A healthcare provider is preparing to perform a routine abdominal assessment. What action should the healthcare provider take first?
- A. Inspect the abdomen
- B. Auscultate bowel sounds
- C. Palpate the abdomen
- D. Percuss the abdomen
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct first action in a routine abdominal assessment is to inspect the abdomen. This allows the healthcare provider to visually assess for any visible abnormalities such as scars, distention, or masses. Auscultating bowel sounds comes after inspection as the second step to assess bowel motility. Palpation and percussion follow in the sequence of a comprehensive abdominal assessment. Therefore, inspecting the abdomen is the priority to gather initial information before proceeding with further assessment techniques.
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A client at risk for pressure injuries is being cared for by a nurse. What intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Keep the client in one position
- B. Use a special mattress for the client
- C. Turn the client every 4 hours
- D. Provide extra pillows for positioning
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client at risk for pressure injuries is to use a special mattress. Special mattresses help reduce the risk of pressure injuries by redistributing pressure on bony areas, thus preventing tissue damage. Keeping the client in one position (choice A) can actually increase the risk of pressure injuries due to prolonged pressure on specific areas. Turning the client every 4 hours (choice C) is important for preventing pressure injuries, but using a special mattress is a more effective intervention. Providing extra pillows for positioning (choice D) may offer some comfort but does not address the primary intervention of pressure redistribution that a special mattress provides.
A nurse is caring for an older adult who has a nonpalpable skin lesion that is less than 0.5cm (0.2in) in diameter. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?
- A. Papule
- B. Macule
- C. Nodule
- D. Tumor
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Macule. A macule is a flat, nonpalpable skin lesion that is smaller than 1 cm in diameter. In this case, the lesion is less than 0.5cm, fitting the description of a macule. A papule (choice A) is a solid, elevated lesion less than 0.5 cm in diameter. A nodule (choice C) is a solid, elevated lesion that is 0.5 cm or larger in diameter. A tumor (choice D) refers to a mass of abnormal tissue growth, which is not applicable in this scenario.
A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is being taught about foot care. What instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Apply lotion between the toes after bathing
- B. Wear shoes at all times
- C. Cut toenails in a rounded shape
- D. Inspect the feet weekly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to wear shoes at all times. This instruction is vital for clients with diabetes mellitus as it helps protect the feet and reduces the risk of injury. Option A is incorrect as applying lotion between the toes can increase moisture and the risk of fungal infections. Option C is incorrect as cutting toenails in a rounded shape may lead to ingrown toenails. Option D is also incorrect as inspecting the feet weekly is not sufficient for proper foot care in clients with diabetes mellitus.
A nurse is caring for a client who has experienced a seizure. What should the nurse do immediately after the seizure?
- A. Administer oxygen
- B. Document the seizure activity
- C. Turn the client on their side
- D. Reassure the client
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: After a client experiences a seizure, the nurse should immediately turn the client on their side. This action helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration, as it allows any secretions or vomitus to drain from the mouth. Administering oxygen can be necessary if the client is hypoxic, but turning the client on their side takes precedence to prevent complications. While documenting the seizure activity is important for the client's medical record, ensuring the client's immediate safety by positioning them correctly is the priority. Reassuring the client should follow after ensuring their physical safety.
A nurse is assessing a client who reports a burning sensation at the site of a peripheral IV. The site is red and warm. What should the nurse do?
- A. Increase the IV flow rate
- B. Discontinue the IV line
- C. Apply a cold compress
- D. Elevate the limb
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client presents with symptoms of phlebitis at the IV site, such as redness, warmth, and pain, it is essential to discontinue the IV line. Increasing the IV flow rate could exacerbate the condition by further irritating the vein. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of phlebitis. Elevating the limb is not the primary intervention for phlebitis and discontinuing the IV line takes precedence to prevent complications.