing instructions about performing dressing changes at home. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands medical asepsis? A. "I'll wrap the old dressing in a paper bag and put it in the trash." B. "I'll wash my hands before I remove the old dressing and again before putting on the new one." C. "I'll need to take a pain pill 30 minutes before I change the dressing." D. "I'll wear sterile gloves when I apply the new dressing."
"I'll wash my hands before I remove the old dressing and again before putting on the new one." It is essential that the client understands the importance of hand hygiene before, during, and after any handling of the wound or its dressings.
A nurse is teaching a client about how to remove a soiled dressing. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? A. "I'll wear nonsterile gloves." B. "I'll use adhesive remover each time." C. "I'll take my pain pill after I change the dressing." D. "I'll fold the dressing with the soiled surface facing outward."
"I'll wear nonsterile gloves." Wearing gloves prevents the spread of microorganisms outside of the dressings and onto the client's hands. The gloves the client uses can be clean and do not need to be sterile unless the provider specifically prescribes sterile gloves for dressing changes.
A nurse is teaching a client who is postoperative about the importance of turning, coughing, and breathing deeply. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client understands the instructions? A. "If I do this often, I won't experience muscle wasting." B. "If I do this often, I won't get pneumonia." C. "If I do this often, I won't get constipation." D. "If I do this often, I won't have a fast heartbeat."
"If I do this often, I won't get pneumonia." Turning, coughing, and breathing deeply help prevent respiratory complications such as pneumonia by promoting lung expansion and secretion removal.
A nurse is reviewing the use of side rails with an assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following statements by the AP indicates that further teaching is required? A. "I should not leave all 4 side rails up unless there is a prescription for restraints." B. "An alert client will be safest if I raise the 2 upper side rails at the head of the bed." C. "If the client seems confused, I'll raise all 4 side rails so that he doesn't hurt himself." D. "If a client is sedated, I should raise all 4 side rails to prevent a fall out of bed."
"If the client seems confused, I'll raise all 4 side rails so that he doesn't hurt himself." Raising all 4 side rails can put the client at greater risk for injury. For example, the client might try to climb over the side rails, which could result in a fall.
A nurse is providing teaching about nutritious diets to a group of adult women. Which of the following statements should the nurse include? A. "Include at least 3 g of sodium in your daily diet." B. "Limit wine consumption to 230 mL daily." C. "Include 2.5 cups of vegetables in your daily diet." D. "Limit water intake to 1.5 L each day."
"Include 2.5 cups of vegetables in your daily diet." Nutritious diets contain a variety of foods to ensure the required daily allowance of nutrients is ingested. The nurse should instruct the women to include 2.5 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit in their daily diets. Fruits and vegetables should be a variety of colors to provide an assortment of nutrients. consume less than 2.5 g of sodium daily drink between 2 and 3 L of water daily to maintain homeostasis
A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled to receive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain management. The client asks the nurse how a TENS unit helps relieve pain. Which of the following responses should the nurse make? A. "It provides a distraction from the pain." B. "It modulates the transmission of the pain impulse." C. "It promotes increased circulation to the painful area." D. "It elicits a relaxation response."
"It modulates the transmission of the pain impulse." The nurse should inform the client that a TENS unit applies low-voltage electrical stimulation directly over a location of pain at an acupressure point. It modulates the transmission of the pain impulse and can also cause a release of endorphins to assist with pain relief.
A nurse in a long-term care facility is admitting a client who is incontinent and smells strongly of urine. His partner, who has been caring for him at home, is embarrassed and apologizes for the smell. Which of the following responses should the nurse make? A. "A lot of clients who are cared for at home have the same problem." B. "Don't worry about it. He will get a bath, and that will take care of the odor." C. "It must be difficult to care for someone who is confined to bed." D. "When was the last time that he had a bath?"
"It must be difficult to care for someone who is confined to bed." This response addresses the feelings of the partner by reflecting her feelings, which facilitates therapeutic communication because it is nonjudgmental and encourages the partner to express her feelings.
A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client. Which of the following responses by the nurse reflects the communication technique of clarifying? A. "Now that we have talked about your medications, let's talk about your pain." B. "Are you having other symptoms?" C. "It sounds like your pain is intermittent." D. "It seems as though you have really had a rough time these past few weeks.
"It sounds like your pain is intermittent." This response by the nurse reflects the communication technique of clarifying. The nurse should use this technique to ensure an understanding of the client's message.
A nurse is talking with the parent of a preschool-aged child who tells the nurse, "My child has suddenly become disinterested in certain foods." Which of the following statements should the nurse make? A. "During this phase, feed your child anything that she will eat." B. "Increase the amount of calories and water your child consumes." C. "Keep a diary of the foods your child eats each day." D. "Provide a large variety of fruit juices for your child to choose from."
"Keep a diary of the foods your child eats each day." The nurse should encourage the parent to keep a diary of the foods the child eats throughout the day for 1 week. This can help the parent realize that the child may be eating better than expected. Evidence suggests that children can self-regulate their caloric intake. When they eat less at a meal, they can compensate by eating more at another meal or by having a snack.
A nurse is providing teaching about crutches to a client who has a fracture of the right foot. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? A. "When you go up a flight of stairs, place your right foot on the first step." B. "Keep the rubber crutch tips securely in place." C. "When standing, keep the crutches 12 inches in front of you and 12 inches to the side." D. "Place your weight on the crutch pads at your armpits."
"Keep the rubber crutch tips securely in place." The client should never use crutches without the rubber crutch tips. The client should inspect the tips regularly, replace them when they show signs of wear, and remove and dry them thoroughly with paper towels if they become wet.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness. The family wants to care for the client at home. Which of the following statements indicates that the nurse understands family-centered care? A. "Social services can contact various community resources that will be helpful." B. "I will review the care plan to make the necessary changes." C. "Let's set up a meeting time with the doctor to discuss your options for home care." D. "I will make a list of things we need to do before discharge."
"Let's set up a meeting time with the doctor to discuss your options for home care." In family-centered care, the nurse considers the health of the family as a unit; therefore, the client and family members help determine their outcomes and goals. Setting up a meeting to discuss this with the provider will give them a sense of autonomy and foster the family-centered nursing environment.
The nurse working in a correctional facility is caring for a new prisoner. The client asks about health risks associated with living in a prison. How should the nurse respond? "Health care is very limited in the prison setting." "Living in a prison isn't different than living at home." Living in a prison can predispose a person to different health conditions." "Living in a prison is similar to living in a condominium complex or dormitory."
"Living in a prison can predispose a person to different health conditions." The environment of a prison can predispose a person to different health conditions, such as tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency syndrome, sexually transmitted infections, or other infectious diseases. Option 1 does not address the client's question. Options 2 and 4 convey incorrect information
A nurse is preparing to insert an NG tube for a client who requires enteral feedings. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client before beginning the procedure? A. "Inhale forcefully during insertion." B. "Raise your index finger if you need to pause during the insertion." C. "Bear down during insertion." D. "Avoid making any swallowing motions during the insertion."
"Raise your index finger if you need to pause during the insertion." The nurse should instruct the client that the insertion of an NG tube is uncomfortable and the gag reflex will be activated during the procedure. The nurse should establish a communication technique such as having the client raise a finger or hand to indicate distress and the need to pause the insertion process.
A nurse is providing teaching to an older adult client who has constipation. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching? "Drink a minimum of 1,000 milliliters of fluid daily." "Increase your intake of refined-fiber foods." "Sit on the toilet 30 minutes after eating a meal." "Take a laxative every day to maintain regularity."
"Sit on the toilet 30 minutes after eating a meal." Increased peristalsis occurs after food enters the stomach. Sitting on the toilet 30 min after eating a meal, regardless of feeling the urge to defecate, is a recommended method of bowel retraining to treat constipation.
While in the hospital, a client who has a terminal illness tells the nurse, "I can't believe I'm dying. A lot of bad people in the world are healthy, and here I am dying!" Which of the following responses should the nurse provide? A. "Everyone dies sometimes; some die sooner than others." B. "Who do you think deserves to die more than you?" C. "It does seem unfair, doesn't it?" D. "Tell me more about how you feel about dying."
"Tell me more about how you feel about dying." This therapeutic response from the nurse seeks more information to form an accurate assessment of the client's feelings.
An adolescent client in an outpatient mental health facility tells the nurse that he struggles to follow his treatment plans because his friends discourage him. Which of the following statements should the nurse make? A. "Don't worry; teenagers often have friends who give bad advice." B. "I think you should stop seeing those friends since they discourage you from following your treatment plan." C. "Tell me more about how your friends discourage you." D. "Where did you meet these friends?
"Tell me more about how your friends discourage you." The nurse should ask an open-ended question that encourages the client to elaborate on these problems.
An adolescent client in an outpatient mental health facility tells the nurse that he struggles to follow his treatment plans because his friends discourage him. Which of the following statements should the nurse make? A. "Don't worry; teenagers often have friends who give bad advice." B. "I think you should stop seeing those friends since they discourage you from following your treatment plan." C. "Tell me more about how your friends discourage you." D. "Where did you meet these friends?"sses
"Tell me more about how your friends discourage you." The nurse should ask an open-ended question that encourages the client to elaborate on these problems.
A nurse is caring for a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and is resistant to learning self-injection of insulin. Which of the following statements should the nurse make? "Tell me what I can do to help you overcome your fear of giving yourself injections." "I am sure your provider will not be pleased that you refuse to give yourself insulin injections." "It's okay. I'm sure your partner will be able to learn how to give you the insulin injections." "You won't be able to go home unless you learn to give yourself insulin injections."
"Tell me what I can do to help you overcome your fear of giving yourself injections." This response illustrates the therapeutic communication technique of clarifying and offering of self. It is important for the nurse to allow the client to express feelings and fears and to support the client in learning how to give the injections.
A nurse is caring for a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and is resistant to learning how to self-inject insulin. Which of the following statements should the nurse make? A. "Tell me what I can do to help you overcome your fear of giving yourself injections." B. "Your provider will not be pleased that you refuse to give yourself insulin injections." C. "It's okay. I'm sure your partner will be able to learn how to give you the insulin injections." D. "You won't be able to go home unless you learn to give yourself insulin injections."
"Tell me what I can do to help you overcome your fear of giving yourself injections." This response illustrates the therapeutic communication technique of clarifying and offering self. The nurse should allow the client to express feelings and fears and support the client in learning how to give the injections.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who has type 2 diabetes mellitus and will be caring for herself at home. The client expresses concerns about preparing an appropriate diet for her diabetes due to her cultural beliefs and preferences. Which of the following responses should the nurse offer? A. "The home health dietitian will visit and help you learn to cook all over again." B. "The dietitian will give you a list of foods and dietary choices to keep your diabetes under control." C. "The dietitian will help you choose foods you are used to that also meet your health needs." D. "It may be difficult, but I know you can change your eating and cooking habits with some help from the dietitian."
"The dietitian will help you choose foods you are used to that also meet your health needs." This response shows respect for the client's food preferences and cultural needs by offering choices from among the client's usual foods.
A nurse is teaching an assistive personnel (AP) about proper hand hygiene. Which of the following statements by the AP indicates an understanding of the teaching? "There are times I should use soap and water rather than an alcohol-based hand rub to clean my hands." "I will use cold water when I wash my hands to protect my skin from becoming too dry." "I will apply friction for at least 10 seconds while washing my hands." "After washing my hands I will dry them from the elbows down."
"There are times I should use soap and water rather than an alcohol-based hand rub to clean my hands." While alcohol-based hand rubs are as effective as soap and water in providing proper hand hygiene, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands with soap and water at certain times, such as when the hands are visibly soiled with dirt or body fluids.
A nurse is teaching an assistive personnel (AP) about proper hand hygiene. Which of the following statements by the AP indicates an understanding of the teaching? A. "There are times I should use soap and water rather than an alcohol-based rub to clean my hands." B. "I will use cold water when I wash my hands to protect my skin from becoming too dry." C. "I will apply friction for at least 10 seconds while washing my hands." D. "After washing my hands, I will dry them from the elbows down."
"There are times I should use soap and water rather than an alcohol-based rub to clean my hands." While alcohol-based hand rubs are as effective as soap and water in providing proper hand hygiene, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend washing hands with soap and water at certain times, such as when the hands are visibly soiled with dirt or body fluids.
A nurse is assessing a client's thyroid gland. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client before inspecting and palpating this gland? "Tilt your head slightly forward." "Keep your head straight and look ahead of you." "Tilt your head back and swallow." "Turn your head to the side against my hand."
"Tilt your head back and swallow." To examine the thyroid gland, the nurse should instruct the client to extend her head backward and to swallow. The nurse should be able to feel the thyroid gland ascend as the client swallows and observe any enlargement of the gland.
A nurse is assessing a client's thyroid gland. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client before inspecting and palpating this gland? A. "Tilt your head slightly forward." B. "Keep your head straight and look ahead of you." C. "Tilt your head back and swallow." D. "Turn your head to the side against my hand."
"Tilt your head back and swallow." To examine the thyroid gland, the nurse should instruct the client to extend her head backward and to swallow. The nurse should be able to feel the thyroid gland ascend as the client swallows and observe any enlargement of the gland.
A nurse is teaching a client who has urinary incontinence about bladder retraining. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? A. "Wake up every 2 hr to urinate during the night." B. "Drink citrus juices throughout the day." C. "Try to block the urge to urinate until the next scheduled time." D. "Limit fluids to no more than 1 L (34 oz) during waking hours."
"Try to block the urge to urinate until the next scheduled time." When the client is following a schedule of voiding intervals and feels the urge to urinate before the next scheduled time, she should try slow, deep breathing to help reduce the urge. She can also try 5 or 6 strong and quick pelvic muscle exercises.
A nurse observes an assistive personnel (AP) preparing to obtain blood pressure with a regular-sized cuff for a client who is obese. Which of the following explanations should the nurse give the AP? A. "The reading will be inaudible if the cuff is too small for the client." B. "The width of the cuff bladder should be 75% of the circumference of the client's arm." C. "As long as the cuff will circle the arm, the reading will be accurate." D. "Using a cuff that is too small will result in an inaccurately high reading."
"Using a cuff that is too small will result in an inaccurately high reading." Blood pressure cuffs come in various sizes, and the correct size cuff is necessary to obtain a reliable measurement. Blood pressure readings can be falsely high if the cuff is too small for the client.
A nurse observes an assistive personnel (AP) preparing to obtain blood pressure with a regular size cuff for a client who is obese. Which of the following explanations should the nurse give the AP? "The reading will be inaudible if the cuff is too small for the client." "The width of the cuff bladder should be 75% of the circumference of the client's arm." "As long as the cuff will circle the arm the reading will be accurate." "Using a cuff that is too small will result in an inaccurately high reading."
"Using a cuff that is too small will result in an inaccurately high reading." MY ANSWER Blood pressure cuffs come in various sizes, and the correct size cuff is necessary to obtain a reliable measurement. Blood pressure readings can be falsely high if the cuff is too small for the client.
A middle-aged adult client is discussing future plans with the nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is having difficulty achieving Erikson's developmental task for this age group? A. "We miss our daughter so much that we are going to move closer to her." B. "I think this year I can plan on managing the funding at church." C. "I really wish I could lose some of this weight." D. "I find I am spending more time at work now that my son is at college."
"We miss our daughter so much that we are going to move closer to her." According to Erikson, the stage of psychosocial development for middle adults is generativity vs. stagnation. Accepting the independence of adult children is part of the developmental task of middle age.
A nurse is assessing a client who has a sudden onset of severe back pain of unknown origin. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask to encourage discussion with the client? A. "Does the medication you're taking relieve the pain?" B. "Can you point to where the pain is the worst?" C. "What do you think caused the onset of your pain?" D. "Changing positions makes your pain worse, right?"
"What do you think caused the onset of your pain?" The nurse is using an open-ended question that allows the client to respond with a wide range of information by using more than a few words.
A nurse is performing a spiritual assessment of a client. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask? A. "When did you start to believe in your faith?" B. "How often do you perform religious rituals?" C. "Which church do you regularly attend?" D. "What is your source of strength and hope?"
"What is your source of strength and hope?" This is a broad, open-ended question that encourages the client to express feelings without any assumptions on the nurse's part. It correctly focuses on a global view of spirituality as a complex concept that encompasses the client's life experiences and beliefs about strength, love, and hope.
A nurse is preparing to administer 40 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride IV to infuse over 20 min. The drop factor of the manual IV tubing is 15 gtt/mL. The nurse should set the manual IV infusion to deliver how many gtt/min? (Fill in the blank with the numeric value only, round the answer to the nearest whole number, and use a leading zero if applicable. Do not use a trailing zero.)
30 Volume (mL)/Time (min) x drop factor (gtt/mL) = X 40 mL/ 20 min x 15 gtt/mL = X gtt/min 30 = X
A nurse is calculating the protein needs of a young adult client who weighs 132 lb. The RDA for protein for an adult who has no medical conditions is 0.8 g/kg. How many grams of protein per day should the nurse recommend for this client? (Fill in the blank with the numeric value only.)
48 132/2.2 = 60 kg 60 kg x 0.8 g = 48 g
A nurse is preparing to administer sotalol to a client with a prescription for 320 mg/day divided equally every 12 hr. The medication is available in 80 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose? (Fill in the blank with the numeric value only, round the answer to the nearest tenth, and use a leading zero if applicable. Do not use a trailing zero.)
2 Have/Quantity = Desired/X 80 mg/1 tablet = 320 mg/X tablet X = 4
After assessing a client, the nurse documents "1+ pedal edema bilaterally." This indicates that the nurse observed an indentation of which of the following depths after applying pressure? A. 2 mm B. 4 mm C. 6 mm D. 8 mm
2 mm The nurse should document a 2 mm indentation after applying and removing pressure as 1+ pedal edema.
A nurse is calculating a client's intake for a 12-hr shift. The client had dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride infusing at 125 mL/hr, gentamicin 150 mg in 100 mL at 1400, famotidine 20 mg in 50 mL at 1000 and 1600, 250 mL of blood over 2 hr, and a nasogastric flush of 30 mL every 2 hr. What is the total intake in milliliters that the nurse should document for this client for this 12-hr period? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)
2130 125 mL x 12 hr = 1500 mL + 100 mL + (50 mL x 2 = 100 mL) + 250 mL + (30 mL x 6 = 180 mL) = 2130 mL.
A nurse is caring for a client whose intake and output flow sheet for 0700 to 1500 indicates the following: voided x3: 350 mL, 200 mL, 150 mL; wound drainage 2 tsp; and emesis 2 oz. What total output in milliliters should the nurse document for this 8 hr period? (Fill in the blank with the numeric value only, round the answer to the nearest whole number, and use a leading zero if applicable. Do not use a trailing zero.)
770 1 tsp/5mL = 2 tsp/X mL X = 10 1 tsp = 5 mL, then 2 tsp = 10 mL 1 oz/30 mL = 2 oz/X mL X = 60
A nurse is caring for a client who requires fluid restriction and may drink only 1 oz of water with each oral medication. How many milliliters of water should the nurse document as intake for the 3 separate medications the client receives during a 12-hr night shift? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number and fill in the blank with the numeric value only.)
90 1 oz/30 mL = 3 x 1 oz/X mL 1 oz/30 mL = 3 oz/X mL X = 90 1 oz = 30 mL, then 3 oz = 90 mL
A nurse is responding to a parent's question about his infant's expected physical development during the first year of life. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include? A. A 2-month-old infant can turn from his abdomen to his back. B. A 10-month-old infant can pull up to a standing position. C. A 4-month-old infant can sit up without support. D. A 6-month-old infant can crawl on his hands and knees.
A 10-month-old infant can pull up to a standing position. An 8- to 10-month-old infant can pull up to a standing position.
A nurse is explaining the use of written consent forms to a newly licensed nurse. The nurse should ensure that a written consent form has been signed by which of the following clients? A. A client who has a prescription for a transfusion of packed red blood cells B. A client who is being transported for a radiograph of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder C. A client who has a prescription for a tuberculin skin test D. A client who has a distended bladder and needs urinary catheterization
A client who has a prescription for a transfusion of packed red blood cells Administration of blood is a procedure that carries risk; therefore, the client must sign a consent form prior to the procedure.
A nurse is planning care for a group of clients receiving oxygen therapy. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to see first? A. A client who has heart failure and is receiving 100% oxygen via partial rebreather mask B. A client who has emphysema and is receiving oxygen at 3L/min via transtracheal oxygen cannula C. A client who has an old tracheostomy and is receiving 40% humidified oxygen via tracheostomy collar D. A client who has COPD and is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
A client who has heart failure and is receiving 100% oxygen via partial rebreather mask The nurse should apply the safety and risk-reduction priority-setting framework, which assigns priority to the factor or situation posing the greatest safety risk to the client. When there are several risks to client safety, the one posing the greatest threat is the highest priority. The nurse should use Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the ABC priority-setting framework, and/or nursing knowledge to identify which risk poses the greatest threat to the client. The nurse should frequently check the bag on a rebreather mask to ensure it inflates properly. If the bag is deflated, the client will rebreathe exhaled carbon dioxide instead of receiving the prescribed oxygen dose. Therefore, the nurse should first see the client who has heart failure and is receiving 100% oxygen via partial rebreather mask. Oxygen is a gas that can cause toxicity and is highly combustible, and higher concentrations of oxygen increase the risk of client injury. B. Routine treatment for chronic lung conditions can include the use of a transtracheal oxygen cannula; therefore, there is another client the nurse should plan to see first. The client will learn to use this device alone, and the system can provide adequate oxygenation with a low flow rate of oxygen. Three liters per minute of oxygen is the equivalent of 32% oxygen delivery. Routine treatment for a client who has an old tracheostomy includes the administration of humidified oxygen or air via tracheostomy collar. Therefore, there is another client the nurse should plan to see first. The nurse should use humidification to promote loosening of respiratory secretions and prevent cannula obstruction. Forty percent oxygen is the equivalent of administering oxygen at 6L/min. Routine treatment for a client who has COPD involves the administration of low-dose therapy. Therefore, there is another client the nurse should plan to see first. Clients who have COPD depend on a low oxygen level to drive their respiratory rate. Two liters per minute of oxygen is the equivalent of 28% oxygen delivery.
A nurse on an oncology unit receives report at the beginning of her shift about 4 clients who are postoperative. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first? A. A client who is 1 day postoperative following a lobectomy for small-cell carcinoma and has a chest tube with 35 mL/hr of bright red, bloody drainage B. A client who is 2 days postoperative following a colectomy due to colorectal cancer and has an ostomy bag full of bright red, bloody drainage C. A client who is 2 days postoperative following the excision of an abdominal mass and has a portable wound suction device with 20 mL/hr of serosanguinous drainage D. A client who is 1 day postoperative following the excision of a bladder wall tumor and prostate and has continuous bladder irrigation with 300 mL/hr reddish-pink urine
A client who is 2 days postoperative following a colectomy due to colorectal cancer and has an ostomy bag full of bright red, bloody drainage The nurse should apply the unstable vs stable priority-setting framework when caring for clients. Using this framework, unstable clients are prioritized due to needs that threaten survival. The nurse should first address problems involving the airway, breathing, or circulatory status that are life-threatening. Clients whose vital signs or laboratory values indicate a risk of becoming unstable are also a higher priority than clients who are stable. The nurse may need to use nursing knowledge to determine which option describes the most unstable client. An ostomy bag full of blood indicates that the client's bowel is hemorrhaging, and the nurse must report this finding to the surgeon immediately. The client may require fluid replacement, transfusion, and additional surgery to repair the bleeding vessel. This finding poses an immediate threat to the client's circulation.
The nurse is caring for a female client in the emergency department who presents with a complaint of fatigue and shortness of breath. Which physical assessment findings, if noted by the nurse, warrant a need for follow-up? Reddened sclera of the eyes Dry flaking noted on the scalp A reddish-purple mark on the neck A scaly rash noted on the elbows and knees
A reddish-purple mark on the neck The client in this question should be screened for abuse. Battered women experience bruises, particularly around the eyes, red or purple marks on the neck, sprained or broken wrists, chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle tension, involuntary shaking, changes in eating and sleeping, sexual dysfunction, and fertility issues. Mental health issues can also arise, including post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmares, anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and alcohol and drug abuse. Reddened sclera, a dry rash on the elbows, and flaking of the scalp do not pose an indication of abuse.
A nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed RBCs to a client. Which of the following pieces of information must the nurse verify with another nurse prior to the administration? (Select all that apply.) A. The client's ID number B. The client's room number C. The client's name D. ABO compatibility E. Rh compatibility
A. The client's ID number C. The client's name D. ABO compatibility E. Rh compatibility Two nurses must verify this information, including the client's facility identification number, name, ABO compatibility, and RH compatibility, to prevent transfusion reactions due to human error.
A nurse asks a client to explain the statement, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." Through this question, the nurse is evaluating the client's ability in which of the following intellectual functions? A. Judgment B. Short-term memory C. Attention span D. Abstract reasoning
Abstract reasoning This exercise evaluates higher-level thinking and the ability to understand and interpret abstract thoughts.
A nurse is caring for a group of clients in a long-term care facility. One of the clients is walking along the hallway and bumping into walls and does not respond to his name. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Offer the client a nutritious snack B. Accompany the client back to his room C. Reorient the client to his surroundings D. Administer a PRN antianxiety medication
Accompany the client back to his room The nurse should apply the safety and risk-reduction priority-setting framework, which assigns priority to the factor or situation posing the greatest safety risk to the client. When there are several risks to client safety, the one posing the greatest threat is the highest priority. The nurse should use Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the ABC priority-setting framework, and/or nursing knowledge to identify which risk poses the greatest threat to the client. Therefore, the nurse should first escort the client back to his room to protect him from injury due to wandering.
A nurse is caring for a child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Encourage the child to cough frequently to clear congestion from anesthesia. Place a heating pad at the child's neck for comfort. Administer analgesics to the child on a routine schedule throughout the day and night. Provide the child with ice cream when oral intake is initiated.
Administer analgesics to the child on a routine schedule throughout the day and night. To soothe the client's throat following a tonsillectomy, the nurse should administer pain medication routinely around the clock. The nurse can provide the medication rectally or intravenously to avoid the oral route.
A nurse is caring for a child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Encourage the child to cough frequently to clear congestion from anesthesia. B. Place a heating pad on the child's neck for comfort. C. Administer analgesics to the child on a routine schedule throughout the day and night. D. Provide the child with ice cream when oral intake is initiated.
Administer analgesics to the child on a routine schedule throughout the day and night. To soothe the client's throat following a tonsillectomy, the nurse should administer pain medication routinely. The nurse can provide the medication rectally or intravenously to avoid the oral route.
A nurse is supervising a newly licensed nurse who is suctioning a client's tracheostomy. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the procedure? A. Using clean technique to perform the procedure B. Applying suction while inserting the catheter C. Lubricating the suction catheter with an oil-based lubricating jelly D. Administering high-flow oxygen prior to the procedure
Administering high-flow oxygen prior to the procedure The nurse should instruct the newly licensed nurse to administer 3 to 4 breaths of 100% oxygen via a resuscitation bag before suctioning to the client to reduce the risk of hypoxia.
A nurse is assisting a client who has dysphagia at mealtimes. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Assist the client into a semi-sitting position B. Have the client lean slightly backward C. Advise the client to tuck his chin downward D. Instruct the client to tilt his head slightly backward
Advise the client to tuck his chin downward To help the client swallow safely, the nurse should have the client sit upright, lean slightly forward, tilt his head forward, and tuck his chin. This position helps move the food downward without lodging in the throat, where the client could aspirate it.
A nurse is assessing a client for conductive hearing loss. When using the Rinne test, which of the following results should the nurse identify as an indication that the client has conductive hearing loss of the left ear? Air conduction is less than bone conduction in the left ear. Air conduction is greater than bone conduction in the left ear. Sound is lateralizing to the right ear. Sound is lateralizing to the left ear.
Air conduction is less than bone conduction in the left ear. This finding indicates conductive hearing loss of the left ear.
A nurse is assessing a client for conductive hearing loss. When using the Rinne test, which of the following results should the nurse identify as an indication that the client has conductive hearing loss of the left ear? A. Air conduction is less than bone conduction in the left ear. B. Air conduction is greater than bone conduction in the left ear. C. Sound is lateralizing to the right ear. D. Sound is lateralizing to the left ear.
Air conduction is less than bone conduction in the left ear. This finding indicates conductive hearing loss of the left ear.
A nurse is admitting a client who has measles. Which of the following types of transmission precautions should the nurse initiate? A. Airborne B. Droplet C. Contact D. Protective environment
Airborne Airborne precautions are required for clients who have infections that spread via droplet nuclei that are smaller than 5 microns in diameter, including varicella, tuberculosis, and measles.
A nurse is admitting a client who has tuberculosis. In addition to standard precautions, which of the following transmission-based precautions should the nurse add to the client's plan of care? A. Protective B. Airborne C. Droplet D. Contact
Airborne Tuberculosis requires airborne precautions, which are protocols that prevent the spread of infections via very small droplets (e.g. measles and varicella).
A nurse on a surgical unit is receiving a client who had abdominal surgery from the postanesthesia care unit. Which of the following assessments should the nurse make first? A. Pain level B. Hydration status C. Airway D. Urinary output
Airway The nurse should apply the ABC priority-setting framework when caring for this client. This framework emphasizes the basic core of human functioning and prioritizes having an open airway, being able to breathe in adequate amounts of oxygen, and circulating oxygen to the body's organs via the blood. An alteration in any of these can indicate a threat to life. Therefore, this is the nurse's priority concern. When applying the ABC priority-setting framework, airway is always the highest priority because the airway must be clear for oxygen exchange to occur. Breathing is the second highest priority in the ABC priority-setting framework because adequate ventilatory effort is essential for oxygen exchange to occur. Circulation is the third highest priority in the ABC priority-setting framework because the delivery of oxygen to critical organs only occurs if the heart and blood vessels are capable of efficiently carrying oxygen to them.
A nurse is caring for a client who is well-hydrated and has no visible evidence of nutritional deficiencies. A laboratory result within the expected reference range for which of the following substances indicates adequate protein uptake and synthesis? A. Albumin B. Calcium C. Sodium D. Potassium
Albumin The nurse should identify that an albumin level within the expected reference range is an indication that the client has adequate protein uptake and synthesis. Albumin levels measure protein status. They are useful for identifying long-term protein depletion rather than short-term or acute changes in nutritional status.
A nurse on a medical unit is caring for a client who has difficulty sleeping. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote the client's ability to fall asleep? A. Encourage the client to ambulate in the hallway just before bedtime B. Allow the client to maintain the same bedtime routine as at home C. Keep the room temperature warm D. Offer the client a cup of hot chocolate before bedtime
Allow the client to maintain the same bedtime routine as at home For many clients in an acute care facility, disrupting the usual sleep routine is the primary reason for a client's inability to sleep. Maintaining the home bedtime routine promotes sleep in ways that are effective for the client. Those whose usual bedtime routines include warm milk, massages, or pharmacological sleep aids might need and appreciate those interventions in inpatient settings.
A provider is planning an immunization clinic for older adults. At which of the following times should an older adult client receive the influenza vaccine? A. Once during the client's lifetime B. Every 10 years C. Every 5 years D. Annually in the fall
Annually in the fall The nurse should recommend that older adult clients receive the influenza vaccine annually. Influenza outbreaks occur annually, and the influenza virus changes constantly. Consequently, an influenza vaccine from a previous year will not protect a client exposed to this year's influenza strain. Influenza in older adults can result in the development of primary viral influenza pneumonia, which causes several deaths a year. An influenza vaccine given in the fall, prior to the onset of flu season, will be most effective in preventing influenza in this target population.
A nurse is teaching a client who is postoperative following a knee arthroplasty about the muscles he will need to strengthen in physical therapy. Which of the following muscle groups is responsible for movement at the knee joint? A. Antigravity B. Antagonistic C. Synergistic D. Skeletal
Antagonistic The nurse should teach the client that the antagonistic muscle group is responsible for movement of the knee joint by contracting while other muscles relax.
A nurse is using a portable ultrasound bladder scanner to measure a client's post-void residual volume. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Have the client urinate 20 min before the scan B. Assist the client into a semi-Fowler's position C. Position the scanner head at the symphysis pubis D. Apply light pressure to the scanner head once it is in position
Apply light pressure to the scanner head once it is in position The nurse should apply light pressure and hold the scanner steadily while pointing it slightly down toward the client's bladder.
A nurse is preparing to administer eye drops for a client who has glaucoma. When instilling the medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Instruct the client to blink several times after instilling the medication B. Ask the client to look straight ahead during instillation of the medication C. Apply pressure to the puncta after instilling the medication D. Place each drop of the medication directly onto the client's cornea
Apply pressure to the puncta after instilling the medication The nurse should instill the medication into the conjunctival sac and apply pressure to the puncta for 1 to 2 minutes afterward to prevent systemic absorption of the medication.
During a client care staff meeting, a nurse manager discusses potential problems with data security that affect confidential client information. Which of the following environments should the nurse manager identify as an acceptable place for discussing clients' information? A. Areas with no public access B. Outside the door of a client's room C. In the cafeteria during break D. In the hallway near the nurses' station
Areas with no public access Nurses should only discuss clients' information in private areas where no one else can overhear. For example, a unit medication room is a non-public area where nurses can privately discuss information that pertains to the client's care.
Which action by the nurse will best facilitate adherence to the treatment regimen for a client with a chronic illness? Arranging for home health care Focusing on managing a single illness at a time Communicating with one provider only to avoid confusion for the client Allowing the client to teach a support person about their treatment regimen
Arranging for home health care Nursing follow-up visits are important in promoting health for individuals with chronic illness; therefore, arranging for home health care is an important strategy. Focusing on a single illness does not effectively manage an individual with multiple chronic diseases—rather, the "big picture" needs to be understood in managing these clients. Interprofessional collaboration is important in safely managing individuals with chronic diseases, and often involves consulting with specialist providers. Nurses play a key role in facilitating communication between providers and specialists. Inclusion of the client and support person(s) in health care decisions helps increase adherence to a complex health care regimen, and the nurse should be the facilitator of this communication.
A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who reports developing severe right eye pain with a gritty sensation while sawing wood. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Instill proparacaine hydrochloride eye drops B. Perform ocular irrigation of the right eye C. Place the client in a supine position with the head turned toward the affected side D. Ask the client about first aid performed at the scene
Ask the client about first aid performed at the scene The nurse should apply the nursing process priority-setting framework to plan client care and prioritize nursing actions. Each step of the nursing process builds on the previous step, beginning with an assessment or data collection. Before the nurse can formulate a plan of action, implement a nursing intervention, or notify the provider of a change in the client's status, the nurse must first collect adequate data from the client. Assessing or collecting additional data will provide the nurse with the knowledge to make an appropriate decision. Therefore, the first action the nurse should take is to assess the first aid that was performed at the scene to determine if eye irrigation was administered.
A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client who has asthma and reports several food allergies. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Document the client's food allergies in the medical record B. Ask the client to identify the specific food allergies C. Monitor the client for indications of anaphylaxis D. Have epinephrine available for administration
Ask the client to identify the specific food allergies The nurse should apply the nursing process priority-setting framework in order to plan client care and prioritize nursing actions. Each step of the nursing process builds on the previous step, beginning with an assessment or data collection. Before the nurse can formulate a plan of action, implement a nursing intervention, or notify the provider of a change in the client's status, the nurse must first collect adequate data from the client. Assessing or collecting additional data will provide the nurse with the knowledge to make an appropriate decision. Therefore, the nurse should first assess the client's allergies and identify the specific allergens to ensure the specific foods are not offered to the client during meals.
A nurse is supervising a newly licensed nurse who is administering a controlled substance. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the procedure? Placing an unused portion of the medication in a sharps box Asking another nurse to observe the disposal of an unused portion of the medication Counting the inventory of the available narcotic after administering the medication Ensuring that another nurse signs the control inventory form after disposal of an unused portion of medication
Asking another nurse to observe the disposal of an unused portion of the medication The nurse should ask another nurse to witness the disposal of a controlled substance to maintain safe control of the narcotic.
A nurse is supervising a newly licensed nurse who is administering a controlled substance. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the procedure? A. Placing an unused portion of the medication in a sharps box B. Asking another nurse to observe the disposal of an unused portion of the medication C. Counting the inventory of the available narcotic after administering the medication D. Ensuring that another nurse signs the control inventory form after disposal of an unused portion of medication
Asking another nurse to observe the disposal of an unused portion of the medication The nurse should ask another nurse to witness the disposal of a controlled substance to maintain safe control of the narcotic.
A nurse discovers that a client received the wrong medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Complete a medication error report. B. Notify the prescribing provider. C. Assess the client. D. Notify the charge nurse.
Assess the client. The greatest risk to the client's safety is adverse effects from either receiving the wrong medication or not receiving the prescribed medication. The nurse should assess the client first for any possible adverse effects. This assessment also serves as a baseline for further monitoring for adverse effects.
A nurse in a provider's clinic is taking a client's age, height, weight, and vital signs. The nurse should identify this action as part of which of the following components of the nursing process? A. Planning B. Evaluation C. Assessment D. Implementation
Assessment Collecting this data is included in the assessment portion of the nursing process. In addition, the nurse should explore the client's health history and perform a physical examination.
A nurse is using the I-SBAR communication tool to give a client's provider information about the client. The nurse should convey this client's pain status in which portion of the report? A. Assessment B. Background C. Situation D. Recommendation
Assessment The nurse provides information about assessment findings in this portion of the report, including vital signs, pain assessment, and changes in assessment findings.
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is admitting a client. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse document in the client's record first? A. Assessment B. Plan of care C. Nursing interventions performed D. Evaluation of progress
Assessment When caring for a client, the nurse should apply the nursing process priority-setting framework. The nursing process is used to plan client care and prioritize nursing actions. Each step of the nursing process builds on the previous step, beginning with an assessment or data collection. Before the nurse can formulate a plan of action, implement a nursing intervention, or notify a provider of a change in the client's status, he or she must first collect adequate data from the client. Assessing or collecting additional data will provide the nurse with the knowledge to make an appropriate decision.
A nurse is planning weight-loss strategies for a group of clients who are obese. Which of the following actions by the nurse will improve the clients' commitment to a long-term goal of weight loss? A. Attempt to increase the clients' self-motivation B. Keep detailed records of each client's progress C. Test client learning after each teaching session D. Avoid discussing topics that might increase clients' anxiety
Attempt to increase the clients' self-motivation Motivation to learn is a key part of improving a client's commitment to achieving a health goal, as well as increasing the amount and speed of learning.
A nurse is assessing a client who is undergoing a physical examination. Following the inspection, which of the following techniques should the nurse use next when assessing the client's abdomen? A. Auscultation B. Light palpation C. Percussion D. Deep palpation
Auscultation According to evidence-based practice, the nurse should listen for bowel sounds in all 4 quadrants before palpating the client's abdomen. Palpation and percussion can stimulate the bowel and increase the frequency of bowel sounds, leading to false results.
A nurse is caring for a client who reports not sleeping at night, which interferes with her ability to function during the day. Which of the following interventions should the nurse suggest to this client? A. Avoid beverages that contain caffeine B. Take a sleep medication regularly at bedtime C. Watch television for 30 min in bed to relax prior to falling asleep D. Advise the client to take several naps during the day
Avoid beverages that contain caffeine Caffeine is a stimulant. The nurse should suggest that the client avoid caffeinated beverages.
A nurse is caring for a client who reports feeling a pop after coughing without properly splinting an abdominal incision. On assessment, the nurse notes that the client's wound has eviscerated. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.) A. Carefully reinsert the intestine through the opening in the wound B. Place the client in a supine position with the hips and knees flexed C. Leave the room to call the surgeon D. Cover the wound and intestine with a sterile, moistened dressing E. Monitor the client for manifestations of shock
B. Place the client in a supine position with the hips and knees flexed D. Cover the wound and intestine with a sterile, moistened dressing E. Monitor the client for manifestations of shock The nurse should place the client in a supine position with the hips and knees flexed. This position can help to prevent further tearing of the incision and wound evisceration by lessening tension on the wound. The nurse should cover the protruding intestine with a sterile dressing that is moistened with 0.9% sodium chloride to prevent further contamination of the wound and to keep the protruding intestine from drying out. The nurse should monitor the client for a physiological stimulus (e.g. bleeding from the tearing or opening of the wound) or a psychological stimulus (e.g. viewing the intestine protruding outside of the body), which can increase the risk of shock. The nurse should monitor the client for increased heart rate and respiratory rate, changes in blood pressure or mentation, and cool or clammy skin.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a single-lumen nasogastric (NG) tube for gastric decompression. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care? (Select all that apply.) A. Set the suction machine at 120 mmHg B. Provide oral hygiene frequently C. Measure the amount of drainage from the NG tube every shift D. Secure the NG tube to the client's gown E. Apply petroleum jelly to the client's nares
B. Provide oral hygiene frequently C. Measure the amount of drainage from the NG tube every shift D. Secure the NG tube to the client's gown Frequent oral hygiene provides comfort for the client since mucous membranes become dry and uncomfortable when a client cannot drink fluids. Measuring the drainage at least every shift helps the provider calculate fluid loss and prescribe appropriate replacement therapy. An unsecured NG tube can irritate the nares if the tube is pulled or caught on the bed or other equipment. The tube can also be dislodged if not secured appropriately.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a cuffed endotracheal tube in place. The nurse should identify that the purpose of inflating the cuff includes which of the following? (Select all that apply.) A. Allowing the client to speak B. Stabilizing the position of the tube C. Preventing aspiration of secretions D. Preventing air leaks E. Preventing tracheal injury
B. Stabilizing the position of the tube C. Preventing aspiration of secretions D. Preventing air leaks An inflated cuff helps prevent movement of the endotracheal tube, reduces the risk of aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions, and keeps air from leaking around the outer portion of the endotracheal tube.
A nurse is caring for a semiconscious client who had a small-bore NG tube placed yesterday for the administration of enteral feeding. Which of the following methods should the nurse use to verify correct tube placement? (Select all that apply.) A. Auscultate injected air B. Verify the initial X-ray examination C. Measure the length of the exposed tube D. Determine the pH of aspirated fluid E. Check the aspirated fluid for glucose
B. Verify the initial X-ray examination C. Measure the length of the exposed tube D. Determine the pH of aspirated fluid The nurse should confirm the NG tube placement by checking the X-ray results following the insertion of the NG tube. In addition, the nurse should check the length of the NG tube that is exposed by comparing the markings on the tube to the client's nose to verify tube placement. Finally, the nurse should check the pH of aspirated fluid to verify the tube placement.
A nurse is preparing to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client. Which of the following actions should the nurse have the client perform just before inserting the catheter? A. Swallow water B. Prepare for a painful sensation C. Hold her breath D. Bear down gently
Bear down gently Bearing down helps the nurse visualize the urinary meatus and relaxes the external sphincter, which facilitates the insertion of the catheter.
A nurse is performing a focused assessment of a client's peripheral vascular system. In which of the following locations should the nurse palpate the posterior tibial pulse? A. Below the medial malleolus B. In the popliteal fossa C. In the antecubital space D. On the dorsum of the foot
Below the medial malleolus The nurse should palpate the posterior tibial pulse by curving the fingers around the medial malleolus on the inner surface of the client's ankle.
After assessing a client's radial pulses, the nurse documents "radial pulses 4+ bilaterally." The nurse should document this finding when a client's pulses have which of the following qualities? A. Bounding B. Full C. Variable D. Weak
Bounding A pulse of 4+ is bounding and does not disappear with moderate pressure. Pulse strength ranges from absent (0) to bounding (4+). Full pulse strength is 3+. A weak pulse is 1+.
A nurse is caring for a client who requires ventilatory assistance with breathing following a motor vehicle crash. The nurse should suspect an injury to which of the following parts of the brain? A. Hypothalamus B. Cerebral cortex C. Brainstem D. Cerebellum
Brainstem The nurse should identify an injury to the medulla and pons of the brainstem for a client who is experiencing difficulty with breathing. The brainstem serves as the respiratory control center, and a neurological injury can impair this center and inhibit respiratory effort.
A nurse in a provider's office is teaching a client about foods that are high in fiber. Which of the following food choices made by the client indicate an understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.) A. Canned peaches B. White rice C. Black beans D. Whole-grain bread E. Tomato juice
C. Black beans D. Whole-grain bread Dried peas and beans, including black beans, are high in fiber. Whole grains consist of the entire kernel and are also high in fiber.
A nurse delegated the task of emptying an indwelling urinary catheter drainage bag to an assistive personnel (AP). The nurse later observes the AP emptying the bag without wearing gloves. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Notify the charge nurse about the incident B. Insist that the AP attend an in-service training about standard precautions C. Talk with the AP about the technique used D. Observe the AP a second time and intervene if the technique remains the same
C. Talk with the AP about the technique used The nurse who delegates a task is responsible for providing the right supervision and evaluation. The nurse is responsible for providing feedback to the AP and should reinforce the correct procedure for this task with the AP, which includes wearing gloves.
A nurse in a long-term care facility is admitting a client who is incontinent and smells strongly of urine. His partner, who has been caring for him at home, is embarrassed and apologizes for the smell. Which of the following responses should the nurse make? A. "A lot of clients who are cared for at home have the same problem." B. "Don't worry about it. He will get a bath, and that will take care of the odor." C. "It must be difficult to care for someone who is confined to bed." D. "When was the last time that he had a bath?"
C. "It must be difficult to care for someone who is confined to bed." This response addresses the feelings of the partner by reflecting her feelings, which facilitates therapeutic communication because it is nonjudgmental and encourages the partner to express her feelings.
A nurse is implementing cold therapy for a client who has an ankle sprain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Apply a cold pack to the edematous area B. Check capillary refill before applying an ice pack to the affected area C. Half-fill an ice pack with crushed ice D. Apply an ice pack for 60 min intervals
Check capillary refill before applying an ice pack to the affected area The nurse should check the affected area for adequate circulation by assessing pulses and capillary refill because a cold pack applied to an area of impaired circulation can further decrease the blood supply to the area.
A nurse enters a client's room and finds the client sitting on the floor and leaning against the side of the bed. The client states she slipped while getting out of bed. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Complete an incident report B. Check the client for injuries C. Make sure the client has skid-free footwear D. Remind the client to ask for help when getting out of bed
Check the client for injuries Using the nursing process, the nurse should first evaluate the client for any injuries or physiological changes. The nurse should also notify the provider to determine the need for any further examination or intervention.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a stage III pressure ulcer on the heel. When preparing to irrigate the wound, which of the following actions should the nurse take first? Obtain the prescribed irrigation solution Don personal protective equipment Check the client's pain level Place a waterproof pad under the client's extremity
Check the client's pain level The nurse should apply the nursing process priority-setting framework to plan client care and prioritize nursing actions. Each step of the nursing process builds on the previous step, beginning with an assessment or data collection. Before the nurse can formulate a plan of action, implement a nursing intervention, or notify the provider of a change in the client's status, the nurse must first collect adequate data from the client. Assessing or collecting additional data will provide the nurse with the knowledge to make an appropriate decision. Therefore, the nurse should determine the client's level of pain prior to the procedure to evaluate the need for administration of an analgesic. Medicating the client approximately 30 minutes prior to wound care will decrease pain and increase comfort.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a stage III pressure ulcer on the heel. When preparing to irrigate the wound, which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Obtain the prescribed irrigation solution B. Don personal protective equipment C. Check the client's pain level D. Place a waterproof pad under the client's extremity
Check the client's pain level The nurse should apply the nursing process priority-setting framework to plan client care and prioritize nursing actions. Each step of the nursing process builds on the previous step, beginning with an assessment or data collection. Before the nurse can formulate a plan of action, implement a nursing intervention, or notify the provider of a change in the client's status, the nurse must first collect adequate data from the client. Assessing or collecting additional data will provide the nurse with the knowledge to make an appropriate decision. Therefore, the nurse should determine the client's level of pain prior to the procedure to evaluate the need for administration of an analgesic. Medicating the client approximately 30 minutes prior to wound care will decrease pain and increase comfort.
A nurse is caring for a client who has major fecal incontinence and reports irritation in the perianal area. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Apply a fecal collection system B. Apply a barrier cream C. Cleanse and dry the area D. Check the client's perineum
Check the client's perineum The nurse should apply the nursing process priority-setting framework to plan client care and prioritize nursing actions. Each step of the nursing process builds on the previous step, beginning with an assessment or data collection. Before the nurse can formulate a plan of action, implement a nursing intervention, or notify a provider of a change in the client's status, the nurse must first collect adequate data from the client. Assessing or collecting additional data will provide the nurse with the knowledge to make an appropriate decision. The priority nursing action is for the nurse to collect more data by assessing the area of irritation.
A nurse is caring for a client who was transferred to the surgical unit by stretcher from the PACU. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform immediately following the transfer? A. Administer pain medication B. Check the client's vital signs C. Instruct the client to use the incentive spirometer every 1 hr D. Provide ice chips as per provider prescription
Check the client's vital signs The greatest risk to this client is an injury from unstable vital signs (e.g. hypotension and respiratory depression) after receiving anesthesia and medication. Therefore, the first action the nurse should take is to check the client's vital signs and compare them with the readings during the PACU stay.
A nurse is preparing to administer oral phenytoin to a client who has a seizure disorder. Before administering the medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Document the administration of the medication B. Count the amount of available medication on hand and sign for it C. Measure the client's respiratory rate D. Check the medication dose and the client's identification
Check the medication dose and the client's identification The "rights" of medication administration include verifying the right client and the right dose.
A nurse is caring for a postoperative client who has an indwelling urinary catheter for gravity drainage. The nurse notes no urine output in the past 2 hr. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Check to determine if the catheter tubing is kinked B. Palpate the bladder C. Obtain a prescription to irrigate the catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride D. Encourage the client to drink more fluids
Check to determine if the catheter tubing is kinked The nurse should apply the least invasive priority-setting framework when caring for this client, which assigns priority to nursing interventions that are least invasive to the client, as long as those interventions do not jeopardize client safety. This approach reduces the number of organisms introduced into the body, decreasing the number of facility-acquired infections. Hence, the first action the nurse should take is to inspect the tubing carefully, straighten any kinks, and ensure there are no dependent loops. A lack of drainage is often due to a kink in the tubing or the client lying on it.
A nurse is collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity for a client who has a urinary tract infection. The client has an indwelling urinary catheter in place. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Withdraw the specimen from the drainage bag B. Cleanse the collection port with soap and water C. Place the specimen in a clean specimen cup D. Clamp the tubing below the collection port
Clamp the tubing below the collection port The nurse should clamp the tubing below the collection port to allow fresh, uncontaminated urine to collect before withdrawing the specimen through the port and placing it in a sterile specimen cup.
A nurse is caring for a client who requires a dressing change. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Clean the incision from bottom to top B. Apply sterile gloves prior to opening dressing packages C. Remove the tape by pulling away from the wound D. Clean the drain site from the center outward
Clean the drain site from the center outward The nurse should clean the drain site from the center outward to avoid introducing microorganisms from the periphery of the wound into the center of the wound.
A nurse is conducting an admission interview with a client. Which of the following pieces of assessment information should the nurse collect during the introductory phase of the interview? A. Client's level of comfort and ability to participate in the interview B. Previous illnesses and surgeries C. Events surrounding the client's recent illness D. Sociocultural history
Client's level of comfort and ability to participate in the interview The nurse should assess the client's level of comfort and establish a rapport during the introductory or orientation phase. The nurse should engage in active listening and present a relaxed attitude to place the client at ease and encourage client participation. This will assist the nurse in gaining the necessary data to formulate appropriate nursing diagnoses and outcomes.
A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about pain management in clients age 65 and older. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include in the teaching? Clients who are age 65 or older experience a decreased ability to perceive pain compared to young adult clients. Clients who are age 65 or older are reluctant to report pain. Clients who are age 65 or older should not receive opioid narcotics. Clients who are age 65 or older experience a shorter duration of action with medications than young adult clients.
Clients who are age 65 or older are reluctant to report pain. The nurse should instruct the newly licensed nurse that clients age 65 and older frequently can be reluctant to report pain because they might not want to bother or anger caregivers and might believe that pain is expected.
A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about pain management in clients age 65 and older. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include in the teaching? A. Clients who are age 65 or older experience a decreased ability to perceive pain compared to young adult clients. B. Clients who are age 65 or older are reluctant to report pain. C. Clients who are age 65 or older should not receive opioid narcotics. D. Clients who are age 65 or older experience a shorter duration of action with medications than young adult clients.
Clients who are age 65 or older are reluctant to report pain. The nurse should instruct the newly licensed nurse that clients age 65 and older frequently can be reluctant to report pain because they might not want to bother or anger caregivers and might believe that pain is expected.
A nurse is caring for a client who had a mastectomy and has a self-suction drainage evacuator in place. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure proper operation of the device? Irrigate the tubing with sterile normal water once during each shift Cleanse the opening with soap and water after emptying Maintain the tubing above the level of the surgical incision Collapse the device to remove air after emptying
Collapse the device to remove air after emptying The nurse should collapse the device to remove air after emptying the contents periodically. This will create enough suction to pull fluid exudate into the collection area of the device.
A nurse is caring for a client who had a mastectomy and has a self-suction drainage evacuator in place. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure proper operation of the device? A. Irrigate the tubing with sterile normal water once during each shift B. Cleanse the opening with soap and water after emptying C. Maintain the tubing above the level of the surgical incision D. Collapse the device to remove air after emptying
Collapse the device to remove air after emptying The nurse should collapse the device to remove air after emptying the contents periodically. This will create enough suction to pull fluid exudate into the collection area of the device.
A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client who is unconscious. The nurse should bring the medication administration record (MAR) to the client's bedside and perform which of the following verification procedures? A. Check the client's name and medical record number on the MAR against the room and bed number B. Call the client by name and check the name on her identification band against the MAR C. Compare the medical record number and name on the MAR with the client's identification band D. Ask the client's visitor to identify the client by name and to state the client's birth date
Compare the medical record number and name on the MAR with the client's identification band The Joint Commission requires the use of 2 client identifiers when administering medications. The nurse should compare the medical record number and name on the MAR with the client's identification band.
The nurse is volunteering with an outreach program to provide basic health care for homeless people. Which finding, if noted, should be addressed first? Blood pressure 154/72 mm Hg 2 Visual acuity of 20/200 in both eyes Random blood glucose level of 206 mg/dL (11.47 mmol/L) Complaints of pain associated with numbness and tingling in both feet
Complaints of pain associated with numbness and tingling in both feet The nurse should address the complaints of pain and numbness and tingling in both feet first with this population. If the client perceives value to the service provided, they will be more likely to return for follow-up care. While the blood pressure, blood glucose, and vision results are concerning, the client's stated concern should be addressed first.
A charge nurse is teaching adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a group of newly licensed nurses. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse teach as the first response in CPR? A. Call for assistance. B. Begin chest compressions. C. Confirm unresponsiveness. D. Give rescue breaths.
Confirm unresponsiveness. The nurse should apply the nursing process priority-setting framework to plan client care and prioritize nursing actions. Each step of the nursing process builds on the previous step, beginning with an assessment or data collection. Before the nurse can formulate a plan of action, implement a nursing intervention, or notify a provider of a change in the client's status, he or she must first collect adequate data from the client to obtain the knowledge needed to make an appropriate decision. Establishing unresponsiveness is required before beginning CPR. If a client is unresponsive, the nurse should activate the emergency response team.
During a physical examination of a client, the nurse suspects strabismus. Which of the following tests should the nurse use to collect additional data? A. Confrontation test B. Symmetry of palpebral fissures C. Corneal light reflex D. Accommodation test
Corneal light reflex The corneal light reflex requires the nurse to shine a penlight at the client's eyes and visualize whether the light shines on the same spot bilaterally. This test will indicate the alignment of the client's eyes as well as any deviation inward or outward. With strabismus, the eyes will not align when the client focuses.
A nurse is preparing to assess the function of the client's trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). Which of the following items should the nurse gather for the test? A. Sugar B. Coffee C. Cotton wisps D. Snellen chart
Cotton wisps The trigeminal nerve has both sensory and motor capabilities. To assess its sensory function, the nurse uses a safety pin to assess for recognition of pain and a cotton wisp to evaluate recognition of touch sensations. To test motor abilities of cranial nerve (CN) V, the nurse should ask the client to clench the teeth. use sugar to test the function of the facial nerve (CN VII) use the Snellen chart to test the function of the optic nerve (CN II) use coffee to test the function of the olfactory nerve (CN I)
A nurse is measuring a client's vital signs and notices an irregularity in the pulse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Measure the pulse using a Doppler ultrasound stethoscope B. Check the client's pedal pulses C. Count the apical pulse rate for 1 full min and describe the rhythm in the chart D. Take the pulse at each peripheral site and count the rate for 30 sec
Count the apical pulse rate for 1 full min and describe the rhythm in the chart If the peripheral pulse is irregular, the nurse should auscultate the apical pulse for 60 seconds to obtain an accurate rate. Then, the nurse should document the irregularity in the client's medical record.
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first after discovering that the client's wound has eviscerated? A. Cover the incision with a moist sterile dressing B. Have the client lie on his back with his knees flexed C. Call the client's surgeon D. Reassure the client
Cover the incision with a moist sterile dressing The nurse should apply the safety and risk-reduction priority-setting framework, which assigns priority to the factor or situation posing the greatest safety risk to the client. When there are several risks to client safety, the one posing the greatest threat is the highest priority. The nurse should use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the ABC priority-setting framework, and/or nursing knowledge to identify which risk poses the greatest threat to the client. An open wound increases the risk of peritonitis, and any exposed organ tissue could dry out. Therefore, covering the wound with a moist sterile dressing is the first action the nurse should take to protect the client.
A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid-volume excess. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? A. Crackles in the lung fields B. Flat neck veins C. Postural hypotension D. Dark yellow urine
Crackles in the lung fields Manifestations of fluid-volume excess include crackles in the lungs, dependent edema, full neck veins when the client is upright, elevated blood pressure, and sudden weight gain.
A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid-volume excess. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? A. Crackles in the lung fields B. Flat neck veins C. Postural hypotension D. Dark yellow urine Check Answer Question Feedback Show Explanation
Crackles in the lung fields Manifestations of fluid-volume excess include crackles in the lungs, dependent edema, full neck veins when the client is upright, elevated blood pressure, and sudden weight gain.
A nurse is performing a neurological assessment for a client. By asking the client to stick out his tongue, which of the following cranial nerves is the nurse testing? A. Cranial nerve XII B. Cranial nerve X C. Cranial nerve VIII D. Cranial nerve V
Cranial nerve XII The nurse is checking the function of cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal), which innervates the tongue, by observing a range of tongue movements.
The nurse instructs a client with chronic kidney disease who is receiving hemodialysis about dietary modifications. The nurse determines that the client understands these dietary modifications if the client selects which items from the dietary menu? Cream of wheat, blueberries, coffee Sausage and eggs, banana, orange juice Bacon, cantaloupe melon, tomato juice Cured pork, grits, strawberries, orange juice
Cream of wheat, blueberries, coffee The diet for a client with chronic kidney disease who is receiving hemodialysis should include controlled amounts of sodium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and fluids, which is indicated in the correct option. The food items in the remaining options are high in sodium, phosphorus, or potassium.
A client who is recovering from surgery has been advanced from a clear liquid diet to a full liquid diet. The client is looking forward to the diet change because he has been "bored" with the clear liquid diet. The nurse should offer which full liquid item to the client Tea Gelatin Custard Ice pop
Custard Full liquid food items include items such as plain ice cream, sherbet, breakfast drinks, milk, pudding and custard, soups that are strained, refined cooked cereals, and strained vegetable juices. A clear liquid diet consists of foods that are relatively transparent. The food items in the incorrect options are clear liquids.
A nurse is reviewing measures to prevent back injuries with assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? A. Stand 3 feet from the client when assisting with lifting. B. Lock your knees when standing for long periods. C. Lift up to 22.6 kg (50 lb) without the use of assistive devices. D. When lifting an object, spread your feet apart to provide a wide base of support.
D. When lifting an object, spread your feet apart to provide a wide base of support. The AP should spread the feet apart because a wide base of support increases stability. The AP should stand as close as possible to the client to reduce back strain. AP should bend the knees and hips and rest the feet one at a time on a foot rest when standing for long periods of time. AP should use an assistive device or another person to lift an object weighing more than 15.8 kg (35 lb)
A nurse is caring for a client who has acute renal failure. Which of the following assessments provides the most accurate measure of the client's fluid status? A. Daily weight B. Blood pressure C. Specific gravity D. Intake and output
Daily weight According to the evidence-based priority-setting framework, daily weight provides important information about the client's fluid status. A gain or loss of 1 kg (2.2 lb) indicates a gain or loss of 1 L of fluid; therefore, weighing the client daily will provide the most accurate fluid status measurement
A nurse is planning care for a young adult client who has a terminal illness. Which of the following concepts of death should the nurse consider for this client? A. Death is unacceptable under any circumstances. B. Magical thinking helps avoid thoughts of death. C. Death is viewed as an interruption of what might have been. D. Death is a natural consequence of a deteriorating body.
Death is viewed as an interruption of what might have been. Young adults tend to see a whole life ahead of them, so death is often seen as interrupting that life. Young adults do not typically welcome death at this time.
A nurse is teaching a middle-aged adult client about health promotion and disease prevention. The nurse should inform the client that which of the following changes could occur? A. Decreased estrogen and testosterone production B. Increased tone of the large intestines C. Increased percentage of the body's muscle mass D. Decreased incidence of chronic illnesses
Decreased estrogen and testosterone production Both estrogen and testosterone levels start to decrease in middle age.
A nurse is caring for a client who has terminal cancer. The client is proceeding with plans to build a new home. The nurse should identify that this behavior typically indicates which of the following stages of grief? A. Acceptance B. Bargaining C. Anger D. Denial
Denial During the denial stage of grief, a client is unable to accept the reality of the loss. A client who has a terminal disease has a limited amount of time, so building a house is unrealistic and denies reality.
A nurse is assessing a client who has a total calcium level of 12.7 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? A. Muscle tremors B. Positive Chvostek's sign C. Depressed deep-tendon reflexes D. Numbness around the mouth
Depressed deep-tendon reflexes A total calcium level of 12.7 mg/dL is above the expected reference range. Manifestations of hypercalcemia include depressed deep-tendon reflexes, nausea, vomiting, bone pain, lethargy, and weakness.
A nurse is preparing to administer medication to a client who has gout. The nurse discovers that an error was made during the previous shift in which the client received atenolol instead of allopurinol. Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority? A. Measure the client's apical pulse B. Administer the allopurinol to the client C. Inform the nurse manager D. Complete an incident report
Depressed deep-tendon reflexes A total calcium level of 12.7 mg/dL is above the expected reference range. Manifestations of hypercalcemia include depressed deep-tendon reflexes, nausea, vomiting, bone pain, lethargy, and weakness.
A nurse is caring for client who has terminal pancreatic cancer. When the client states, "It's devastating that I will not be here to see my child graduate," the nurse should identify that the client is in which of the following stages of grief as defined by Kubler-Ross? A. Anger B. Bargaining C. Depression D. Acceptance
Depression During the stage of depression, the client has realized the full impact of the loss or impending death and might express hopelessness and despair.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a BMI of 29 and expresses a desire to lose weight. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Refer the client to a nutritionist B. Discuss eating strategies with the client C. Determine the client's intention to change current eating habits D. Instruct the client to perform 30 min of vigorous exercise daily
Determine the client's intention to change current eating habits When using the nursing process, the nurse should first assess the client's readiness to commit to a change in behavior.
A nurse is assisting a client who is eating at mealtime. Suddenly, the client grabs her neck with both hands and appears frightened. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Place an oxygen mask on the client B. Check the client's pulse C. Determine whether the client is able to breathe D. Wrap arms around the client from behind
Determine whether the client is able to breathe Caring for this client requires the application of the nursing process priority-setting framework. The nurse can use the nursing process to plan client care and prioritize nursing actions. Each step of the nursing process builds on the previous step, beginning with an assessment or data collection. Before the nurse can formulate a plan of action, implement a nursing intervention, or notify a provider of a change in the client's status, the nurse must first collect adequate data from the client. Assessing or collecting additional data will provide the nurse with the knowledge needed to make an appropriate decision. This client is demonstrating a universal choking gesture. If the client is unable to move air in or out, severe airway obstruction is present. The client would need emergency interventions to clear a partial obstruction, as indicated by stridor or minimal airway passage. As long there is good air exchange and the client can cough and breathe spontaneously, the nurse should stay with the client and monitor her condition.
A nurse is caring for a client who is unstable and has vital signs measured every 15 minutes by an electronic blood pressure machine. The nurse notices the machine begins to measure the blood pressure at varied intervals, and the readings are inconsistent. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Turn on the machine every 15 min to measure the client's blood pressure. Record only the blood pressure readings needed for 15-min intervals. Obtain manual and automatic readings and compare them. Disconnect the machine and measure the blood pressure manually every 15 min.
Disconnect the machine and measure the blood pressure manually every 15 min. If the nurse questions the reliability of the monitoring equipment, a manual process should be used. Also, malfunctioning equipment can pose a safety risk for the client, so it must be tagged and removed.
A nurse is caring for a client who is unstable and has vital signs measured every 15 minutes by an electronic blood pressure machine. The nurse notices the machine begins to measure the blood pressure at varied intervals, and the readings are inconsistent. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Turn on the machine every 15 min to measure the client's blood pressure. B. Record only the blood pressure readings needed for 15-min intervals. C. Obtain manual and automatic readings and compare them. D. Disconnect the machine and measure the blood pressure manually every 15 min.
Disconnect the machine and measure the blood pressure manually every 15 min. If the nurse questions the reliability of the monitoring equipment, a manual process should be used. Also, malfunctioning equipment can pose a safety risk for the client, so it must be tagged and removed.
A nurse is caring for a client who is producing large amounts of urine. The nurse should document this finding as which of the following? A. Retention B. Oliguria C. Diuresis D. Dysuria
Diuresis Diuresis or polyuria is the excretion of a high volume of urine. This condition has many causes, including metabolic and hormonal imbalances and diuretic therapy for treating renal, cardiovascular, and pulmonary disorders.
A nurse is replacing the surgical dressings on a client who had abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Don clean gloves to remove the old dressing B. Loosen the dressing by pulling the tape away from the wound C. Remove the entire old dressing at once D. Open sterile supplies after applying sterile gloves
Don clean gloves to remove the old dressing The nurse should use standard precautions by applying clean gloves when faced with the possibility of coming into contact with secretions. Removing a soiled dressing is a procedure that requires wearing clean gloves. Sterile gloves are not necessary until the nurse applies the new sterile dressing.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. A dietary assistant asks the nurse what precautions are necessary for entering the client's room with the lunch tray. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give to the dietary assistant? A. Don a gown before entering the room and remove it before exiting. B. Wear a mask while in the client's room. C. Don gloves when entering the room and use hand sanitizer when exiting. D. Take no special precautions unless engaging in direct contact with the client.
Don gloves when entering the room and use hand sanitizer when exiting. Clients who have a MRSA infection require contact precautions. In addition to the use of standard precautions and meticulous hand hygiene, contact precautions require any staff member who will have contact with the client's environment to don gloves prior to entering the room. Additional precautions, such as a gown, are required for contact with the client; a mask and goggles are needed if secretions from the infected area could spray into the worker's face. Delivering the tray will require contact with the client's environment; therefore, the dietary assistant must wear gloves.
A nurse is assessing a client's pulses of the lower extremities. The nurse should identify which of the following as the location of the most distal pulse? A. Popliteal B. Posterior tibial C. Dorsalis pedis D. Femoral
Dorsalis pedis The nurse should identify that the dorsalis pedis pulse is located on the top of the foot, following the groove between the tendons of the great toe. It is best felt by moving the fingertip between the first and second toe and slowly moving up the dorsum of the foot. However, this pulse is congenitally absent in some clients.
A nurse is preparing to administer eye drops to a client following surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when instilling the eye drops? A. Drop the eye medication into the lower conjunctival sac B. Apply gentle pressure to the outer opening of the eye for 2 min C. Hold the eyedropper 0.5 cm (0.2 in) from the cornea D. Instruct the client to close the eyes tightly after administration
Drop the eye medication into the lower conjunctival sac The nurse should drop the eye medication in the lower conjunctival sac to avoid placing the drops on the cornea and causing damage.
While admitting a client to the medical unit, the nurse asks him if he has advanced directives. The client states, "I have a document with me that names someone who can make health care decisions for me if I am not able." The nurse should identify that the client is referring to which of the following documents? A. Informed consent form B. Living will document C. Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) directive D. Durable power of attorney document
Durable power of attorney document A durable power of attorney for health care document, or health care proxy, names a surrogate who can make health care decisions for the client if he is unable to do so.
A nurse is admitting a client who is experiencing an exacerbation of heart failure. At which of the following times should the nurse initiate discharge planning? A. During the admission process B. As soon as the client's condition is stable C. During the initial team conference D. On the day prior to discharge
During the admission process The nurse should initiate discharge planning as soon as the client is admitted to the facility. This is intended to ensure the continuity of care and meet the client's care needs. This process should include each member of the client's health care team.
A home health nurse is planning to provide health promotion activities for a group of clients in the community. Which of the following activities is an example of primary prevention? A. Teaching clients to perform self-examinations of breasts and testicles B. Educating clients about the recommended immunization schedule for adults C. Teaching clients who have type 1 diabetes mellitus about care of the feet D. Recommending that clients over the age of 50 have a fecal occult blood test annually
Educating clients about the recommended immunization schedule for adults Primary prevention includes health education about disease prevention.
A nurse is caring for a client who has protein malnutrition. Which of the following foods should the nurse identify as a source of complete protein? A. Eggs B. Cereal C. Peanut butter D. Pasta
Eggs Complete proteins contain all of the essential amino acids to support growth and homeostasis. Examples of complete proteins include eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, milk, yogurt, cheese, soybeans, and soybean products.
A nurse is caring for a client who has protein malnutrition. Which of the following foods should the nurse identify as a source of complete protein? A. Eggs B. Cereal C. Peanut butter D. Pasta
Eggs Complete proteins contain all of the essential amino acids to support growth and homeostasis. Examples of complete proteins include eggs, meat, poultry, seafood, milk, yogurt, cheese, soybeans, and soybean products. Peanut butter, Pasta, Cereal are incomplete protein
A nurse is preparing to administer a feeding via a gastrostomy tube to a client who had a stroke. Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to initiating the feeding? Warm the feeding in a microwave oven Elevate the head of the client's bed Flush the tube with 0.9% sodium chloride for irrigation Verify that the client's gastric pH is above 4
Elevate the head of the client's bed Clients who have a brain injury are typically unable to swallow effectively and thus cannot protect their airway from aspiration. Even though this route bypasses the nasopharynx, it is still possible for the client to cough or vomit enteral formula into the oral cavity. Consequently, the nurse should strive to prevent aspiration by elevating the head of the bed prior to initiating the feeding.
A nurse is preparing to administer a feeding via a gastrostomy tube to a client who had a stroke. Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to initiating the feeding? A. Warm the feeding in a microwave oven B. Elevate the head of the client's bed C. Flush the tube with 0.9% sodium chloride for irrigation D. Verify that the client's gastric pH is above 4
Elevate the head of the client's bed Clients who have a brain injury are typically unable to swallow effectively and thus cannot protect their airway from aspiration. Even though this route bypasses the nasopharynx, it is still possible for the client to cough or vomit enteral formula into the oral cavity. Consequently, the nurse should strive to prevent aspiration by elevating the head of the bed prior to initiating the feeding.
A nurse is caring for a client who has an NG tube for intermittent enteral feedings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Auscultate bowel sounds after each feeding B. Ensure the formula is cold before administering C. Elevate the head of the client's bed to 45° before the feeding D. Flush the tubing with 15 mL of water after the enteral feeding
Elevate the head of the client's bed to 45° before the feeding The nurse should elevate the client's head of bed between 30° and 45° to prevent aspiration.
A nurse is teaching an assistive personnel (AP) how to obtain a capillary finger-stick blood sample. Which of the following actions by the AP requires the nurse to intervene? A. Elevating the finger above heart level B. Rubbing the fingertip with an alcohol pad C. Puncturing the side of the fingertip D. Wrapping the finger in a warm cloth
Elevating the finger above heart level The nurse should intervene if the client elevates the finger above the level of the heart. Holding the finger below the level of the heart in a dependent position will help increase blood flow to the area and ensure an adequate specimen for collection.
A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory results and notes a WBC count of 3,600/mm^3. The nurse should identify this result as which of the following conditions? A. Leukoplakia B. Leukemia C. Leukocytosis D. Leukopenia
Leukopenia Leukopenia occurs when there is a decrease in the production of WBCs. This alteration places the client at an increased risk of infection.
A nurse is teaching an assistive personnel (AP) how to obtain a capillary finger- stick blood sample. Which of the following actions by the AP requires the nurse to intervene? A. Elevating the finger above heart level B. Rubbing the fingertip with an alcohol pad C. Puncturing the side of the fingertip D. Wrapping the finger in a warm cloth
Elevating the finger above heart level The nurse should intervene if the client elevates the finger above the level of the heart. Holding the finger below the level of the heart, in a dependent position; will help increase blood flow to the area and ensure an adequate specimen for collection.
A nurse is auscultating a client's lungs and identifies rhonchi over the trachea and bronchi. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Limit the client's fluid intake B. Assist the client into a supine position C. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min D. Encourage the client to cough
Encourage the client to cough Rhonchi are loud, low-pitched, rumbling sounds primarily detected over the trachea and bronchi. The nurse should encourage the client to cough because doing so often clears this adventitious sound.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness. The client asks several questions about the nurse's religious beliefs related to death and dying. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Change the topic because the client is trying to divert attention from the illness to the nurse. Encourage the client to express his thoughts about death and dying. Tell the client that religious beliefs are a personal matter. Offer to contact the client's minister or the facility's chaplain.
Encourage the client to express his thoughts about death and dying. The nurse should recognize the client's need to talk about impending death, and encourage the client to discuss his thoughts on the subject. This is the therapeutic technique of reflecting. Depending on the situation, the nurse can also share some thoughts on this topic. Self-disclosure is a communication skill that can help open lines of communication when appropriate. If the nurse does not want to share personal beliefs, the communication skills of offering self and listening to the client's thoughts are appropriate.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness. The client asks several questions about the nurse's religious beliefs related to death and dying. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Change the topic because the client is trying to divert attention from the illness B. Encourage the client to express thoughts about death and dying C. Tell the client that religious beliefs are a personal matter D. Offer to contact the client's minister or the facility's chaplain
Encourage the client to express thoughts about death and dying The nurse should recognize the client's need to talk about impending death and encourage the client to discuss thoughts on the subject. This is the therapeutic technique of reflecting. Depending on the situation, the nurse can also share some thoughts on this topic. Self-disclosure is a communication skill that can encourage sharing when appropriate. If the nurse does not want to share personal beliefs, offering self and listening to the client's thoughts are appropriate.
A nurse is working with the facility's language interpreter to explain a wound-care procedure to a client who does not speak the same language as the nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when describing the procedure to the client? A. Make eye contact with the interpreter. B. Break sentences into shorter segments to allow time for interpretation. C. Ensure the interpreter and the client speak the same dialect. D. Speak in a loud tone of voice.
Ensure the interpreter and the client speak the same dialect. To encourage effective communication and promote client understanding, the nurse should first ensure the interpreter and the client speak the same dialect.
A nurse is admitting a client who will undergo a craniotomy. During the planning phase of the nursing process, which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Establish client outcomes. B. Collect information about past health problems. C. Determine whether the client has met specific goals. D. Identify the client's specific health problems.
Establish client outcomes. The planning phase of the nursing process includes developing goals and outcomes that help the nurse create the client's plan of care.
A nurse is discussing fire safety with newly hired nurses. Which of the following actions is the priority if a fire occurs in the health care facility? A. Close the fire doors on the unit B. Use a fire extinguisher on the fire C. Pull the nearest fire alarm D. Evacuate clients from the unit
Evacuate clients from the unit The nurse should apply the safety and risk-reduction priority-setting framework, which assigns priority to the factor or situation posing the greatest safety risk to the client. When there are several risks to client safety, the one posing the greatest threat is the highest priority. The nurse should use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the ABC priority-setting framework, and/or nursing knowledge to identify which risk poses the greatest threat to the client. The greatest risk during a fire is injury to clients; therefore, the nurse's priority action is to evacuate clients from the unit. The nurse should follow the RACE protocol when responding to a fire: rescue, activate, confine, and extinguish.
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit observes smoke billowing from a client's room. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Close the door to the client's room. B. Evacuate the client from the room. C. Sound the fire alarm. D. Activate the fire extinguisher.
Evacuate the client from the room. The acronym RACE can help nurses remember the order of the actions to take in the event of a fire. The components of RACE are rescue, activate, confine, and extinguish. The first priority is rescuing or removing the client from immediate danger. The second action is activation of the fire alarm system. The third action is confining the fire by closing doors and windows. The final action is extinguishing the fire, if possible, using an available fire extinguisher. If attempts to extinguish a fire could compromise the safety of clients or staff members, the nurse should await the arrival of emergency fire personnel.
A nurse is called away for an emergency while conversing with a client who is concerned about his medical diagnosis. The nurse returns to the client promptly, as promised. Which of the following ethical principles is the nurse demonstrating? A. Autonomy B. Fidelity C. Nonmaleficence D. Justice
Fidelity The nurse is demonstrating the ethical principle of fidelity by keeping a promise that was made. autonomy involves ensuring the client has the right to make personal decisions nonmaleficence involves doing no harm justice involves treating everyone fairly
A nurse is admitting a client who has decreased circulation in his left leg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? Evaluate pedal pulses. Obtain a medical history. Measure vital signs. Assess for leg pain.
Evaluate pedal pulses. For a client who has decreased circulation in the leg, evaluating pedal pulses is critical in order to determine adequate blood supply to the foot. The nurse should apply the safety and risk reduction priority-setting framework. This framework assigns priority to the factor posing the greatest safety risk to the client. When there are several risks to client safety, the one posing the greatest threat is the highest priority. The nurse should use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the ABC priority-setting framework, or nursing knowledge to identify which risk poses the greatest threat to the client.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has an in-the-canal hearing aid. The client states that the hearing aid is making a whistling sound. The nurse should identify which of the following factors as the source for this sound? A. Low battery power B. Excessive wax in the ear canal C. A volume setting that is too low D. A crack in the ear tube
Excessive wax in the ear canal Factors that can make a hearing aid whistle include a poor seal with the ear mold, an ear infection, excessive wax in the ear canal, an improper fit, or a malfunction.
A nurse is performing eye irrigation for a client who was exposed to smoke and ash. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Hold the irrigator 1.25 cm (0.5 in) above the eye B. Direct the irrigation solution up toward the upper eyelid C. Exert pressure on the bony prominences when holding the eyelids open D. Direct the irrigation from the outer canthus to the inner canthus of the eye
Exert pressure on the bony prominences when holding the eyelids open The nurse should hold the upper lid against the eyebrow and the lower lid against the cheekbone when irrigating the eye.
A new resident provider asks the charge nurse for an access code to review clients' online records. The resident is not scheduled to attend the facility's orientation computer class until next week. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Explain that it is against policy to share access codes and refer the resident to his supervisor. B. Access the clients' online data and monitor the resident as he reads them. C. Access the online system and allow the resident to locate clients' data. D. Ask each client to give permission for the resident to access medical records.
Explain that it is against policy to share access codes and refer the resident to his supervisor. Staff members should never share access codes and passwords or allow people who do not have their own access code to use the system. Allowing unauthorized access is a breach of federal guidelines for data security and client confidentiality.
A nurse is preparing to insert an NG tube for a client who has a bowel obstruction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Give the client a glass of water B. Assist the client into a sitting position C. Explain the procedure to the client D. Measure the length of tubing to be inserted
Explain the procedure to the client The nurse should apply the least invasive priority-setting framework when caring for this client, which assigns priority to nursing interventions that are least invasive to the client, as long as those interventions do not jeopardize client safety. The nurse should take interventions that are not invasive to the client before interventions that are invasive. This reduces the number of organisms introduced into the body, decreasing the number of facility-acquired infections. Informing the client about the procedure reduces fear and assists in gaining the client's cooperation, which is important for NG tube insertion and is the priority nursing intervention.
A nurse is teaching a middle-aged female client about disease prevention and health maintenance. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse recommend as part of this client's routine health screening? A. Annual Papanicolaou (Pap) testing B. Mammogram every 2 years C. Eye examination every 2 years D. Annual colonoscopy
Eye examination every 2 years This is essential not only for monitoring vision but also for checking for glaucoma. The client should have annual eye examinations from the age of 65 onward.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a hearing impairment. Which of the following interventions should the nurse use when speaking with the client? A. Speak directly into the client's impaired ear B. Exaggerate lip movements C. Speak loudly D. Face the client when speaking
Face the client when speaking The nurse should directly face the client who has a hearing impairment and stand or sit at the same level to maximize communication. Many clients who are hearing-impaired combine lip reading with their residual hearing when communicating.
A nurse is communicating with a group of clients about what to expect during the postoperative phase of a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following elements of the communication process should the nurse identify as an evaluation of effective communication? A. The motivation for communication is evident. B. Feedback is provided. C. A message is communicated to the group of clients. D. Multiple channels are used by the sender.
Feedback is provided. Feedback in verbal and/or nonverbal forms is evidence of successful communication. Feedback can indicate to the nurse whether the meaning of the message was understood by the recipient.
A nurse is applying an ice bag to the ankle of a client following a sports injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Leave the bag in place for 45 min B. Fill the bag 2/3 full with ice C. Place the ice bag uncovered on the client's ankle D. Tell the client that numbness is expected when the ice bag is in place
Fill the bag 2/3 full with ice The nurse should fill the bag two-thirds full with ice, which allows the bag to be molded around the client's ankle.
A nurse is caring for a client who is having difficulty breathing. The nurse should assist the client into which of the following positions? A. Supine B. Lateral C. Fowler's D. Trendelenburg
Fowler's Sitting upright promotes full expansion of both lungs and facilitates ventilation and perfusion. side-lying position facilitates expansion of a single lung
A nurse is caring for a client who has the head of his bed elevated to a 45° angle with his knees slightly flexed. Which of the following positions should the nurse document for the client? A. Sims' B. Prone C. Supine D. Fowler's
Fowler's This describes Fowler's position. Although various definitions exist for Fowler's position, generally a low Fowler's position means 30° of elevation, semi Fowler's is 45° to 60°, and high Fowler's is 60° to 90° of elevation.
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following vascular surgery on the left femoral artery. The nurse should identify that the surgical wound should be cleansed in which of the following directions? A. From the middle of the thigh toward the wound B. From the left lower abdominal quadrant toward the wound C. From the left hip toward the wound D. From the wound toward the surrounding skin
From the wound toward the surrounding skin The nurse should cleanse a surgical wound from the least contaminated location (the inside of the wound) toward the most contaminated (the surrounding skin).
A nurse is performing a comprehensive physical assessment of a client. The nurse should use inspection to assess which of the following? A. Liver size B. Pedal edema C. Skin texture D. Gait
Gait Inspection is the technique of looking or observing. Gait inspection involves watching the client's walking movements and observing any unusual findings.
A nurse is providing teaching about food choices to a client who has a prescription for a clear liquid diet. Which of the following selections by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? A. Cream of rice B. Cottage cheese C. Gelatin D. Ice cream
Gelatin Foods allowed on a clear liquid diet are clear and liquid at room temperature.
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing an obstruction of the flow of the vitreous humor in the eye. This manifestation is consistent with which of the following eye disorders? A. Retinopathy B. Glaucoma C. Cataracts D. Macular degeneration
Glaucoma The nurse should identify that an obstruction of the flow of the vitreous humor of the eye is a manifestation of glaucoma. This obstruction leads to an increase in intraocular pressure, resulting in damage to the eye.
A nurse is removing personal protective equipment (PPE) after performing a procedure for a client who requires isolation precautions. Which of the following items of PPE should the nurse remove first? Gloves Gown Eyewear Mask
Gloves According to evidence-based practice, the nurse should first remove the gloves because they are the most contaminated piece of PPE. Next, the nurse should remove the goggles or face shield and then the gown. Finally, the nurse should remove the respirator or mask because it is the least contaminated piece of PPE.
A nurse is removing personal protective equipment (PPE) after performing a procedure for a client who requires isolation precautions. Which of the following items of PPE should the nurse remove first? A. Gloves B. Gown C. Eyewear D. Mask
Gloves According to evidence-based practice, the nurse should first remove the gloves because they are the most contaminated piece of PPE. Next, the nurse should remove the goggles or face shield and then the gown. Finally, the nurse should remove the respirator or mask because it is the least contaminated piece of PPE.
A nurse is reviewing a client's 24 hr dietary recall. The client reports eating a slice of toasted white bread with butter, a banana, a glass of milk, and a cup of coffee for breakfast; grilled chicken, a baked potato, and a glass of milk for lunch; an apple and cheddar cheese for a snack; and 2 servings of chicken, 2 cups of steamed broccoli, and a glass of milk for dinner. This client's diet is deficient in which of the following food groups? A. Dairy B. Vegetables C. Fruits D. Grains
Grains This client only consumed 1 serving of grains on the day of the 24-hour dietary recall. USDA dietary guidelines recommend 3 or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products per day. Additionally, the choice of white bread is low in fiber, which can lead to constipation and an increased risk of developing hyperlipidemia. The USDA guidelines recommend that at least half of the grains consumed should be whole grain.
A nurse is evaluating the development of a group of clients. According to Erikson, the developmental task of intimacy vs. isolation occurs during which of the following stages of development? A. Middle adulthood B. Adolescence C. Childhood D. Young adulthood
Young adulthood The developmental task of young adulthood is intimacy vs. isolation.
A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who reports diarrhea and decreased urination for 4 days. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to assess the client's skin turgor? A. Push on a fingernail bed until it blanches, release it, and observe how long it takes the skin to become pink B. Grasp a skin fold on the chest under the clavicle, release it, and note whether it springs back C. Press the skin above the ankle for 5 seconds, release it, and note the depth of the impression D. Measure the skinfold thickness on the upper arm using a pair of calibrated skinfold calipers
Grasp a skin fold on the chest under the clavicle, release it, and note whether it springs back The nurse should use this technique to assess skin turgor. If the client has good turgor and is properly hydrated, the skin will immediately return to normal; in dehydration, the skin will remain tented. The nurse can also assess turgor by grasping a skinfold on the back of the forearm.
A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who reports diarrhea and decreased urination for 4 days. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to assess the client's skin turgor? Push on a fingernail bed until it blanches, release it, and observe how long it takes the skin to become pink. Grasp a skin fold on the chest under the clavicle, release it, and note whether it springs back. Press the skin in above the ankle for 5 seconds, release it, and note the depth of the impression. Measure the skin fold thickness at the upper arm using a pair of calibrated skinfold calipers.
Grasp a skin fold on the chest under the clavicle, release it, and note whether it springs back. The nurse should use this technique for assessing skin turgor. If the client has good turgor and is properly hydrated, the skin will immediately return to normal; with dehydration, the skin will remain tented. The nurse can also assess turgor by grasping a skin fold on the back of the forearm.
A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is experiencing pain? A. Diarrhea B. Pupillary constriction C. Flushing D. Grimacing
Grimacing Besides the client's self-report of pain, facial expressions such as grimacing, clenching the jaw, and lip biting can be indications of pain.
A nurse is changing the dressings for a client recovering from an appendectomy following a ruptured appendix. The client's surgical wound is healing by secondary intention. Which of the following observations should the nurse report to the provider? A. Tenderness when touched B. Pink, shiny tissue with a granular appearance C. Serosanguineous drainage D. Halo of erythema on the surrounding skin
Halo of erythema on the surrounding skin The nurse should report to the provider when the client has a ring of erythema (redness) on the surrounding skin, which might indicate underlying infection. This and any other manifestation of infection (e.g. purulent drainage, swelling, warmth, or a strong odor) should be reported to the provider.
A nurse is teaching a client how to self-administer insulin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to evaluate the client's understanding of the process within the psychomotor domain of learning? Ask the client if he wants to self-administer his insulin Have the client list the steps of the procedure Have the client demonstrates the procedure Ask the client if he understands the purpose of insulin
Have the client demonstrates the procedure Having the client demonstrate the procedure provides the nurse the ability to evaluate the client's understanding within the psychomotor domain of learning.
A nurse is teaching a client how to self-administer insulin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to evaluate the client's understanding of the process within the psychomotor domain of learning? A. Ask the client if he wants to self-administer his insulin B. Have the client list the steps of the procedure C. Have the client demonstrates the procedure D. Ask the client if he understands the purpose of insulin
Have the client demonstrates the procedure Having the client demonstrate the procedure provides the nurse the ability to evaluate the client's understanding within the psychomotor domain of learning.
A nurse is caring for a client with dehydration who has developed hypovolemic shock. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse expect for this client? A. BUN 18 mg/dL B. Capillary refill 1.5 sec C. Hct 55% D. Urine specific gravity 1.001
Hct 55% An elevated hematocrit indicates hypovolemia. Other indications of hypovolemia are a weak pulse, tachycardia, hypotension, tachypnea, slow capillary refill, elevated BUN, increased urine specific gravity, and decreased urine output.
A nurse in a same-day procedure unit is caring for several clients who are undergoing different types of procedures. The nurse should anticipate that the client who has which of the following devices can safely undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? A. Coronary artery stents B. Aneurysm clip C. Hearing aids D. Automated internal defibrillator
Hearing aids A client who has hearing aids can undergo MRI because the hearing aids can be removed. The powerful magnetic field of the MRI system could damage the hearing aids, so they should be removed prior to the client undergoing MRI.
A nurse is teaching a client about lifestyle changes to manage a chronic illness. Which of the following strategies should the nurse use first to help the client make a commitment to these lifestyle changes? A. Identify the risks of nonadherence B. Schedule learning sessions to demonstrate the psychomotor skills the client will need C. Provide clearly written and easy-to-understand materials D. Help the client identify ways that these changes will result in positive personal outcomes
Help the client identify ways that these changes will result in positive personal outcomes According to evidence-based practice, the motivation to change must precede taking steps to make the change. Therefore, helping clients identify ways that the changes will promote positive outcomes should precede other educational strategies for making the changes. The client should first see how the changes directly affect his/her life, thus enhancing the motivation to make the changes.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a blood transfusion. The client reports flank pain, and the nurse notes reddish-brown urine in the client's urinary catheter bag. The nurse recognizes these manifestations as which of the following types of transfusion reactions? A. Hemolytic B. Febrile C. Circulatory overload D. Sepsis
Hemolytic A hemolytic reaction occurs when the client's blood is incompatible with the donor's blood. Chills, low back pain, hypotension, and tachycardia are indications of a hemolytic transfusion reaction.
A nurse is teaching a client who is recovering from gallbladder surgery how to use an incentive spirometer. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include in the teaching? A. Exhale slowly to reach the goal volume B. Hold the breath for 5 sec after goal volume is reached C. Continue to breathe deeply between each cycle D. Limit the repeat pattern of breathing to 5 breaths
Hold the breath for 5 sec after goal volume is reached The nurse should instruct the client to hold the breath for 3 to 5 seconds after reaching maximal inspiratory volume. This decreases the collapse of alveoli, which helps prevent the risk of atelectasis and pneumonia. instruct the client to hold the breath for 3 to 5 seconds after reaching maximal inspiratory volume. This decreases the collapse of alveoli, which helps prevent the risk of atelectasis and pneumonia. instruct the client to breathe normally for short periods of time between each cycle of breaths to reduce hyperventilation and fatigue. instruct the client to repeat the patterns for 10 to 20 breaths every hour while awake to prevent atelectasis and pneumonia.
A nurse is preparing to administer an otic antibiotic to an adult client who has otitis media. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? A. Hold the dropper 1 cm (0.5 in) above the ear canal during administration B. Apply pressure to the nasolacrimal duct following administration C. Place a cotton ball into the inner ear canal for 30 minutes following administration D. Straighten the ear canal by pulling the auricle down and back prior to administration
Hold the dropper 1 cm (0.5 in) above the ear canal during administration The nurse should administer the otic medication by holding the dropper 1 cm (0.5 in) above the ear canal.
A nurse is changing the bed linens for a client who is on bed rest. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform? A. Place the soiled linens on the chair while making the bed B. Hold the linens away from the body and clothing C. Place the linens on the floor until a linen bag is available D. Shake the clean linens to unfold
Hold the linens away from the body and clothing The nurse should hold the linens away from the body and clothing to prevent soiling or the transfer of microorganisms. The microorganisms present on the nurse's clothing can expose other clients to microorganisms.
A nurse is preparing a sterile field for a procedure the provider will perform at the client's bedside. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Hold the sterile drape above the waist and away from the body B. Drop sterile objects toward the edges of the sterile field C. Hold packaged supplies 7.6 cm (3 in) above the sterile field D. Hold sterile objects over the field before setting them down on the field
Hold the sterile drape above the waist and away from the body Contamination occurs when the nurse holds any object that will be part of the sterile field below the waist or allows it to touch anything other than a sterile object.
A nurse is caring for a client who requires a chest X-ray. Prior to the client being transported for the procedure, which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Explain the X-ray procedure to the client. B. Help the client into a wheelchair before the transporter arrives. C. Ask if the client has any questions. D. Identify the client using 2 identifiers.
Identify the client using 2 identifiers. The nurse should apply the safety and risk-reduction priority-setting framework, which assigns priority to the factor or situation posing the greatest safety risk to the client. When there are several risks to client safety, the one posing the greatest threat is the highest priority. The nurse should use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the ABC priority-setting framework, and/or nursing knowledge to identify which risk poses the greatest threat to the client. Once the client's identity is determined, the nurse can proceed with the other options. This action is the priority because it provides for the safety of the client. The nurse must be certain that each client receives only what has been prescribed. Hence, the nurse must assure that the correct client is being transported for a chest X-ray.
A nurse is caring for a client who requires a chest x-ray. Prior to the client being transported for the procedure, which of the following actions should the nurse take first? Explain the x-ray procedure to the client. Help the client into a wheelchair before the transporter arrives. Ask if the client has any questions. Identify the client using two identifiers.
Identify the client using two identifiers. The nurse should apply the safety and risk reduction priority-setting framework. This framework assigns priority to the factor or situation posing the greatest safety risk to the client. When there are several risks to client safety, the one posing the greatest threat is the highest priority. The nurse should use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the ABC priority-setting framework, or nursing knowledge to identify which risk poses the greatest threat to the client. Once the client's identity is determined, the nurse can then proceed with the other options. This action is the priority action because it provides for the safety of the client. It is a nursing responsibility to be certain that each client receives only what has been prescribed. The nurse must assure that the correct client is being transported for a chest x-ray.
A nurse is caring for a client who is 48 hr postoperative following a small bowel resection. The client reports gas pains in the periumbilical area. The nurse should plan care based on which of the following factors contributing to this postoperative complication? A. Blood loss B. NPO status after surgery C. Nasogastric tube suctioning D. Impaired peristalsis of the intestines bag
Impaired peristalsis of the intestines Normal bowel function is delayed for up to several days following a bowel resection. When peristalsis is absent or sluggish, intestinal gas builds up, producing pain and abdominal distention. The nurse should plan to help the client ambulate to promote peristalsis.
A nurse is caring for a toddler at a well-child visit when the mother calls, "Help! My baby is choking on his food." Which of the following findings indicates the toddler has an airway obstruction? A. Flushing of the skin B. Inability to cry or speak C. Presence of nausea and mild emesis D. Capillary refill time of 1.5 sec
Inability to cry or speak When the client has no sound passing through the vocal cords, a complete airway obstruction is evident. The nurse should use the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge whatever is obstructing the trachea.
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing stress and anxiety regarding a recent diagnosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? A. Increased blood pressure B. Decreased blood glucose level C. Decreased oxygen use D. Increased gastrointestinal motility
Increased blood pressure The nurse should expect a client who is experiencing stress and anxiety to manifest an increase in blood pressure and heart rate as a result of sympathetic stimulation.
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing stress following a near fall out of bed. Which of the following physiological responses should the nurse expect due to the fight-or-flight response? A. Decreased respiratory rate B. Pinpoint pupils C. Increased blood pressure D. Bronchiolar construction
Increased blood pressure The nurse should expect a client who is experiencing the fight-or-flight response to manifest an increase in arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output due to arousal of the central nervous system.
A nurse is assessing a client who reports nausea and vomiting for 2 days. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit? A. Decreased urine specific gravity B. Increased heart rate C. Decreased hematocrit D. Increased skin turgor
Increased heart rate An increased heart rate should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit. Other findings can include an increased BUN level, dry mucous membranes, and dark yellow urine.
A nurse is teaching a group of young adults. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected developmental task for this age group? Independent moral development Acceptance of body changes Strengthening ties with the family of origin Development of concrete reasoning
Independent moral development According to Kohlberg's theory of moral development, making individual decisions about moral issues is a function of the highest level of moral development, the post-conventional level. Young adults who have reached this level separate themselves from the rules and tenets of others and make their own decisions according to personal beliefs and principles.
A nurse is teaching a group of young adults. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected developmental task for this age group? A. Independent moral development B. Acceptance of body changes C. Strengthening ties with the family of origin D. Development of concrete reasoning
Independent moral development According to Kohlberg's theory of moral development, making individual decisions about moral issues is a function of the highest level of moral development, the post-conventional level. Young adults who have reached this level separate themselves from the rules and tenets of others and make their own decisions according to personal beliefs and principles.
A nurse is administering a cleansing enema to a client who is scheduled for a diagnostic procedure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Lubricate up to 3.2 cm (1.25 in) of the tip of the rectal tube B. Position the client on the right side C. Insert the tip of the tubing 8 cm (3.1 in) D. Hold the enema container 61 cm (24 in) above the rectum
Insert the tip of the tubing 8 cm (3.1 in) The nurse should insert the tip of the tubing 7 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) along the rectal wall to prevent dislodging of the tube during the procedure and avoid injury to the rectal mucosa.
A nurse is performing a breast examination for a female client. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use first? A. Inspect both breasts simultaneously B. Squeeze the nipples C. Palpate the breast and tail of Spence D. Palpate the axillary lymph nodes
Inspect both breasts simultaneously According to evidence-based practice, the nurse should first inspect both breasts with the client's arms in several different positions to look for asymmetry, masses, retraction, lesions, inflammation, and dimpling.
A nurse is planning to assess the abdomen of a client who reports feeling bloated for several weeks. Which of the following methods of assessment should the nurse use first? A. Inspection B. Auscultation C. Percussion D. Palpation
Inspection According to evidence-based practice, the nurse should inspect the abdomen first by observing the contour of the abdomen, the condition of the skin, and the position of the umbilicus. Findings from this step of assessment are used by the nurse in the subsequent steps.
A client who has glaucoma of the right eye self-administers timolol eye drops by looking at the ceiling, instilling a drop onto the center of the conjunctival sac, and applying gentle pressure to the lower lid with a facial tissue. After observing this process, which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Confirm that the client performed the procedure correctly. B. Instruct the client to look at the floor while instilling the eye drop. C. Remind the client to avoid using a facial tissue after instillation. D. Instruct the client to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye after instillation.
Instruct the client to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye after instillation. The client should apply gentle pressure over the nasolacrimal duct to prevent the medication from flowing into the nasal passages where systemic absorption could result.
A nurse in the emergency department is caring for an inmate who has a laceration and is bleeding. The client was brought to the facility by a guard who asks the nurse about the client's HIV infection status. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Inform the guard that the warden must request this information B. Ask the guard to sign a release of information form C. Instruct the guard to ask the inmate D. Complete an incident report
Instruct the guard to ask the inmate The nurse is not able to supply this information to the guard. In order for the guard to obtain this information, the client must offer the information freely. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the guard to ask the client for this information.
A nurse is teaching a group of unit nurses about the experiences of clients who are having surgery. In which phase of care is the client transferred to the surgical suite table before being transferred to the PACU? A. Preoperative B. Postoperative C. Intraoperative D. Admission
Intraoperative Intraoperative care begins when the client is transferred to the surgical suite table and ends when the client is admitted to the PACU.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a temperature of 38.7°C (101.7°F). Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Apply an alcohol-water solution to the client's skin B. Keep the client's bed linens dry C. Apply ice packs to the groin D. Limit the client's fluid intake to 1183 mL (40 oz) of fluid per day
Keep the client's bed linens dry The nurse should maximize the client's heat loss by keeping the client's clothes and bed linens dry. The nurse should also reduce external coverings on the client's bed without causing shivering.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a temperature of 38.7°C(101.7°F). Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Apply an alcohol-water solution to the client's skin B. Keep the client's bed linens dry C. Apply ice packs to the groin D. Limit the client's fluid intake to 1183 mL (40 oz) of fluid per day
Keep the client's bed linens dry The nurse should maximize the client's heat loss by keeping the client's clothes and bed linens dry. The nurse should also reduce external coverings on the client's bed without causing shivering. Incorrect Answers:
A nurse is cleaning a client's wound by swabbing from the area of least contamination to an area of greater contamination. Which of the following rationales should the nurse identify for using this technique? A. Preventing the transfer of microorganisms to the nurse B. Keeping microorganisms from entering the wound C. Applying minimal pressure to the wound D. Keeping excess moisture from entering the wound
Keeping microorganisms from entering the wound Starting at the area of least contamination and working toward the area of greatest contamination prevents the spread of microorganisms within the wound.
A nurse is planning an in-service training session about various dietary practices. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include in the teaching? A. Ovo-vegetarian diets exclude eggs. B. Kosher diets have restrictions regarding how the food must be prepared. C. Macrobiotic diets are plant-based and exclude all animals and seafood. D. Flexitarian diets exclude the consumption of dairy products.
Kosher diets have restrictions regarding how the food must be prepared. Kosher diets are guided by a set of laws regarding the processing, preparation, and eating of food.
A nurse is presenting an in-service training session about nutrition. Which of the following simple sugars should the nurse identify as the carbohydrate found in milk? A. Lactose B. Sucrose C. Maltose D. Fructose
Lactose The nurse should identify that lactose is a form of sugar that is found in milk.
The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. To minimize the effects of the disorder, the nurse teaches the client about foods that are high in thiamine. The nurse determines that the client has the best understanding of the dietary measures to follow if the client states an intention to increase the intake of which food? Milk Chicken Broccoli Legumes
Legumes The client with cirrhosis needs to consume foods high in thiamine. Thiamine is present in a variety of foods of plant and animal origin. Legumes are especially rich in this vitamin. Other good food sources include nuts, whole-grain cereals, and pork. Milk contains vitamins A, D, and B2. Poultry contains niacin. Broccoli contains vitamins C, E, and K and folic acid.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client regarding protein intake. Which of the following foods should the nurse include as an example of an incomplete protein? A. Eggs B. Soybeans C. Lentils D. Yogurt
Lentils Incomplete proteins are missing 1 or more of the essential amino acids necessary for the synthesis of protein in the body. Examples of incomplete proteins include lentils, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds.
A nurse in a provider's office is collecting information from an older adult client who reports taking acetaminophen 500 mg/day for severe joint pain. The nurse should instruct the client that large doses of acetaminophen could cause which of the following adverse effects? A. Constipation B. Gastric ulcers C. Respiratory depression D. Liver damage
Liver damage Acetaminophen in large doses can be toxic to the liver. Daily intake should be limited to less than 3 to 4 grams per day for healthy individuals and 2.4 grams per day for older adults and those with a history of liver impairment. Constipation & Respiratory depression is an adverse effect of opioid analgesics. Gastric ulcers are an adverse effect of aspirin and other nonselective NSAIDs.
A nurse is receiving a client from the PACU who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform to transfer the client from the stretcher to the bed? Lock the wheels on the bed and stretcher. Instruct the client to raise his arms above his head. Elevate the stretcher 2.5 cm (1 in) above the height of the bed. Log-roll the client.
Lock the wheels on the bed and stretcher. Locking the wheels prevents the client from falling on the floor by not allowing the cart or bed to move apart or away from the client.
A nurse is receiving a client from the PACU who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to transfer the client from the stretcher to the bed? Lock the wheels on the bed and stretcher. Instruct the client to raise his arms above his head. Elevate the stretcher 2.5 cm (1 in) above the height of the bed. Log roll the client.
Lock the wheels on the bed and stretcher. Locking the wheels prevents the client from falling to the floor by not allowing the cart or bed to move apart or away from the client.
A nurse in a rehabilitation facility is observing an assistive personnel (AP) help a client transfer from a bed to a wheelchair. Which of the following actions indicates to the nurse that the AP understands how to perform this task? A. Locking the brakes on the bed and the wheelchair before moving the client B. Lowering the footplates of the wheelchair before the transfer C. Placing the wheelchair perpendicular to the bed D. Placing the wheelchair on the client's weaker side prior to the transfer
Locking the brakes on the bed and the wheelchair before moving the client Prior to starting the transfer, the AP should make sure that both the wheelchair and the bed are stationary and will not shift when the client moves into the chair.
A nurse is caring for a client who starts to experience a seizure while sitting in a chair. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Place a padded tongue blade in the client's mouth B. Lower the client to the floor and place a pad under the client's head C. Seek the help of a coworker and lift the client back into bed D. Use an oropharyngeal airway to keep the upper airway passages open
Lower the client to the floor and place a pad under the client's head To reduce the risk of injury to the client, the nurse should lower the client to the floor and place a pillow or another soft object under the client's head.
A nurse is performing a physical examination of a client. The nurse should use percussion to evaluate which of the following parts of the client's body? A. Heart B. Lungs C. Thyroid gland D. Skin
Lungs Percussion creates a vibration that helps the examiner determine the density of the underlying tissue. The lungs are hollow organs that can produce sounds such as resonance (a hollow sound over alveoli) or dullness (a dull sound over consolidated areas of the lungs or diaphragm). The nurse also uses auscultation and palpation when evaluating the lungs.
The nurse is planning to teach a client with malabsorption syndrome about the necessity of following a low-fat diet. The nurse develops a list of high-fat foods to avoid and should include which food items on the list? Select all that apply. Oranges Broccoli Margarine Cream cheese Luncheon meats Broiled haddock
Margarine Cream cheese Luncheon meats Fruits and vegetables tend to be lower in fat because they do not come from animal sources. Broiled haddock is also naturally lower in fat. Margarine, cream cheese, and luncheon meats are high-fat foods.
A nurse is measuring a client's vital signs. The client's resting radial pulse rate is 55/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next? A. Document the finding B. Measure the client's apical pulse rate C. Talk with the client about factors that can affect the pulse rate D. Notify the provider about the client's radial pulse rate
Measure the client's apical pulse rate The first action the nurse should take using the nursing process is to assess or collect data from the client. This pulse rate is below the expected reference range for an adult. The nurse and a coworker should measure the apical and radial pulse rates simultaneously to determine if there is a pulse deficit. If the client's radial pulse rate is lower than the apical rate, the client might have a cardiovascular disorder.
A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who has deep, rapid respirations. Arterial blood gas analysis includes the following values: pH 7.25, PaCO2 40, and HCO3- 18. Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse identify and report to the provider? A. Respiratory alkalosis B. Metabolic alkalosis C. Respiratory acidosis D. Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic acidosis A pH of 7.25 indicates acidosis. If the cause is respiratory, pH and PaCO2 values will deviate in opposite directions. Since the PaCO2 is within the expected reference range, despite the low pH, the cause must be metabolic. Therefore, the nurse should report to the provider that the client has metabolic acidosis.
A nurse is caring for a client who had a stroke and is at risk for of fallings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Assign the client to a private room Keep 4 side rails up while the client is in bed Monitor the client at least once every hour Request a PRN prescription for restraints
Monitor the client at least once every hour The nurse should monitor the client frequently as a means of reducing the client's fall risk. Other measures can include keeping the client's bed in a low position, creating elimination schedules, and using a gait belt when the client is ambulating.
A nurse is caring for a client who had a stroke and is at risk of falling. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Assign the client to a private room B. Keep 4 side rails up while the client is in bed C. Monitor the client at least once every hour D. Request a PRN prescription for restraints
Monitor the client at least once every hour The nurse should monitor the client frequently as a means of reducing the client's fall risk. Other measures can include keeping the client's bed in a low position, creating elimination schedules, and using a gait belt when the client is ambulating.
A nurse is changing the dressings for a client who has 2 Penrose drains near an abdominal incision. Which of the following adhering devices is the best choice for the nurse to use to decrease skin irritation? A. Abdominal binder B. Montgomery straps C. Hypoallergenic tape D. Plastic tape
Montgomery straps The nurse should apply the least-restrictive priority-setting framework, which assigns priority to nursing interventions that are the least restrictive to the client, as long as those interventions do not jeopardize client safety. Least-restrictive interventions promote client safety without using restraints. The nurse should only use physical or chemical restraints when the safety of the client, staff members, or others is at risk. The nurse should plan to use Montgomery straps to minimize irritation of the skin near the incisional area. Montgomery straps are adhesive strips applied to the skin on either side of the surgical wound. The adhesive strips have holes for using gauze to tie the dressing securely. When the dressing is changed, the ties are released, the dressing is replaced, and the ties are secured again without removing the adhesive strips.
A nurse is using the Braden scale to predict the pressure ulcer risk of a client in a long-term care facility. Using this scale, which of the following parameters should the nurse evaluate? A. Incontinence B. Mental state C. Nutrition D. General physical condition
Nutrition Nutrition, sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, and friction and shear are the parameters on the Braden scale for determining a client's risk of developing pressure ulcers.
A nurse in a long-term care facility is in the dining room while residents are eating lunch. One resident begins to choke and is coughing strongly. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Assist the client to the floor B. Perform an abdominal thrust C. Open the airway with a head-chin tilt D. Observe the client closely
Observe the client closely The nurse should observe the client closely at this point in time. As long as the client is able to cough strongly, the nurse does not need to intervene.
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse prioritize when using the nursing process? A. Identify goals for client care B. Obtain client information C. Document nursing care needs D. Evaluate the effectiveness of care
Obtain client information The nursing process is based on the scientific process. The first step in the scientific process is collecting data. Therefore, the first step in the nursing process is assessing and obtaining information about the client.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a dysrhythmia. Which of the following techniques should the nurse to use to assess for a pulse deficit? A. Obtain the apical and radial rates simultaneously B. Check the blood pressure in the left and right arms C. Compare the pulse strength in the upper extremities D. Palpate the pulses in the lower extremities
Obtain the apical and radial rates simultaneously To assess for a pulse deficit, the nurse and a second person assess the client's radial and apical pulses simultaneously and the compare both rates. To calculate the pulse deficit, the nurse should subtract the difference between the apical and radial pulse rates.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who does not speak the same language as the nurse. The client's neighbor, who speaks both the client's native language and the nurse's, arrives to drive the client home. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Ask the client's neighbor to call a family member to interpret. Ask the client's neighbor to translate the information. Obtain the services of an interpreter. Document the inability to provide discharge instructions.
Obtain the services of an interpreter. Federal mandates require that a professional medical interpreter translate the client's health care information into the client's native language.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who does not speak the same language as the nurse. The client's neighbor, who speaks both the client's native language and the nurse's, arrives to drive the client home. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Ask the client's neighbor to call a family member to interpret. B. Ask the client's neighbor to translate the information. C. Obtain the services of an interpreter. D. Document the inability to provide discharge instructions.
Obtain the services of an interpreter. Federal mandates require that a professional medical interpreter translate the client's health care information into the client's native language.
A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse perform tracheostomy care for a client. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention? Obtaining hydrogen peroxide for the tracheostomy care Obtaining cotton balls for the tracheostomy care Obtaining sterile gloves for the tracheostomy care Obtaining a sterile brush for the tracheostomy care
Obtaining cotton balls for the tracheostomy care Cotton ball particles can be aspirated into the tracheostomy opening, possibly causing a tracheal abscess. The charge nurse should intervene for this action.
A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse perform tracheostomy care for a client. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention? A. Obtaining hydrogen peroxide for tracheostomy care B. Obtaining cotton balls for tracheostomy care C. Obtaining sterile gloves for tracheostomy care D. Obtaining a sterile brush for tracheostomy care
Obtaining cotton balls for tracheostomy care Cotton ball particles can be aspirated into the tracheostomy opening, possibly causing a tracheal abscess. The charge nurse should intervene for this action.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has dysphagia following a cerebrovascular accident. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when assisting the client at mealtime? A. Encourage the client to drink fluids before swallowing food B. Offer the client tart or sour foods first C. Tilt the client's head backward when swallowing D. Turn on the television
Offer the client tart or sour foods first A client who has impaired pharyngeal swallowing should consume tart and sour foods at the beginning of the meal to stimulate saliva production, which aids chewing and swallowing.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a fecal impaction. Before the digital removal of the mass, which of the following types of enemas should the nurse plan to administer to soften the feces? Carminative Hypertonic Oil retention Sodium polystyrene sulfate
Oil retention The nurse should administer an oil retention enema prior to the removal of a fecal impaction to soften the stool. This makes the procedure less painful for the client.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a fecal impaction. Before the digital removal of the mass, which of the following types of enemas should the nurse plan to administer to soften the feces? A. Carminative B. Hypertonic C. Oil retention D. Sodium polystyrene sulfate
Oil retention The nurse should administer an oil retention enema prior to the removal of a fecal impaction to soften the stool. This makes the procedure less painful for the client.
A client is recovering from abdominal surgery and has a large abdominal wound. The nurse should encourage the client to eat which food item that is naturally high in vitamin C to promote wound healing? Milk Oranges Bananas Chicken
Oranges Citrus fruits and juices are especially high in vitamin C. Bananas are high in potassium. Meats and dairy products are two food groups that are high in the B vitamins
A nurse in a provider's office is measuring a client and notes a loss in height from the previous year. The nurse should identify this finding as a manifestation of which of the following musculoskeletal system disorders? A. Osteoporosis B. Scoliosis C. Kyphosis D. Lordosis
Osteoporosis A loss of height is often an early indication of osteoporosis. This occurs due to loss of calcium in the vertebrae, which can cause them to fracture and collapse. Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curve of the spine Kyphosis is an exaggerated posterior curvature of the thoracic spine ( hunchback). Lordosis is an exaggerated lumbar curvature ( swayback).
A nurse is initiating seizure precautions for a client who has a seizure disorder. Which of the following pieces of equipment should the nurse have readily available at the client's bedside? A. Vest restraint B. Tongue blade C. Oxygen equipment D. Neck brace
Oxygen equipment The nurse should have oxygen equipment at the bedside of a client who is on seizure precautions. The nurse should be able to apply oxygen via mask or nasal cannula to a client who experiences a seizure.
A nurse is collecting health history data from a client who is deaf and uses American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate. The nurse will be working with an ASL interpreter. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when working with the interpreter? A. Face away from the client to avoid distraction. B. Pace speech to allow time for the interpreter to convey the words. C. Make eye contact with the interpreter when explaining the procedure. D. Stand in the background while the interpreter translates the message.
Pace speech to allow time for the interpreter to convey the words. The nurse should speak clearly and allow time for the interpreter to convey the message and for the client to receive it.
The nurse is reviewing laboratory results and notes that a client's serum sodium level is 150 mEq/L (150 mmol/L). The nurse reports the serum sodium level to the primary health care provider (PHCP), and the PHCP prescribes dietary instructions based on the sodium level. Which acceptable food items does the nurse instruct the client to consume? Select all that apply. Peas Nuts Cheese Cauliflower Processed oat cereals
Peas Nuts Cauliflower The normal serum sodium level is 135 to 145 mEq/L (135 to 145 mmol/L). A serum sodium level of 150 mEq/L (150 mmol/L) indicates hypernatremia. On the basis of this finding, the nurse would instruct the client to avoid foods high in sodium. Peas, nuts, and cauliflower are good food sources of phosphorus and are not high in sodium (unless they are canned or labeled salted). Peas and cauliflower are also a good source of magnesium. Processed foods such as cheese and processed oat cereals are high in sodium content
A hospice nurse is reviewing religious practices of a group of clients with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching? A. People who practice the Islamic faith pray over the deceased for a period of 5 days before burial. B. People who practice the Hindu faith bury the deceased with their head facing north. C. People who practice Judaism stay with the body of the deceased until burial. D. People who are practicing the Buddhist faith have the female family members prepare the body following death.
People who practice Judaism stay with the body of the deceased until burial. In the Jewish faith, a family member often stays with the body until burial occurs.
A nurse is performing a physical assessment of a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to assess the client's tissue perfusion? A. Perform a Romberg test B. Check nails for Beau's lines C. Palpate for respiratory excursion D. Perform a blanch test
Perform a blanch test The blanch test is used to check capillary refill, which is an indicator of peripheral circulation and tissue perfusion Romberg test is used to assess a client's balance and gross motor function Beau's lines are depressions in the nail from temporary disturbance of nail growth caused by systemic illness or injury Respiratory excursion is palpated to determine thoracic expansion and depth of breathing
A nurse is preparing to provide tracheostomy care for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse perform first? A. Open all sterile supplies and solutions. B. Stabilize the tracheostomy tube. C. Put on sterile gloves. D. Perform hand hygiene.
Perform hand hygiene. According to evidence-based practice, the nurse should first perform hand hygiene before touching the client or performing any skills, such as tracheostomy care. This is vital because contamination of the nurse's hands is a primary source of infection.
A nurse is preparing to provide tracheostomy care for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? Open all sterile supplies and solutions. Stabilize the tracheostomy tube. Don sterile gloves. Perform hand hygiene.
Perform hand hygiene. According to evidence-based practice, the nurse should first perform hand hygiene before touching the client or performing any skills, such as tracheostomy care. This is vital because contamination of the nurse's hands is a primary source of infection.
A nurse is assessing the heart sounds of a client who has developed chest pain that becomes worse with inspiration. The nurse auscultates a high-pitched scratching sound during both systole and diastole with the diaphragm of the stethoscope positioned at the left sternal border. Which of the following heart sounds should the nurse document? Audible click Murmur Third heart sound Pericardial friction rub
Pericardial friction rub A pericardial friction rub has a high-pitched scratching, grating, or squeaking leathery sound heard best with the diaphragm of the stethoscope at the left sternal border. A pericardial friction rub is a manifestation of pericardial inflammation and can be heard with infective pericarditis with myocardial infarction, following cardiac surgery or trauma, and with some autoimmune problems, such as rheumatic fever. The client who develops pericarditis typically has chest pain which becomes worse with inspiration or coughing and which may be relieved by sitting up and leaning forward.
A nurse is assessing the heart sounds of a client who has developed chest pain that worsens with inspiration. The nurse auscultates a high-pitched scratching sound during both systole and diastole with the diaphragm of the stethoscope positioned at the left sternal border. Which of the following heart sounds should the nurse document? A. Audible click B. Murmur C. Third heart sound D. Pericardial friction rub
Pericardial friction rub A pericardial friction rub has a high-pitched scratching, grating, or squeaking leathery sound that is heard best with the diaphragm of the stethoscope at the left sternal border. A pericardial friction rub is a manifestation of pericardial inflammation and can be heard with infective pericarditis with myocardial infarction, following cardiac surgery or trauma, and with some autoimmune problems like rheumatic fever. A client who develops pericarditis typically has chest pain that becomes worse with inspiration or coughing and may be relieved by sitting up and leaning forward.
A nurse is employing a thorough, systematic method while obtaining objective data about a client. Through which of the following methods should the nurse collect this information? A. Health history B. Physical examination C. Review of systems D. Interview
Physical examination Physical findings are objective, and the nurse should collect this information in a systematic way.
A nurse is preparing to remove an NG tube for a client who had a partial colectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Maintain suction while removing the NG tube B. Instill 100 mL of air into the NG tube before removal C. Pinch the NG tube while removing the tube D. Instruct the client to breathe in and out during the removal of the NG tube
Pinch the NG tube while removing the tube The nurse should pinch the NG tube while removing the tube to decrease the risk of aspiration of any gastric contents.
A nurse is leading an education session about disposing of biohazardous materials. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? A. Use isopropyl alcohol to clean blood spills. B. Discard empty blood bags in a bedside trash can. C. Break used needles before discarding. D. Place soiled linen in a single linen bag.
Place soiled linen in a single linen bag. Soiled linen should be placed in a single bag that is tightly secured to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms.
A nurse is obtaining the blood pressure in a client's lower extremity. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Auscultate for the blood pressure at the dorsalis pedis artery. Measure the blood pressure with the client sitting on the side of the bed. Place the cuff 7.6 cm (3 in) above the popliteal artery. Place the bladder of the cuff over the posterior aspect of the thigh.
Place the bladder of the cuff over the posterior aspect of the thigh. This is the correct position for the nurse to place the bladder of the cuff when measuring a lower extremity blood pressure.
A nurse is preparing to administer a tap water enema to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Raise the enema bag if the client experiences cramping Lubricate 2.54 cm (1 in) of the tip of the rectal tube prior to insertion Place the client in a left Sims' position Don sterile gloves prior to the procedure
Place the client in a left Sims' position The nurse should place the client into a left Sims' position for the insertion of an enema. This left lateral position facilitates the flow of the enema solution into the sigmoid and descending colon. The anus is exposed by flexing the right leg.
A nurse is preparing to administer a tap water enema to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Raise the enema bag if the client experiences cramping B. Lubricate 2.54 cm (1 in) of the tip of the rectal tube prior to insertion C. Place the client in a left Sims' position D. Don sterile gloves prior to the procedure
Place the client in a left Sims' position The nurse should place the client into a left Sims' position for the insertion of an enema. This left lateral position facilitates the flow of the enema solution into the sigmoid and descending colon. The anus is exposed by flexing the right leg.
A nurse is preparing to provide chest physiotherapy for a client who has left lower lobe atelectasis. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? A. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position B. Perform percussions directly over the client's bare skin C. Use a flattened hand to perform percussions D. Remind the client that chest percussions can cause mild pain
Place the client in the Trendelenburg position The nurse should place the client in a right-sided Trendelenburg position to promote drainage from the client's left lower lobe.
A nurse is planning to collect a stool specimen for ova and parasites from a client who has diarrhea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when collecting the specimen? A. Instruct the client to defecate into the toilet bowl B. Transfer the specimen to a sterile container C. Refrigerate the collected specimen D. Place the stool specimen collection container in a biohazard bag
Place the stool specimen collection container in a biohazard bag The nurse should place the specimen collection container in a biohazard bag with the client label on the container and the bag for easy identification. This will also prevent contamination with microorganisms.
A home health nurse enters a client's home and finds a used insulin syringe without a cap on the table. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Recap the needle on the syringe. B. Schedule a nurse to administer future injections for this client. C. Explain to the client that the syringe should be disposed of in the bathroom trash can. D. Place the syringe in a puncture-proof disposal container.
Place the syringe in a puncture-proof disposal container. The nurse should place the uncapped syringe in a puncture-proof sharps disposal or rigid plastic container to prevent a needlestick injury. The nurse should keep the syringe uncapped to prevent a needlestick injury while placing the cap on the needle. Then, the nurse should provide client education on safety and proper disposal of syringes.
A nurse on a rehabilitation unit is preparing to transfer a client who is unable to walk from a bed to a wheelchair. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use? A. Stand toward the client's stronger side. B. Instruct the client to lean backward from the hips. C. Place the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed. D. Assume a narrow stance with the feet 15 cm (6 in) apart.
Place the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed. Positioning the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle allows the client to pivot, lessening the amount of rotation required. Safely transferring a client from a bed to a wheelchair requires the nurse to stand in front of the client toward the side that requires the most support. This technique will help maintain balance during the transfer. Safely transferring a client from a bed to a wheelchair requires the nurse to instruct the client to lean forward from the hips. This technique positions the client in the proper direction of the movement. Safely transferring a client from a bed to a wheelchair requires the nurse to assume a wide stance with one foot in front of the other. This technique protects the nurse from losing balance during the transfer
A nurse has received a prescription for dextran to administer to a client. The nurse should recognize that dextran belongs in which of the following functional classifications? A. Skeletal muscle relaxants B. Beta-adrenergic blockers C. Broad-spectrum anti-infective agents D. Plasma volume expanders
Plasma volume expanders Dextran and albumin are plasma volume expanders that help correct hypovolemia in emergency situations, such as after hemorrhage or burns
A nurse is preparing to perform postural drainage for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Give the client a bronchodilator immediately after the procedure B. Position the client for drainage of secretions by gravity C. Schedule postural drainage following meals D. Instruct the client regarding the importance of fluid restrictions
Position the client for drainage of secretions by gravity Postural drainage consists of providing drainage, positioning, and turning the client. The positioning can help to drain secretions from the affected lung segments and bronchi into the trachea.
A nurse is preparing to administer a cleansing enema to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? A. Insert the rectal tube 15.2 cm (6 in) B. Wear sterile gloves to insert the tubing C. Position the client on his left side D. Hold the solution bag 91 cm (36 in) above the client's rectum
Position the client on his left side Positioning is an important aspect of administering an enema. Having the client lie on his left side facilitates the flow of the enema solution into the sigmoid and descending colon.
The nurse planning care for a military veteran should prioritize nursing interventions targeted at managing which condition, if present, that commonly occurs in this population? Hypertension Hyperlipidemia Substance abuse disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is extremely common in this population. Identifying and treating mental health disorders assists in mitigating suicide risk. Treatment of comorbid conditions such as PTSD may also help address any substance use disorder. Use of screening tools in identifying substance use disorder is helpful. Treatment of PTSD includes exposure therapy, psychotherapy, and family/group therapy. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia are important but not the priority; the risk of suicide and other safety concerns associated with PTSD are the priority for this population.
A nurse is monitoring a client's laboratory results. Which of the following results should the nurse report to the provider? A. Sodium 140 mEq/L B. Potassium 3.0 mEq/L C. Chloride 100 mEq/L D. Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L
Potassium 3.0 mEq/L This potassium level is below the expected reference range, indicating hypokalemia. The nurse should report this finding to the provider for instructions about preventing muscle weakness that could affect respiration.
A nurse is planning an in-service training session about nutrition. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include? A. Fat breaks down into amino acids. B. Protein serves as an energy source when other sources are inadequate. C. Glucose breaks down into ammonia. D. Carbohydrates provide 9 cal/g of energy.
Protein serves as an energy source when other sources are inadequate. Protein is used as an energy source for the body when carbohydrates and fat stores are unavailable or depleted.
A nurse is planning an in-service training session about nutrition. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse include? Fat breaks down into amino acids. Protein serves as an energy source when other sources are inadequate. Glucose breaks down into ammonia. Carbohydrates provide 9 cal/g of energy.
Protein serves as an energy source when other sources are inadequate. Protein is used as an energy source for the body when carbohydrates and fat stores are unavailable or depleted. Protein breaks down into amino acids. Protein breaks down into ammonia Carbohydrates provide 4 cal/g of energy. Fat provides 9 cal/g of energy.
A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative and has a history of poor nutritional intake. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care to promote wound healing? A. Limit total caloric intake to 25 kcal/kg of body weight B. Provide an intake of 500 mg/day of vitamin E C. Limit fluid intake to 20 mL/kg of body weight per day D. Provide a protein intake of 1.5 g/kg of body weight per day
Provide a protein intake of 1.5 g/kg of body weight per day A protein intake of 1 to 1.5 g/kg of body weight per day is necessary to maintain a positive nitrogen balance, which promotes wound healing.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intermittent enteral feedings through an NG tube. The specific gravity of the client's urine is 1.035. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Deliver the formula at a slower rate B. Request a lower-fat formula C. Provide more water with feedings D. Instill a lactose-free formula
Provide more water with feedings The elevation in the client's specific gravity indicates dehydration. The nurse should provide more fluids either by adding free water to feedings or by instilling water between feedings. Another strategy is to request a formula that contains less protein.
A nurse is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to an assistive personnel (AP)? Provide oral care to a client who cannot take oral fluids Check a client's IV insertion site for manifestations of infiltration Assess a client's ability to ambulate Demonstrate the use of a glucometer to a client who has diabetes mellitus
Provide oral care to a client who cannot take oral fluids Providing oral care to a client who cannot take oral fluids is within the range of function for an AP. Therefore, the nurse can assign this task to the AP.
A nurse is caring for a group of clients. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to an assistive personnel (AP)? A. Provide oral care to a client who cannot take oral fluids B. Check a client's IV insertion site for manifestations of infiltration C. Assess a client's ability to ambulate D. Demonstrate the use of a glucometer to a client who has diabetes mellitus
Provide oral care to a client who cannot take oral fluids Providing oral care to a client who cannot take oral fluids is within the range of function for an AP. Therefore, the nurse can assign this task to the AP.
A nurse is performing suctioning for a client who has a tracheostomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Pull suction catheter back 1 cm (0.5 in) if the client starts coughing B. Allow 30 sec between suctioning passes C. Hyperventilate the client with 50% oxygen for 30 sec D. Perform a maximum of 4 passes with the suction catheter
Pull suction catheter back 1 cm (0.5 in) if the client starts coughing The nurse should pull the suction catheter back 1 cm (0.5 in) when the client starts to cough or resistance is met. This will remove the catheter from the mucosal wall of the trachea prior to suctioning.
A nurse is inserting an NG tube into a client who begins to cough and gag. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Remove the NG tube B. Advance the NG tube quickly C. Pull the NG tube back slightly D. Ask the client to tilt his head backward
Pull the NG tube back slightly The nurse should slightly pull back the NG tube and instruct the client to breathe slowly. Once the client relaxes, the nurse should gently advance the tube as the client swallows.
A nurse is inserting an NG tube into a client who begins to cough and gag. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Remove the NG tube B. Advance the NG tube quickly ✔ Correct answer CC. Pull the NG tube back slightly D. Ask the client to tilt his head backward
Pull the NG tube back slightly The nurse should slightly pull back the NG tube and instruct the client to breathe slowly. Once the client relaxes, the nurse should gently advance the tube as the client swallows.
A nurse is changing the dressings for a client who is 3 days postoperative following a cholecystectomy. The nurse observes yellow, thick drainage on the dressing. The nurse should document this finding as which of the following types of drainage? A. Sanguineous exudate B. Serous exudate C. Serosanguineous exudate D. Purulent exudate
Purulent exudate Purulent exudate on the client's dressings includes thick yellow, green, or brown drainage and usually indicates wound sloughing or infection.
A nurse is preparing to perform mouth care for an unresponsive client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? A. Place the client supine. B. Keep both side rails up. C. Raise the level of the bed. D. Inspect the client's mouth using a finger sweep.
Raise the level of the bed. The nurse should raise the bed to allow the use of proper body mechanics and reduce the risk of self-injury.
The nurse provides instructions to a client with a low potassium level about the foods that are high in potassium and tells the client to consume which foods? Select all that apply. Peas Raisins Potatoes Cantaloupe Cauliflower Strawberries
Raisins Potatoes Cantaloupe Strawberries The normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L). Common food sources of potassium include avocado, bananas, cantaloupe, carrots, fish, mushrooms, oranges, potatoes, pork, beef, veal, raisins, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes. Peas and cauliflower are high in magnesium
A nurse is preparing to administer a partial dose of a prefilled opioid analgesic parenterally to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? A. Return the unused portion of the medication to the pharmacy B. Dispose of the wasted medication into a sharps container C. Record the amount of medication wasted on the controlled substance inventory record D. Ask an assistive personnel (AP) to witness the wasting of the controlled substance
Record the amount of medication wasted on the controlled substance inventory record Two nurses should sign the controlled substance inventory record to document the amount of medication wasted.
A nurse is caring for a client in a long-term care facility. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to the possibility that the client has developed delirium? A. Gradual memory loss B. Reduced level of consciousness C. Difficulty with abstract thought D. Verbalized feelings of hopelessness
Reduced level of consciousness When a client has delirium, the nurse should expect a reduced level of consciousness, sudden memory impairment, illogical thinking, and sleep disturbances. Gradual memory loss is a common finding in dementia Difficulty with abstract thought is a common finding in dementia Verbalization of feelings of hopelessness is a common finding in depression
A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic kidney disease. The kidneys regulate body fluids as well as assisting with which of the following functions? A. Regulation of acid-base balance B. Reabsorption of nutrients for cellular growth C. Regulation of body temperature D. Secretion of hormones needed for growth
Regulation of acid-base balance The nurse should identify that the kidneys assist with the regulation of acid-base balance in the body by retaining bicarbonate as they excrete hydrogen ions.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a fluid infusion through a peripheral IV catheter. The nurse notes that the area of the arm immediately surrounding the insertion site is red and feels warm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Change the infusion tubing B. Flush the IV catheter C. Remove the IV catheter D. Apply a cool compress to the site
Remove the IV catheter This client's manifestations suggest phlebitis. The nurse should stop the infusion and remove the IV catheter immediately. The nurse should then apply warm compresses to the site.
A nurse is caring for a client who requires wrist restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Tie a secure knot with the restraint straps Attach the restraints' straps to the bedside rails Make sure 3 fingers fit beneath the restraints Remove the restraints at least every 2 hr
Remove the restraints at least every 2 hr The nurse should remove the restraints at least every 2 hours to reposition the client, provide fluids and nutrients, assist with range-of-motion exercises, and evaluate the client's overall wellbeing.
A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting confusion. The nurse should identify that which of the following laboratory values can cause confusion? A. Sodium 123 mEq/L B. Blood glucose 100 mg/dL C. Potassium 3.5 mEq/L D. Hemoglobin 13 g/dL
Sodium 123 mEq/L A sodium level of 123 mEq/L is below the expected reference range of 136 to 145 mEq/L. Low sodium levels can cause confusion and lead to seizures, coma, and death.
A nurse is caring for a client who requires wrist restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Tie a secure knot with the restraint straps B. Attach the restraints' straps to the bedside rails C. Make sure 3 fingers fit beneath the restraints D. Remove the restraints at least every 2 hr
Remove the restraints at least every 2 hr The nurse should remove the restraints at least every 2 hours to reposition the client, provide fluids and nutrients, assist with range-of-motion exercises, and evaluate the client's overall wellbeing.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is violent and attempting to disconnect her IV lines. The provider prescribes soft wrist restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take while the client is in restraints? A. Tie the restraints to the side rails. B. Perform range-of-motion exercises to the wrists every 3 hr. C. Remove the restraints one at a time. D. Obtain a PRN prescription for the restraints.
Remove the restraints one at a time. The nurse should remove one restraint at a time for a client who is violent or noncompliant.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is violent and attempting to disconnect her IV lines. The provider prescribes soft wrist restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take while the client is in restraints? Tie the restraints to the side rails. Perform range-of-motion exercises to the wrists every 3 hr. Remove the restraints one at a time. Obtain a PRN prescription for the restaints.
Remove the restraints one at a time. MY ANSWER The nurse should remove one restraint at a time for a client who is violent or noncompliant.
A nurse is reviewing the correct use of a fire extinguisher with a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse direct the client to take first? A. Aim the hose at the base of the fire. B. Squeeze the handle of the extinguisher. C. Remove the safety pin from the extinguisher. D. Sweep the hose from side to side to dispense material.
Remove the safety pin from the extinguisher. Evidence-based practice indicates removing the safety pin from the extinguisher is the first action to take when using a fire extinguisher; therefore, this is the action the nurse should instruct the client to perform first.
A nurse is planning to perform passive range-of-motion exercises for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Repeat each joint motion 5 times during each session B. Move the joint to the point of considerable resistance C. Sit approximately 2 ft from the side of the bed closest to the joint being exercised D. Exercise the smaller joints first
Repeat each joint motion 5 times during each session To maintain the client's joint mobility, the nurse should repeat each motion 3 to 5 times.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving continuous enteral feedings through an NG tube and develops diarrhea. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Change the tube feeding bag every 48 hours B. Chill the formula prior to administration C. Increase the infusion rate D. Request a prescription for an isotonic enteral nutrition formula
Request a prescription for an isotonic enteral nutrition formula The nurse should assist a client who develops diarrhea while receiving NG tube feedings by consulting with the provider and the dietitian regarding changing the client's formula to an isotonic formula. This formulation can be easier for the client to digest and can decrease diarrhea.
A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory report. The client's ABG levels are pH 7.5, PaCO2 32 mmHg, and HCO3- 24 mEq/L. The nurse should determine that the client has which of the following acid-base imbalances? A. Respiratory alkalosis B. Metabolic acidosis C. Respiratory acidosis D. Metabolic alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis This client's pH is elevated above the expected reference range of 7.35 to 7.45, indicating alkalosis. Additionally, the client's PaCO2 is below the expected reference range of 35 to 45 mmHg, which indicates a respiratory origin. Hence, the nurse should conclude that the client's elevated pH and decreased PaCO2 indicate respiratory alkalosis.
A home health nurse is visiting an older adult client with severe dementia. The client's son, who serves as her primary caregiver, reports being "exhausted" from working part-time and caring for his mother at home. Which of the following options should the nurse suggest to the caregiver? A. Rehabilitation B. Assisted living facility C. Respite care D. Adult day care facility
Respite care Respite care is a service for caregivers who need time to rest from multiple responsibilities related to the care of a family member who needs assistance.
A nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed RBCs to a client when she discovers that the IV line is no longer patent. The IV team informs her that someone can come to initiate a new line in 30 min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Return the blood to the laboratory B. Place the blood in the medication room C. Place the blood in the refrigerator D. Leave the blood at the client's bedside
Return the blood to the laboratory Because the nurse knows that the delay will be more than a few minutes, she should return the unit of packed RBCs immediately to the laboratory where the technician will maintain it at the appropriate temperature until the client is ready to receive it.
A nurse is performing a neurological assessment of a client. To promote safety during the examination, the nurse stands nearby as the client follows the instructions for which of the following tests? A. Romberg B. Kinesthetic sensation C. 2-point discrimination D. Weber
Romberg A Romberg test evaluates standing balance, first with the client's eyes open and then with them closed. The nurse should remain nearby because the client could fall during this test.
A nurse is performing a neurological assessment for a client. Which of the following examinations should the nurse use to check the client's balance? A. 2-point discrimination test B. Glasgow coma scale C. Babinski reflex D. Romberg test
Romberg test When using the Romberg test, the nurse instructs the client to stand with the feet together and arms at the sides, first with the eyes open and then with eyes closed. The inability to maintain balance is a positive Romberg test.
A nurse is assessing a client's incision and observes the drainage to be blood-tinged. Which of the following terms should the nurse use to document this finding? A. Sanguineous B. Purulent C. Serous D. Hyperemia
Sanguineous The nurse should document blood-tinged drainage as sanguineous. This type of drainage contains large amounts of red blood cells, indicating that damaged capillaries are allowing the escape of red blood cells from the plasma. serous drainage as exudate that is mostly serum, which is the clear portion of the blood. It appears watery and contains few cells.
A nurse is screening a client who has an S-shaped spinal column with unequal shoulder heights. The nurse should identify these findings as manifestations of which of the following abnormalities? A. Scoliosis B. Lordosis C. Torticollis D. Kyphosis
Scoliosis The nurse should identify the finding of an S-shaped or C-shaped spinal column and uneven shoulder or hip heights as manifestations scoliosis.
A community health nurse is preparing a campaign about seasonal influenza. Which of the following plans should the nurse include as a form of secondary prevention? A. Holding a community clinic to administer influenza immunizations B. Screening groups of older adults in nursing care facilities for early influenza manifestations C. Educating parents of young children about the dangers of influenza D. Finding rehabilitation programs for older adults who have complications related to influenza
Screening groups of older adults in nursing care facilities for early influenza manifestations Screening older adults who have some manifestations of illness to determine if they have influenza is an example of secondary prevention. Secondary prevention is focused on preventing complications of an illness or providing care to prevent an illness from becoming severe.
A community health nurse is preparing a campaign about seasonal influenza. Which of the following plans should the nurse include as a secondary prevention? Holding a community clinic to administer influenza immunizations. Screening groups of older adults in nursing care facilities for early influenza manifestations. Educating parents of young children about dangers of influenza. Finding rehabilitation programs for older adults who have complications from influenza.
Screening groups of older adults in nursing care facilities for early influenza manifestations. Screening older adults who have some manifestations of illness to determine if they have influenza is an example of secondary prevention. Secondary prevention is focused on preventing complications of an illness or providing care to prevent illness from becoming severe.
A nurse is assessing a client who is unconscious. Family members are present and answer the nurse's questions about the client's medical history. The nurse should document this information as which of the following types of data? A. Secondary-source data B. Experiential data C. Primary-source data D. Quantitative data
Secondary-source data Information provided by someone other than the client is secondary-source data.
A nurse is caring for a client who is hospitalized and has a new tracheostomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when performing tracheostomy care for the client? A. Perform tracheostomy care using medical asepsis B. Allow enough slack under the tracheostomy ties to insert three fingers C. Soak the inner cannula of the tracheostomy tube in normal saline D. Cut a sterile gauze pad to place between the neck and tracheostomy tube
Soak the inner cannula of the tracheostomy tube in normal saline The inner cannula of the tracheostomy tube should be soaked in normal saline or a mixture of normal saline and hydrogen peroxide to loosen secretions.
A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a client who is overweight. Which of the following sites should the nurse select for the injection? A. Lower medial quadrant of the buttock near the coccyx B. Side hip between the iliac crest and anterior iliac spine C. Tissue of the posterior upper arm D. Lower inner thigh 4 finger-widths above the patella
Side hip between the iliac crest and anterior iliac spine The side hip between the iliac crest and anterior iliac spine forms the boundaries for a ventrogluteal injection; therefore, this is an appropriate site for the nurse to select. This site is preferred for intramuscular injections for an adult client. The nurse should prepare for injection by placing a hand on the client's greater trochanter (e.g. right hand on left hip) with the first 2 fingers touching the iliac crest and anterior superior iliac spine, forming a "V" shape.
A nurse is caring for a client who is in the terminal stage of cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when she observes the client crying? A. Contact the family and ask someone to stay with the client B. Offer to call the client's minister C. Sit and hold the client's hand D. Leave the room and allow the client to cry privately
Sit and hold the client's hand This action uses the therapeutic communication techniques of silence, touch, and offering of self to the client.
A nurse is caring for a client who is in the terminal stage of cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when she observes the client crying? Contact the family and ask them to stay with the client. Offer to call the client's minister. Sit and hold the client's hand. Leave the room and allow the client to cry privately.
Sit and hold the client's hand. With this action, the nurse uses the therapeutic communication techniques of silence, touch, and offering of self to the client.
A nurse is caring for a client who has bilateral casts on her hands. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when assisting the client with feeding? A. Sit at the bedside while feeding the client B. Order pureed foods C. Make sure feedings are provided at room temperature D. Offer the client a drink of fluid after every bite
Sit at the bedside while feeding the client The nurse should avoid appearing to be in a hurry. Sitting at the bedside provides the client with the nurse's full attention during the feeding.
A nurse is caring for a client who is dehydrated. The nurse should expect that insensible fluid loss of approximately 500 to 600 mL occurs each day through which of the following organs? A. Kidneys B. Lungs C. Gastrointestinal tract D. Skin
Skin The skin can excrete approximately 500 to 600 mL of insensible fluid loss. This type of fluid loss is continuous and can increase if the client is experiencing a fever or has had a recent burn to the skin.
The nurse working in a community outreach program for foster children plans care knowing that which health conditions are common in this population? Select all that apply. Asthma Claustrophobia Sleep problems Bipolar disorder Aggressive behavior Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Sleep problems Bipolar disorder Aggressive behavior Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Foster children are at risk for a variety of health conditions later in life, including ADHD, aggressive behavior, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, mood disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, reactive detachment disorder, sleep problems, prenatal drug and alcohol exposure, and personality disorder. Claustrophobia and asthma are not specifically associated with foster children.
The nurse is instructing a client with hypertension on the importance of choosing foods low in sodium. The nurse should teach the client to limit intake of which food? Apples Bananas Smoked salami Steamed vegetables
Smoked salami Smoked foods are high in sodium, which is noted in the correct option. The remaining options are fruits and vegetables, which are low in sodium.
A nurse is performing an abdominal assessment of a client. Which of the following positions should the nurse tell the client to assume for this examination? A. Lithotomy B. Lateral C. Supine D. Sims'
Supine The nurse should tell the client to assume the supine position to promote relaxation of the abdominal muscles. Having the client bend the knees enhances relaxation of the stomach muscles.
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who has a fever and watery diarrhea. Which of the following results should the nurse report to the provider? A. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL B. Sodium 150 mEq/L C. Potassium 4 mEq/L D. Magnesium 1.5 mEq/L
Sodium 150 mEq/L A sodium level of 150 mEq/L is greater than the expected reference range of 135 to 145 mEq/L. This client is at risk for dehydration due to diarrhea. Hypernatremia is a manifestation of dehydration, and the nurse should report this finding to the provider. calcium level of expected range of 9 to 10.5 mg/dL potassium level expected range of 3.5 to 5 magnesium level expected range of 1.3 to 2.1
A nurse on a medical unit is caring for a client who has been coughing intermittently during meals, attempting to clear her throat repeatedly, and eating only a small portion of each meal. The nurse should recommend a referral to which of the following members of the interprofessional team to evaluate the client for dysphagia? A. Speech-language pathologist B. Social worker C. Physical therapist D. Occupational therapist
Speech-language pathologist A speech-language pathologist can perform a thorough evaluation of the client for dysphagia and help the client learn to eat safely. For example, a speech-language pathologist can instruct the client in learning the supraglottic swallow: take a breath, hold the breath while swallowing, cough after swallowing, and swallow again to clear the mouth.
A nurse is caring for a client who has xerostomia with a lack of saliva. Which of the following nutrients will be affected by the lack of salivary amylase? A. Fat B. Protein C. Starch D. Fiber
Starch Salivary amylase begins the process of digestion in the mouth with the initial breakdown of starches. The majority of starch breakdown occurs in the small intestine with pancreatic amylase.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of dysrhythmias. Upon entering the room, the nurse discovers the client is unresponsive to verbal or painful stimuli, has no respirations, and is pulseless. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Start chest compressions B. Provide breaths with a manual resuscitation bag C. Administer oxygen D. Establish an airway
Start chest compressions The nurse should apply the safety and risk-reduction priority-setting framework, which assigns priority to the factor or situation posing the greatest safety risk to the client. When there are several risks to client safety, the one posing the greatest threat is the highest priority. The nurse should use Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the ABC priority-setting framework, and/or nursing knowledge to identify which risk poses the greatest threat to the client. The nurse should perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which starts with chest compressions followed by opening the airway and breathing for adults and pediatric clients; evidence indicates a great survival rate when chest compressions are started before a breath is initiated.
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client. Which of the following administration schedules should the nurse identify as a prescription to administer the medication once and as soon as possible? A. Stat prescription B. PRN prescription C. Standing prescription D. Single prescription
Stat prescription A stat medication prescription is carried out immediately or as soon as possible and for one time only.
As part of a neurological examination, a nurse instructs a client to keep his eyes closed, places an object in his hand, and asks him to identify the object. Which of the following abilities is the nurse evaluating with this technique? A. Gustation B. Stereognosis C. Proprioception D. Kinesthesia
Stereognosis Stereognosis is the ability to identify an object's size, shape, and texture via tactile sensation.
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who is at risk of experiencing seizures. Which of the following pieces of equipment must be available at the client's bedside at all times? A. Suction equipment B. Clean gloves C. Blankets D. Oxygen
Suction equipment The greatest risk to a client who is having a seizure is an injury from aspirating secretions or emesis; therefore, the nurse must have suction equipment available for clearing the mouth of secretions or emesis to reduce this risk.
A client with hypertension has been told to maintain a diet low in sodium. The nurse who is teaching this client about foods that are allowed should include which food item in a list provided to the client? Tomato soup Boiled shrimp Instant oatmeal Summer squash
Summer squash Foods that are lower in sodium include fruits and vegetables (summer squash) because they do not contain physiological saline. Highly processed or refined foods (tomato soup, instant oatmeal) are higher in sodium unless their food labels specifically state "low sodium." Saltwater fish and shellfish are high in sodium.
A nurse is caring for a client who has breast cancer. The client has been receiving radiation therapy for several months and now refuses to undergo further treatment. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Suggest the client talk with someone who has survived breast cancer B. Encourage the client not to give up C. Support the client's decision D. Refer the client to a counselor
Support the client's decision The nurse has the responsibility to support the client's decision and respect the client's right of refusal. The nurse should notify the provider of the client's decision and document the refusal in the client's medical record.
A nurse is caring for an adult client in the terminal stages of lung cancer who refuses any further treatment. The nurse should provide care that facilitates which of the following outcomes? A. Allows minimal treatment B. Benefits the client's family C. Offers hope for a cure D. Supports self-determination
Supports self-determination The nurse must honor the client's autonomy and ability to make health care decisions. The client has the right to refuse treatment; as the client's advocate, the nurse must support that right.
A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has abdominal trauma. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse identify as an indication of hypovolemic shock? A. Warm, dry skin B. Increased urinary output C. Tachycardia D. Bradypnea
Tachycardia Due to the decreased circulating blood volume that occurs with internal bleeding, the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is reduced. The body attempts to relieve the hypoxia by increasing the heart rate and cardiac output while increasing the respiratory rate.
Which teaching method is most effective when providing instruction to members of special populations Teach-back Video instruction Written materials Verbal explanation
Teach-back When providing education to members of special populations, return explanation and demonstration (teach-back) are of particular importance to ensure safety and mutual understanding. This method is the most reliable in confirming client understanding of the instructions. Video instruction, written materials, and verbal explanation are helpful and may be incorporated with the teach-back method.
A nurse is planning care for a client who reports abdominal pain. An assessment by the nurse reveals the client has a temperature of 39.2°C (102.6°F), a heart rate of 105/min, a soft nontender abdomen, and menses overdue by 2 days. Which of the following findings should be the nurse's priority? A. Heart rate of 105/min B. Soft nontender abdomen C. Temperature D. Overdue menses
Temperature Elevated temperature is an emergent physiological need that requires priority intervention by the nurse. The nurse should consider Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which includes five levels of priority. The levels are as follows: physiological needs, safety, and security needs, love and belonging needs, personal achievement and self-esteem needs, and achievement of full potential and the ability to problem-solve and cope with life situations. When applying Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the nurse should review physiological needs first before following the remaining four levels. However, it is important for the nurse to consider all contributing client factors, as higher levels of the pyramid can compete with those at the lower levels, depending on the situation.
A nurse is planning to obtain the vital signs of a 2-year-old child who is experiencing diarrhea and may have a right ear infection. Which of the following routes should the nurse use to obtain the child's temperature? Rectal Tympanic Oral Temporal
Temporal The temporal artery route, while not as accurate as the rectal route for obtaining a precise body temperature, is noninvasive and can be used to obtain a temperature in a toddler who might have an ear infection and who is having diarrhea. The nurse should place the probe behind the ear if the client is diaphoretic but should avoid placing it over an area covered with hair.
A nurse is planning to obtain the vital signs of a 2-year-old child who is experiencing diarrhea and may have a right ear infection. Which of the following routes should the nurse use to obtain the child's temperature? A. Rectal B. Tympanic C. Oral D. Temporal
Temporal The temporal artery route, while not as accurate as the rectal route for obtaining a precise body temperature, is noninvasive and can be used to obtain a temperature in a toddler who might have an ear infection and who is having diarrhea. The nurse should place the probe behind the ear if the client is diaphoretic but should avoid placing it over an area covered with hair.
An assistive personnel (AP) is helping a nurse care for a female client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following actions by the AP indicates a need for further teaching? A. The AP uses soap and water to clean the perineal area. B. The AP tapes the catheter to the client's inner thigh. C. The AP hangs the collection bag at the level of the bladder. D. The AP ensures there are no kinks in the drainage tubing.
The AP hangs the collection bag at the level of the bladder. The AP should place the drainage bag below the level of the bladder to ensure proper drainage by gravity.
A nurse is providing nutritional teaching to a group of clients. Which of the following definitions for the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) should the nurse include in the teaching? A. The RDA is a comprehensive term that includes various dietary standards and scales. B. The RDA defines the level of nutrient intake that meets the needs of healthy people in various groups. C. The RDA defines the levels of nutrients that should not be exceeded to prevent adverse health effects. D. The RDA is the daily percentage of energy intake values for fat, carbohydrate, and protein.
The RDA defines the level of nutrient intake that meets the needs of healthy people in various groups. The RDA represents daily requirements considered adequate for healthy people. RDAs are based on estimated amounts for each nutrient, including additional amounts for individuals such as women or infants.
A nurse is performing an abdominal assessment for an adult client. Identify the correct sequence of steps for this assessment. (Move the sequence of steps into the box on the right, placing them in the selected order of performance. Use all the steps.) Inspection Palpation Percussion Auscultation
The appropriate sequence for the nurse to perform the abdominal assessment inspect auscultate percuss palpate. This sequence prevents altering the bowel sounds and causing false results. The appropriate sequence for any other assessment for an adult client is inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation
A nurse is teaching a client about the use of a straight-legged cane. Which of the following client actions indicates an understanding of the teaching? A. The client holds the cane on the unaffected side. B. The client walks by stepping with the unaffected leg before the affected leg. C. The client holds the cane directly next to the foot D. The client holds the cane with a straight elbow.
The client holds the cane on the unaffected side. The nurse should instruct the client to hold the cane on the unaffected side to provide a wide base of support and stability.
A nurse is teaching range-of-motion exercises to a client who has osteoarthritis. Which of the following client positions demonstrates an understanding of supination of the hand? A. The client holds the hand with the palm up. B. The client holds the hand with the palm down. C. The client points the fingers toward the floor. D. The client points the fingers toward the ceiling.
The client holds the hand with the palm up. The nurse should identify the client holding the hand with the palm up as a demonstration of supination of the hand Holding the hand with the palm down is a demonstration of pronation Pointing the fingers toward the floor is a demonstration of flexion Pointing the fingers toward the ceiling is a demonstration of extension
A nurse is assisting a client who has right-sided weakness while ambulating using a cane. Which of the following client actions should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the procedure of cane walking? A. The client holds the cane on the affected side B. The client advances the unaffected leg followed by the cane C. The client supports his weight on the unaffected leg when moving the cane forward D. The client keeps 2 points of support on the ground
The client keeps 2 points of support on the ground When ambulating with a cane, the client should keep 2 points of support on the ground at all times, which can be either both feet or a foot and the cane.
A nurse is demonstrating postoperative deep breathing and coughing exercises to a client who is scheduled for emergency surgery for appendicitis. Which of the following statements indicates a lack of readiness to learn by the client? A. The client asks the nurse to repeat the instructions before attempting the exercises. B. The client reports severe pain. C. The client asks the nurse how often deep breathing should be done after surgery. D. The client tells the nurse that this exercise will probably be painful after surgery.
The client reports severe pain. A client who is experiencing severe pain is not able to concentrate and is not ready to learn a new activity.
A nurse is preparing to administer an afternoon dose of ampicillin to a client. The client appears upset and refuses to take the medication before throwing the pill on the floor. Which of the following entries should the nurse enter into the client's medical record? The client refused to take medication today The client stated, "I will not take this pill." The client seemed angry and hostile The client threw the medication on the floor
The client threw the medication on the floor The nurse should document exactly what took place for an accurate, factual account of the events. The nurse should document the client's actions in the medical record.
A nurse is preparing to administer an afternoon dose of ampicillin to a client. The client appears upset and refuses to take the medication before throwing the pill on the floor. Which of the following entries should the nurse enter into the client's medical record? A. The client refused to take medication today B. The client stated, "I will not take this pill." C. The client seemed angry and hostile D. The client threw the medication on the floor
The client threw the medication on the floor The nurse should document exactly what took place for an accurate, factual account of the events. The nurse should document the client's actions in the medical record.
A nurse is preparing to administer an afternoon dose of ampicillin to a client. The client appears upset and refuses to take the medication before throwing the pill on the floor. Which of the following entries should the nurse enter into the client's medical record? A. The client refused to take medication today. B. The client stated, "I will not take this pill." C. The client seemed angry and hostile. D. The client threw the medication on the floor.
The client threw the medication on the floor. The nurse should document exactly what took place to provide an accurate, factual account of the events. Thus, the nurse should document the client's actions in the medical record.
A hospice nurse is visiting with the family member of a client. The family member states that the client has insomnia almost nightly. Which of the following practices should the nurse identify as contributing to the client's insomnia? A. The client watches television in her bed during the day. B. The client drinks warm milk before bedtime. C. The client goes to bed at 2200 every night. D. The client gets up to use the bathroom once during the night.
The client watches television in her bed during the day. To promote sleep, the client should avoid watching television in bed. She should use the bed only for sleep or sexual activities.
A nurse is providing nutrition counseling to a middle-aged adult client who has a sedentary job. Which of the following factors should the nurse consider? A. The risk of eating disorders increases at this age. B. The client's basal metabolic rate could decrease. C. Daily vitamins will be become necessary to meet nutritional needs. D. Limiting the intake of fish to once per week reduces cardiovascular risks.
The client's basal metabolic rate could decrease. The basal metabolic rate decreases as adipose tissue replaces skeletal muscle mass. This places the client at risk of weight gain if a healthy diet is not maintained.
The nurse is completing the admission assessment for a client who is intellectually disabled. Which part of the client encounter may require more time to complete? The history 2.The physical assessment 3.The nursing plan of care 4.The readmission risk assessment
The history Intellectually disabled clients tend to be poor historians, and it may be necessary to take more time to ask questions in a variety of different ways when collecting the history data. The physical assessment, nursing plan of care, and readmission risk assessment portions, although they rely on the history, take less time because they require less client questioning.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client with heart failure about reducing his daily intake of sodium. Which of the following factors is the most important in determining the client's ability to learn new dietary habits? A. The involvement of the client in planning the change B. The emphasis the provider places on the dietary changes C. The learning theory the nurse uses to teach the dietary changes D. The extent of the dietary changes planned for the client
The involvement of the client in planning the change According to evidence-based practice, client involvement in planning dietary changes is the most important factor in the client's ability to learn new habits.
A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client. Which of the following pieces of information should the nurse consider when planning care that is culturally congruent? A. Illness is not influenced by culture. B. The meaning of disease can vary widely across cultures. C. Assigning clients to specific cultural categories facilitates communication. D. Predetermined criteria should generate client care activities.
The meaning of disease can vary widely across cultures. A client may define and react to disease based on his or her unique cultural perspective. The nurse should seek to understand a client's culture and life experiences in order to provide care that is effective, evidence-based, and culturally congruent.
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is washing her hands prior to assisting with a surgical procedure. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates proper surgical handwashing technique? A. The nurse washes each part of her hands with 5 strokes. B. The nurse washes from the elbows down to the hands. C. The nurse holds her hands higher than her elbows while washing. D. The nurse uses minimal friction when washing her hands.
The nurse holds her hands higher than her elbows while washing. The nurse who is performing a surgical handwashing technique should wash while holding her hands higher than the elbows so that water and soapsuds can drain away from the clean area toward the dirty area.
A nurse is witnessing a client sign an informed consent form for surgery. What is the nurse affirming by this action? A. The client fully understands the provider's explanation of the procedure. B. The client has been informed about the risks and benefits of the procedure. C. The nurse witnessed the provider's explanation of the procedure. D. The signature on the preoperative consent form is the client's.
The signature on the preoperative consent form is the client's. The nurse acts as a witness to confirm that the client's signature is present on the preoperative consent form. It is the responsibility of the provider who will perform the procedure to obtain consent by explaining the procedure along with the associated risks and benefits.
A client is being discharged home with oxygen therapy delivered through a nasal cannula. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client and family members? A. Use battery-operated equipment for personal care. B. Apply mineral oil to protect the facial skin from irritation. C. Remove the television set from the client's bedroom. D. Wear cotton clothing to avoid static electricity.
Wear cotton clothing to avoid static electricity. The use of cotton clothing will limit the buildup of static electricity. Oxygen is a highly combustible gas. The use of oxygen in high concentrations has great combustion potential and readily fuels fire. Although it will not spontaneously burn or cause an explosion, it can easily cause a fire in a client's room if it contacts a spark.
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is washing her hands prior to assisting with a surgical procedure. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates proper surgical hand-washing technique? The nurse washes each part of her hands with 5 strokes. The nurse washes from the elbows down to the hands. The nurse washes with her hands held higher than her elbows. The nurse uses minimal friction when washing her hands.
The nurse washes with her hands held higher than her elbows. The nurse who is performing a surgical hand-washing technique should wash with her hands held higher than the elbows so that water and soapsuds can drain away from the clean area toward the dirty area.
A nurse is witnessing a client sign an informed consent form for surgery. What is the nurse affirming by this action? A. The client fully understands the provider's explanation of the procedure. B. The client has been informed about the risks and benefits of the procedure. C. The nurse witnessed the provider's explanation of the procedure. D. The signature on the preoperative consent form is the client's
The signature on the preoperative consent form is the client's. The nurse acts as a witness to confirm that the client's signature is present on the preoperative consent form. It is the responsibility of the provider who will perform the procedure to obtain consent by explaining the procedure along with the associated risks and benefits.
A nurse is preparing to change a dressing on a client who is receiving negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). What sequence of actions should the nurse plan to take? (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.) Turn off the vacuum on the NPWT device and administer the prescribed analgesic. Remove the soiled dressing and perform hand hygiene. Apply sterile or clean gloves and irrigate the wound. Apply a skin protectant or a barrier film to the skin around the wound. Place prepared foam into the wound bed and cover with a transparent dressing. Connect the tubing to transparent film and turn on the NPWT unit.
Turn off the vacuum on the NPWT device and administer the prescribed analgesic. Remove the soiled dressing and perform hand hygiene. Apply sterile or clean gloves and irrigate the wound. Apply a skin protectant or a barrier film to the skin around the wound. Place prepared foam into the wound bed and cover with a transparent dressing. Connect the tubing to transparent film and turn on the NPWT unit. Step 1: The nurse should turn off the vacuum on the NPWT device to loosen the dressing and administer the prescribed analgesic. Step 2: The nurse should gently remove the soiled dressing and perform hand hygiene. Step 3: The nurse should apply sterile or clean gloves and irrigate the wound to remove debris. Step 4: The nurse should apply a skin protectant or a barrier film to the surrounding skin to ensure an airtight seal and protect the skin. Step 5: The nurse should place foam in the wound bed and cover it with a transparent dressing to provide an airtight seal. Step 6: The nurse should attach the drainage tube to the transparent dressing and turn on the NPWT unit. Step 7: The nurse should check for air leaks and patch the dressing as needed with transparent film.
A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to a long-term care facility for rehabilitation after a total hip arthroplasty. At which of the following times should the nurse begin discharge planning? A. One week prior to the client's discharge B. Upon the client's admission to the care facility C. Once the discharge date is identified D. When the client addresses the topic with the nurse
Upon the client's admission to the care facility The nurse should begin discharge planning at the time that the client is admitted to the facility.
A nurse is preparing to assist an older adult client with ambulation following bed rest for 3 days. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to decrease the risk of a fall? A. Use a gait belt during ambulation B. Ensure the client is wearing socks before ambulating C. Instruct the client to sit on the edge of the bed for 15 sec before ambulating D. Walk 2 ft behind the client during ambulation
Use a gait belt during ambulation The nurse should use a gait belt to keep the client's center of gravity midline and decrease the risk of a fall.
A nurse is preparing to instill a vaginal medication in suppository form to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take during this procedure? Don sterile gloves Use the dominant hand to retract the labia Use the index finger to insert the suppository Ease the suppository along the anterior vaginal wall
Use the index finger to insert the suppository To ensure adequate distribution of the vaginal medication, the nurse should insert the suppository until the length of the nurse's index finger is inside the vagina or as far inside as possible.
A nurse is planning to administer pain medication to a client following abdominal surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first? A. Use the pain scale to determine the client's pain level B. Discuss the adverse effects of pain medication with the client C. Obtain the client's vital signs D. Check the client's allergies
Use the pain scale to determine the client's pain level The nurse should consider Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which includes 5 levels of priority. The levels are as follows: physiological needs, safety and security needs, love and belonging needs, personal achievement and self-esteem needs, and achieving full potential and the ability to problem-solve and cope with life situations. When applying Maslow's hierarchy of needs priority-setting framework, the nurse should review physiological needs first and then address the client's needs by following the remaining hierarchal levels. The nurse should also consider all contributing client factors, as higher levels of the pyramid can compete with those at the lower levels, depending on the specific client situation. To meet the client's physiological needs, the nurse should begin pain management by asking the client to describe her pain.
A nurse is administering an IM injection to a 5-month-old infant. Which of the following injection sites should the nurse use? A. Deltoid B. Ventrogluteal C. Vastus lateralis D. Dorsogluteal
Vastus lateralis The nurse should use the vastus lateralis site over the anterior thigh for IM injections for infants and children.
A nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a young adult client. Which of the following injection sites is the safest for this client? A. Vastus lateralis B. Dorsogluteal C. Deltoid D. Ventrogluteal
Ventrogluteal According to evidence-based practice, the ventrogluteal site is the safest injection site for all adults because it contains thick gluteal muscles and does not contain major nerves or blood vessels.
A nurse is caring for a client who reports using several herbal medicines. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Discourage the use of unregulated medications and supplements B. Verify the herbal supplements do not interact with medications the provider has prescribed C. Tell the client to limit the number of herbal supplements to no more than 2 D. Describe the dangers of taking plant-derived medications and supplements
Verify the herbal supplements do not interact with medications the provider has prescribed Many herbal products interact with other prescription and nonprescription medications. Valerian, for example, interacts with antihistamines as well as barbiturates and other sleep-promoting medications. The nurse should report any potential interactions to the provider.
A nurse is assessing a client's respiratory system. Which of the following breath sounds should the nurse expect to hear over the periphery of the major lung fields? A. Vesicular B. Bronchial C. Rhonchi D. Bronchovesicula
Vesicular The nurse will hear vesicular sounds over the periphery of the major lung fields. These sounds are soft and low-pitched.
A nurse is assessing a client's respiratory system. Which of the following breath sounds should the nurse expect to hear over the periphery of the major lung fields? A. Vesicular B. Bronchial C. Rhonchi D. Bronchovesicular
Vesicular The nurse will hear vesicular sounds over the periphery of the major lung fields. These sounds are soft and low-pitched.
The nurse is conducting a dietary assessment on a client who is on a vegan diet. The nurse provides dietary teaching and should focus on foods high in which vitamin that may be lacking in a vegan diet? Vitamin A Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Vitamin E
Vitamin B12 Vegans do not consume any animal products. Vitamin B12 is found in animal products and therefore would most likely be lacking in a vegan diet. Vitamins A, C, and E are found in fresh fruits and vegetables, which are consumed in a vegan diet.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a wound infection following abdominal surgery. To promote healing and fight infection, which of the following vitamins and minerals should the nurse plan to increase in the client's diet? A. Vitamin C and zinc B. Vitamin D C. Vitamin K and iron D. Calcium
Vitamin C and zinc The client's body needs both vitamin C and zinc to fight a wound infection. The client should receive a multivitamin and a mineral supplement of both these substances. In addition, vitamin E supplements also are needed to promote skin and wound healing.
A nurse in a provider's office is reviewing the laboratory findings of a client who reports chills and aching joints. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication of an infection? A. WBC 15,000 mm^3 B. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) 15 mm/hr C. Urine pH 7.2 D. Urine specific gravity 1.0063
WBC 15,000 mm^3 This finding is above the expected reference range and is an indication of infection.
A nurse is preparing to irrigate a client's wound. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Use a 10 mL syringe B. Attach a 22-gauge catheter to the syringe C. Warm the irrigating solution to 37°C (98.6°F) D. Administer an analgesic 10 min before the irrigation
Warm the irrigating solution to 37°C (98.6°F) The nurse should prepare about 200 mL of irrigating solution and warm it to body temperature to minimize discomfort and vascular constriction.
A nurse is caring for a client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which of the following precautions should the nurse implement? A. Place the client in a semi-private room B. Wear a mask when providing care C. Wear a gown when in the client's room D. Dispose of all bed linens used by the client
Wear a gown when in the client's room The nurse should apply a gown at all times when in the client's room to maintain contact precautions. This client who has MRSA should be placed in contact isolation, which includes the use of gloves and a gown when providing care.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a Clostridium difficile infection and is in contact isolation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Wear gloves when changing the client's gown. B. Use alcohol-based sanitizer to cleanse the hands. C. Wear a mask when assisting the client with his meal tray. D. Place the client on complete bed rest.
Wear gloves when changing the client's gown. The nurse should wear gloves when handling articles that have the potential to contaminate the hands when caring for a client in contact isolation.
A nurse is reviewing measures to prevent back injuries with assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? A. Stand 3 feet from the client when assisting with lifting. B. Lock your knees when standing for long periods. C. Lift up to 22.6 kg (50 lb) without the use of assistive devices. D. When lifting an object, spread your feet apart to provide a wide base of support.
When lifting an object, spread your feet apart to provide a wide base of support. The AP should spread the feet apart because a wide base of support increases stability.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a deficiency of vitamin D. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend the client include in his diet? A. Whole milk B. Chicken C. Oranges D. Dried peas
Whole Milk The fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) require fatty substances or tissues to be dissolved and also require the presence of bile in the small intestine for absorption. Whole milk contains vitamins A and K and is often fortified with vitamin D. water-soluble vitamins (B complex and C) readily dissolve in water and are absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine. Chicken contains many of the B complex vitamins, including B2, B3, B6, B12, and pantothenic acid. Oranges are a good source of vitamin C. Dried peas are a good source of many of the B complex vitamins, including B1, folate, and pantothenic acid.
A nurse is performing a straight urinary catheterization for a female client who has urinary retention. Which of the following actions indicates the nurse is maintaining sterile technique? A. Applying sterile gloves to open catheter package B. Wiping the labia minora in an anteroposterior direction C. Spreading the labia with the dominant hand D. Using a cotton ball to wipe the right and left labia majora
Wiping the labia minora in an anteroposterior direction The nurse should wipe anteroposteriorly both the right and left labia minora with separate cotton swabs to destroy any microorganisms in the area that would contaminate the catheter.
A nurse is obtaining a capillary blood sample to determine a client's blood glucose level. The nurse prepares and punctures the client's finger for the procedure but does not obtain an adequate amount of blood. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next? A. Smear the small amount of blood onto the testing strip B. Hold the finger above heart level C. Massage the client's fingertip D. Wrap the client's finger in a warm washcloth
Wrap the client's finger in a warm washcloth Warmth helps increase the blood flow to the client's finger To improve blood flow, the nurse should keep the client's hand in a dependent position.