A nurse is caring for a client with an NG tube who reports nausea and a decrease in gastric secretions. What is the nurse's next step?
- A. Administer an antiemetic
- B. Irrigate the NG tube with sterile water
- C. Increase the suction setting
- D. Replace the NG tube
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct next step for the nurse is to irrigate the NG tube with sterile water. This action helps relieve blockages that may be causing the symptoms of nausea and decreased gastric secretions. Administering an antiemetic (Choice A) may mask the underlying issue without addressing the possible blockage. Increasing the suction setting (Choice C) is not indicated without first addressing the potential blockage. Replacing the NG tube (Choice D) is also premature before attempting to clear any obstructions.
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A nurse on a med surge unit has received change of shift report and will care for 4 clients. Which of the following clients' needs will the nurse assign to an AP?
- A. Feeding a client who was admitted 24 hours ago with aspiration pneumonia
- B. Reinforcing teaching with a client who is learning to walk with a quad cane
- C. Reapplying a condom catheter for a client who has urinary incontinence
- D. Applying a sterile dressing to a pressure ulcer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because reapplying a condom catheter for a client with urinary incontinence is a task that can be safely assigned to an assistive personnel (AP) as it falls within their scope of practice. Choice A involves the assessment of a client with aspiration pneumonia, which requires nursing judgment. Choice B requires teaching and guidance, which is the responsibility of the nurse. Choice D involves applying a sterile dressing, which requires nursing skills and knowledge.
What are the key factors in assessing a patient's fall risk?
- A. Assess the patient's age and mobility
- B. Evaluate the patient's medication list for sedatives
- C. Assess the patient's vision and hearing
- D. Check for recent falls and cognitive impairment
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Assessing the patient's age and mobility are key factors in determining fall risk. Age can affect balance and reaction time, while mobility influences the patient's stability. Choices B, C, and D are important considerations in assessing a patient's fall risk as well, but age and mobility play a more direct role in determining the patient's susceptibility to falls.
A nurse is caring for a client who has hypertension and is receiving enalapril. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Increased heart rate
- B. Persistent cough
- C. Constipation
- D. Sweating
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Persistent cough. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause a persistent cough as a common side effect. This symptom should be reported to the healthcare provider to evaluate if a medication adjustment is needed. Choices A, C, and D are not typically associated with enalapril use and are less likely to be directly related to the medication. Increased heart rate, constipation, and sweating are not commonly linked to enalapril, so they are not the priority findings to report in this case.
Which nursing action is a priority when caring for a client with heart failure?
- A. Encourage the client to drink fluids frequently
- B. Weigh the client daily to monitor fluid balance
- C. Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration
- D. Limit the client's sodium intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Weighing the client daily is a priority action when caring for a client with heart failure because it helps monitor fluid balance. This monitoring is essential in managing heart failure as it allows healthcare providers to assess for signs of fluid retention or depletion, which are crucial in adjusting treatment plans. Encouraging the client to drink fluids frequently (Choice A) may worsen fluid overload in heart failure patients. Increasing fluid intake (Choice C) can exacerbate fluid retention. While limiting sodium intake (Choice D) is important in heart failure management, monitoring fluid balance through daily weighing takes precedence as a priority nursing action.
What is the nurse's responsibility when caring for a client with a chest tube?
- A. Check for air leaks in the tubing every 4 hours
- B. Clamp the chest tube for 30 minutes every 4 hours
- C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours
- D. Keep the client in a high Fowler's position
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks in the tubing every 4 hours when caring for a client with a chest tube. This responsibility is crucial because it ensures proper chest tube function and helps prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube (Choice B) can lead to serious issues by causing a tension pneumothorax. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing (Choice C) is important for respiratory hygiene but is not directly related to chest tube care. Keeping the client in a high Fowler's position (Choice D) may be beneficial for some conditions but is not specific to chest tube management.