A nurse is preparing to perform an abdominal assessment on a client. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Percuss the abdomen
- B. Inspect the abdomen
- C. Auscultate before palpation
- D. Palpate the abdomen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate before palpation. This ensures that bowel sounds are not altered by physical manipulation. Inspecting the abdomen is a valid step but not the first. Percussing and palpating should come after auscultation to prevent altering bowel sounds or causing discomfort to the client.
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A nurse in an emergency department is monitoring the hydration status of a client receiving oral rehydration. What finding should the nurse intervene for?
- A. Heart rate of 80 beats per minute
- B. Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
- C. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
- D. Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A heart rate of 120 beats per minute indicates tachycardia, which can be a sign of dehydration and requires intervention. A heart rate of 80 beats per minute is within the normal range and does not indicate dehydration. A blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg is considered normal. A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute is also within the normal range and does not point towards dehydration.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a prescription for home oxygen therapy. What information should the nurse include?
- A. Increase the oxygen flow rate when shortness of breath occurs
- B. Turn off the oxygen when not in use
- C. Avoid open flames or smoking near oxygen
- D. Store the oxygen tubing near heat sources
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Avoid open flames or smoking near oxygen.' This information is crucial to prevent fire hazards as oxygen supports combustion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Increasing the oxygen flow rate without healthcare provider's instructions can be dangerous. Oxygen should not be turned off when not in use as prescribed by the healthcare provider, and storing oxygen tubing near heat sources poses a risk of fire.
A nurse is reviewing a client's health history and identifies a history of pressure injuries. What intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Reposition the client every 4 hours
- B. Apply a moisture-retentive dressing
- C. Apply a heating pad to the site
- D. Keep the client on bedrest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with pressure injuries is to apply a moisture-retentive dressing. This type of dressing helps create a moist wound environment, which is conducive to healing. Repositioning the client every 4 hours is important to prevent further pressure injuries, but it is not the primary intervention for existing pressure injuries. Applying a heating pad to the site can increase the risk of tissue damage and is contraindicated for pressure injuries. Keeping the client on bedrest can lead to further complications and delayed healing of pressure injuries.
A nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing surgery for a hip fracture. What is a priority intervention to reduce the risk of postoperative complications?
- A. Encourage early ambulation
- B. Provide intravenous antibiotics
- C. Apply anti-embolism stockings
- D. Place a Foley catheter to monitor output
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging early ambulation is crucial in reducing the risk of postoperative complications, such as blood clots and pneumonia. Early mobilization helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia by promoting circulation and preventing respiratory complications. Providing intravenous antibiotics (Choice B) is important for preventing infections but is not the priority immediately post-surgery. Applying anti-embolism stockings (Choice C) is beneficial in preventing venous thromboembolism but does not address the immediate need for mobility. Placing a Foley catheter (Choice D) may be necessary during surgery but is not a priority intervention to reduce postoperative complications related to immobility.
A client with diabetes mellitus has a foot ulcer. What is an appropriate intervention to promote wound healing?
- A. Apply a heating pad to the wound
- B. Apply a moisture-retentive dressing
- C. Provide daily wound irrigation
- D. Apply an ice pack to the wound
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to apply a moisture-retentive dressing. This type of dressing promotes a moist wound environment, which is crucial for wound healing. Applying a heating pad can lead to tissue damage, while daily wound irrigation can disrupt the wound healing process. Applying an ice pack is not recommended for promoting wound healing in this scenario.