Nursing Elites

1. Laboratory tests reveal the following electrolyte values for Mr. Smith: Na 135 mEq/L, Ca 8.5 mg/dL, Cl 102 mEq/L, and K 2.0 mEq/L. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the physician because of its potential risk to the client?

• A. Ca
• B. K
• C. Na
• D. Cl

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'K.' Normal serum potassium levels range between 3.5 and 5.5 mEq/L. Mr. Smith's potassium level of 2.0 mEq/L is significantly below the normal range, indicating hypokalemia, which can lead to serious risks such as cardiac arrhythmias. The levels of sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and chloride (Cl) are within normal ranges, so they do not pose an immediate risk to the client's health. Therefore, the nurse should report the low potassium level to the physician for prompt intervention.

2. A patient has experienced a severe third-degree burn to the trunk in the last 36 hours. Which phase of burn management is the patient in?

• A. Shock phase
• B. Emergent phase
• C. Healing phase
• D. Wound proliferation phase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shock phase. The shock phase occurs within the first 24-48 hours of burn management. During this phase, the focus is on stabilization, fluid resuscitation, and monitoring for potential complications. Choice B, the Emergent phase, is incorrect as it refers to the initial phase of burn care immediately after the injury. Choice C, the Healing phase, occurs later in the treatment process when the wound starts to repair itself. Choice D, the Wound proliferation phase, is not a recognized phase in burn management.

3. A patient has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Which of the following statements is the most applicable when discussing the impairments with Guillain-Barre Syndrome with the patient?

• A. Guillain-Barre Syndrome improves in almost all cases within 5 years.
• B. Guillain-Barre Syndrome causes limited sensation in the abdominal region.
• C. Guillain-Barre Syndrome causes muscle weakness in the legs.
• D. Guillain-Barre Syndrome affects breathing in severe cases.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement is that Guillain-Barre Syndrome causes muscle weakness in the legs. This muscle weakness typically starts in the legs and can progress to the upper body. Choice A is incorrect as while most cases do improve, the recovery time can vary. Choice B is incorrect as Guillain-Barre Syndrome primarily affects muscle weakness rather than sensation. Choice D is incorrect as severe cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, impacting breathing.

4. What is the most effective strategy to assist a client in recognizing and using personal strength?

• A. Encouraging the client's self-identification of strengths.
• B. Promoting the client's active external thinking.
• C. Listening to the client and providing advice as needed.
• D. Assisting the client in maintaining an external locus of control.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the client to identify their own strengths is empowering and helps build self-awareness and self-confidence. This strategy promotes autonomy and self-efficacy, enabling the client to recognize and utilize their personal strengths effectively. Option B, promoting the client's active external thinking, is vague and not directly related to recognizing personal strengths. Option C, listening to the client and providing advice as needed, focuses more on the nurse's role rather than empowering the client to recognize their strengths independently. Option D, assisting the client in maintaining an external locus of control, goes against the goal of helping the client recognize and utilize their internal strengths.

5. After administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) subcutaneously into the abdomen, which action should the nurse take?

• A. Gently rub the injection site after removing the needle
• B. Have the client maintain a side-lying position for at least five minutes
• C. Remove the needle and engage the needle safety device
• D. Apply heat to the injection site

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After administering a subcutaneous injection of enoxaparin (Lovenox) into the abdomen, the nurse should remove the needle and engage the needle safety device. Rubbing the injection site after the needle is withdrawn is not recommended as it may cause irritation and bruising. Having the client maintain a side-lying position for at least five minutes is unnecessary for a subcutaneous injection into the abdomen. Applying heat to the injection site is not indicated after administering enoxaparin subcutaneously; it could increase the risk of bleeding or bruising at the injection site.

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