Nursing Elites

1. For a patient on lithium therapy, which dietary recommendation is essential?

• A. Increase caffeine intake
• B. Increase sodium intake
• C. Increase protein intake
• D. Increase fiber intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase sodium intake. For patients on lithium therapy, maintaining consistent sodium intake is crucial to avoid fluctuations in drug levels. Increasing caffeine intake (choice A) is not recommended as it can interfere with lithium levels. While protein intake (choice C) is important for overall health, it is not specifically essential for patients on lithium therapy. Similarly, increasing fiber intake (choice D) is beneficial but not a primary concern for patients on lithium therapy.

2. The nurse prepares to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) to a newborn with a diagnosis of heart failure and notes that the apical rate is 140 beats per minute. Which nursing action is appropriate?

• A. Hold the medication
• B. Administer the digoxin
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Recheck the apical rate in 1 hour

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An apical rate of 140 bpm is within the normal range for a newborn. Digoxin is commonly used to treat heart failure by increasing the strength and efficiency of the heart's contractions. Since the heart rate is within the normal range, there is no need to hold the medication or notify the healthcare provider. Rechecking the apical rate in an hour is unnecessary as the heart rate is not alarming. Therefore, the appropriate nursing action is to administer the digoxin.

3. Who is the first individual in the combat health support chain to make medically substantiated decisions based on military occupational specialty-specific medical training?

• A. Physician
• B. Physician assistant
• C. Combat medic
• D. Combat lifesaver

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Physician assistant.' Physician assistants are trained to make medically substantiated decisions based on their specific medical training within the combat health support chain. Choice A, 'Physician,' is incorrect as they may be involved but are not typically the first in line for such decisions as physician assistants. Choice C, 'Combat medic,' is incorrect as they usually provide immediate medical care but may not be the first to make medically substantiated decisions. Choice D, 'Combat lifesaver,' is incorrect as they are trained to provide basic life-saving interventions but may not have the specialized medical training to make complex medical decisions.

4. A client is admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of a right-sided brain attack (CVA). The client is right-handed. Which task will be most difficult for this client?

• A. Eating meals
• B. Writing letters
• C. Combing the hair
• D. Dressing every morning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Writing letters. Writing requires fine motor skills, which are often impaired in a right-handed person with a right-sided CVA. Eating meals (choice A) involves gross motor skills and can be adapted for easier handling. Combing the hair (choice C) and dressing every morning (choice D) also require fine motor skills, but they are generally less complex and demanding than writing letters.

5. The client is diagnosed with pericarditis. When assessing the client, the nurse is unable to auscultate a friction rub. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider
• B. Document that the pericarditis has resolved
• C. Ask the client to lean forward and listen again
• D. Prepare to insert a unilateral chest tube

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement when unable to auscultate a pericardial friction rub in a client diagnosed with pericarditis is to ask the client to lean forward and listen again. Leaning forward can help bring the heart closer to the chest wall, making it easier to detect the rub. Option A (Notifying the healthcare provider) is incorrect because further assessment is needed before escalating the situation. Option B (Documenting that the pericarditis has resolved) is incorrect as the absence of a friction rub does not necessarily mean resolution. Option D (Preparing to insert a unilateral chest tube) is incorrect as this intervention is not indicated for the absence of a friction rub.

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