Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new ostomy.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Apply sterile gloves when changing your ostomy pouch.”
Applying sterile gloves when changing the ostomy pouch is essential for infection control. However, this is a standard practice and not specific to the client's condition. While important, it is not the priority instruction for a client with a new ostomy.
B. "Notify the provider if your stoma becomes pink and moist.”
Notifying the provider if the stoma becomes pink and moist is not crucial information for the client. A pink and moist stoma indicates good blood supply and healing
C. "Empty your ostomy pouch when it is half full.”
Emptying the ostomy pouch when it is half full is a general guideline to prevent leakage and maintain hygiene.
D. "Use a moisturizing soap to cleanse your stoma.”
Soaps with lotions or perfumes may interfere with the pouch seal or cause peristomal skin irritation. Rinse and dry well.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Applying sterile gloves when changing the ostomy pouch is essential for infection control. However, this is a standard practice and not specific to the client's condition. While important, it is not the priority instruction for a client with a new ostomy.
Choice B rationale:
Notifying the provider if the stoma becomes pink and moist is crucial information for the client. A pink and moist stoma indicates good blood supply and healing, while changes in color or moisture might indicate complications. This instruction is essential for the client's ongoing care and to prevent potential complications, making choice B the correct answer.
Choice C rationale:
Emptying the ostomy pouch when it is half full is a general guideline to prevent leakage and maintain hygiene.
Choice D rationale:
Soaps with lotions or perfumes may interfere with the pouch seal or cause peristomal skin irritation. Rinse and dry well.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a client who is taking disulfiram for alcohol use disorder and reports ingestion of alcohol.
For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?
A. Headache.
Headache is a common adverse effect of disulfiram when alcohol is consumed. It is part of the adverse reaction created by the drug to deter individuals from drinking. While headache is a known symptom, tinnitus is a more specific and distinctive adverse effect associated with disulfiram use.
B. Hypertension.
Hypertension is not a common adverse effect of disulfiram. Disulfiram does not directly impact blood pressure. Its primary action is to cause an adverse reaction when alcohol is consumed.
C. Tinnitus.
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is a known adverse effect of disulfiram when alcohol is ingested. Disulfiram inhibits the breakdown of acetaldehyde, leading to an accumulation of this toxic substance in the body. Tinnitus is one of the symptoms of this toxic reaction and is a significant concern in individuals taking disulfiram for alcohol use disorder.
D. Insomnia.
Insomnia is not a common adverse effect of disulfiram. Disulfiram works by creating an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed, which deters individuals from drinking. This reaction does not typically manifest as insomnia.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Headache is a common adverse effect of disulfiram when alcohol is consumed. It is part of the adverse reaction created by the drug to deter individuals from drinking. While headache is a known symptom, tinnitus is a more specific and distinctive adverse effect associated with disulfiram use.
Choice B rationale:
Hypertension is not a common adverse effect of disulfiram. Disulfiram does not directly impact blood pressure. Its primary action is to cause an adverse reaction when alcohol is consumed.
Choice C rationale:
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is a known adverse effect of disulfiram when alcohol is ingested. Disulfiram inhibits the breakdown of acetaldehyde, leading to an accumulation of this toxic substance in the body. Tinnitus is one of the symptoms of this toxic reaction and is a significant concern in individuals taking disulfiram for alcohol use disorder.
Choice D rationale:
Insomnia is not a common adverse effect of disulfiram. Disulfiram works by creating an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed, which deters individuals from drinking. This reaction does not typically manifest as insomnia.
A nurse is assessing a client who is taking digoxin to treat chronic heart failure.
Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is developing digoxin toxicity?
A. Hearing loss.
Hearing loss is not a typical sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity primarily affects the visual system, leading to disturbances such as blurred or yellow-tinted vision. It can also cause various cardiac symptoms due to its effects on heart rhythm and contractility. Hearing loss is not a recognized symptom of digoxin toxicity.
B. Tachycardia.
Tachycardia (fast heart rate) can be a sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can cause arrhythmias and alter heart rate, which may lead to tachycardia. While this is a possible symptom, it is not as specific as other manifestations, such as visual disturbances.
C. Blurred vision.
Blurred vision is a hallmark sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can cause disturbances in color vision, such as seeing yellow or green halos around objects. Blurred vision is a significant indicator of digoxin toxicity and requires prompt medical attention.
D. Insomnia.
Insomnia is not a recognized symptom of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity primarily affects the cardiovascular and visual systems, leading to symptoms related to heart rhythm disturbances and vision changes. Insomnia is not a typical manifestation of digoxin toxicity.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hearing loss is not a typical sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity primarily affects the visual system, leading to disturbances such as blurred or yellow-tinted vision. It can also cause various cardiac symptoms due to its effects on heart rhythm and contractility. Hearing loss is not a recognized symptom of digoxin toxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Tachycardia (fast heart rate) can be a sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can cause arrhythmias and alter heart rate, which may lead to tachycardia. While this is a possible symptom, it is not as specific as other manifestations, such as visual disturbances.
Choice C rationale:
Blurred vision is a hallmark sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can cause disturbances in color vision, such as seeing yellow or green halos around objects. Blurred vision is a significant indicator of digoxin toxicity and requires prompt medical attention.
Choice D rationale:
Insomnia is not a recognized symptom of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity primarily affects the cardiovascular and visual systems, leading to symptoms related to heart rhythm disturbances and vision changes. Insomnia is not a typical manifestation of digoxin toxicity.
A nurse is planning assignments for the upcoming shift.
Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel? (Select all that apply.)
A. Transfer a client to physical therapy.
Transferring a client to physical therapy is a task that can be safely delegated to an assistive personnel (AP) as long as the client does not have any specific medical restrictions or requires specialized assistance during the transfer. APs are trained to assist with activities of daily living, including transferring clients from one place to another. However, it is essential for the nurse to assess the client's condition and provide clear instructions to the AP to ensure a safe transfer.
B. Obtain a client's vital signs every 4 hr.
Obtaining a client's vital signs every 4 hours is a routine task that can be delegated to an assistive personnel. APs are trained to measure vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers. Regular monitoring of vital signs is crucial in assessing the client's overall health status and detecting any changes that might require immediate medical attention.
C. Instruct a client on the use of an incentive spirometer.
Instructing a client on the use of an incentive spirometer requires specialized knowledge and assessment of the client's respiratory status. This task should be performed by a licensed healthcare provider, such as a nurse or respiratory therapist, who can properly assess the client's lung function, demonstrate the correct technique, and ensure the client's safety during the process. Delegating this task to an AP could result in improper use of the spirometer, potentially leading to complications or ineffective therapy.
D. Insert an NG tube for a client who requires enteral feedings.
Inserting an NG tube for a client who requires enteral feedings is a complex medical procedure that should be performed by a licensed nurse or healthcare provider with appropriate training and expertise. This procedure carries risks, including the risk of aspiration if not done correctly. Delegating this task to an AP is outside their scope of practice and could jeopardize the client's safety.
E. Record a client's intake after each meal.
Recording a client's intake after each meal is a task that can be delegated to an assistive personnel. APs can document the amount and type of food and fluids consumed by the client. Monitoring the client's intake is important, especially if the client has specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or medical conditions that require close monitoring of their food and fluid intake.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Transferring a client to physical therapy is a task that can be safely delegated to an assistive personnel (AP) as long as the client does not have any specific medical restrictions or requires specialized assistance during the transfer. APs are trained to assist with activities of daily living, including transferring clients from one place to another. However, it is essential for the nurse to assess the client's condition and provide clear instructions to the AP to ensure a safe transfer.
Choice B rationale:
Obtaining a client's vital signs every 4 hours is a routine task that can be delegated to an assistive personnel. APs are trained to measure vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers. Regular monitoring of vital signs is crucial in assessing the client's overall health status and detecting any changes that might require immediate medical attention.
Choice E rationale:
Recording a client's intake after each meal is a task that can be delegated to an assistive personnel. APs can document the amount and type of food and fluids consumed by the client. Monitoring the client's intake is important, especially if the client has specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or medical conditions that require close monitoring of their food and fluid intake.
Choice C rationale:
Instructing a client on the use of an incentive spirometer requires specialized knowledge and assessment of the client's respiratory status. This task should be performed by a licensed healthcare provider, such as a nurse or respiratory therapist, who can properly assess the client's lung function, demonstrate the correct technique, and ensure the client's safety during the process. Delegating this task to an AP could result in improper use of the spirometer, potentially leading to complications or ineffective therapy.
Choice D rationale:
Inserting an NG tube for a client who requires enteral feedings is a complex medical procedure that should be performed by a licensed nurse or healthcare provider with appropriate training and expertise. This procedure carries risks, including the risk of aspiration if not done correctly. Delegating this task to an AP is outside their scope of practice and could jeopardize the client's safety.