Nursing Elites

1. A newly graduated nurse is admitting a patient with a long history of emphysema. The new nurses preceptor is going over the patients past lab reports with the new nurse. The nurse takes note that the patients PaCO2 has been between 56 and 64 mm Hg for several months. The preceptor asks the new nurse why they will be cautious administering oxygen. What is the new nurses best response?

• A. The patients calcium will rise dramatically due to pituitary stimulation.
• B. Oxygen will increase the patients intracranial pressure and create confusion.
• C. Oxygen may cause the patient to hyperventilate and become acidotic.
• D. Using oxygen may result in the patient developing carbon dioxide narcosis and hypoxemia.

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

2. Diagnostic testing has been ordered to differentiate between normal anion gap acidosis and high anion gap acidosis in an acutely ill patient. What health problem typically precedes normal anion gap acidosis?

• A. Metastases
• B. Excessive potassium intake
• C. Water intoxication
• D. Excessive administration of chloride

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

3. A patient who is hospitalized with a possible electrolyte imbalance is disoriented and weak, has an irregular pulse, and takes hydrochlorothiazide. He most likely suffers from:

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyponatremia
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The patient is displaying symptoms of hypokalemia, including weakness, disorientation, irregular pulse, which can lead to cardiac disturbances. Hydrochlorothiazide is a potassium-wasting diuretic that can cause hypokalemia if not accompanied by potassium replacement therapy. Hypernatremia (choice A) is characterized by high sodium levels, not potassium. Hyponatremia (choice B) is low sodium levels. Hyperkalemia (choice C) is high potassium levels, which is not consistent with the symptoms described in the question.

4. A patient who is being treated for pneumonia starts complaining of sudden shortness of breath. An arterial blood gas (ABG) is drawn. The ABG has the following values: pH 7.21, PaCO2 64 mm Hg, HCO3 = 24 mm Hg. What does the ABG reflect?

• A. Respiratory acidosis
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Respiratory alkalosis
• D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

5. After teaching a client to increase dietary potassium intake, a nurse assesses the client's understanding. Which dietary meal selection indicates the client correctly understands the teaching?

• A. Toasted English muffin with butter and blueberry jam, and tea with sugar
• B. Two scrambled eggs, a slice of white toast, and a half cup of strawberries
• C. Sausage, one slice of whole wheat toast, half cup of raisins, and a glass of milk
• D. Bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar, a half cup of sliced peaches, and coffee

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer as it includes foods high in potassium, such as raisins, whole wheat toast, and milk. Potassium is essential for various bodily functions, including maintaining proper heart and muscle function. Choices A, B, and D do not contain significant sources of potassium. Choice A consists mainly of carbohydrates and sugar, choice B focuses on protein and carbohydrates, and choice D provides carbohydrates and some fruit but lacks high-potassium options like in choice C.

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