Delegation and Prioritization - NCLEX Questions And Answers 2023

1. A client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of cirrhosis has massive ascites and difficulty breathing. The nurse performs which intervention as a priority measure to assist the client with breathing? a) repositions side to side every 2 hours b) elevates the head of the bed 60 degrees c) auscultates the lung field every 4 hours d) encourages deep breathing exercises every 2 hours - ANS-1) B - The client is having difficulty breathing because of upward pressure on the diaphragm from the ascitic fluid. Elevating the head of the bed enlists the aid of gravity in relieving pressure on the diaphragm. The other options are general measures to promote lung expansion in the client with ascites, but the priority measure is the one that relieves diaphragmatic pressure. 2. A nurse is scheduling a client for diagnostic studies of gastrointestinal (GI) system. Which of the following studies, if ordered, should the nurse schedule last? a) ultrasound b) colonoscopy c) barium enema d) computed tomography - ANS-2) C - When barium is instilled into the lower GI tract, it may take up to 72 hours to clear the GI tract. The presence of barium could cause interference with obtaining clear visualization and accurate results of the other tests listed, if performed before the client has fully excreted the barium. For this reason, diagnostic studies that involve barium contrast are scheduled at the conclusion of other medical imaging studies. 3. A nurse is formulating a plan of care for a client receiving enteral feedings. The nurse identifies which nursing diagnosis as the highest priority for this client? a) diarrhea b) risk for aspiration c) risk for deficient flid volume d) imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements - ANS-3) B - Any condition in which gastrointestinal motility is slowed or esophageal reflux is possible places a client at risk for aspiration. Although options 1, 3, and 4 may be a concern, these are not the priority. 4. A client arrives at the emergency department with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and is in moderate distress. The priority nursing action is to: CONTINUES...