Nursing Elites

1. A client diagnosed with dementia wanders the halls of the locked nursing unit during the day. To ensure the client's safety while walking in the halls, the nurse should do which of the following?

• A. Administer PRN haloperidol (Haldol) to decrease the need to walk
• B. Assess the client's gait for steadiness
• C. Restrain the client in a geriatric chair
• D. Administer PRN lorazepam (Ativan) to provide sedation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the client's gait for steadiness is the most appropriate action to ensure the safety of a client with dementia while walking. This allows the nurse to identify any issues that may increase the risk of falls or accidents. Administering PRN haloperidol or lorazepam is not indicated as the first-line approach in managing wandering behavior and can have adverse effects like increased risk of falls, confusion, or oversedation. Restraint use should be avoided whenever possible, as it can lead to physical and psychological harm to the client.

2. A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client who is undergoing total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Monitor the client's electrolyte levels daily
• B. Weigh the client daily
• C. Monitor the client's blood glucose levels every 6 hours
• D. Change the TPN tubing every 24 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct intervention for the nurse to include in the plan of care for a client undergoing total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is to change the TPN tubing every 24 hours. Changing the tubing at regular intervals helps reduce the risk of infection associated with central venous catheters. Monitoring electrolyte levels daily (Choice A) is important but not specific to TPN. Weighing the client daily (Choice B) is important for monitoring fluid status but not directly related to TPN. Monitoring blood glucose levels every 6 hours (Choice C) is essential for clients receiving TPN, but changing the tubing is a more critical intervention to prevent infections.

3. What are the complications of untreated DVT?

• A. Pulmonary embolism and stroke
• B. Infection and kidney failure
• C. Hypertension and vision loss
• D. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary embolism and stroke. Untreated DVT can result in these serious complications, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent common complications associated with untreated deep vein thrombosis. Infection and kidney failure, hypertension and vision loss, as well as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are not typically direct consequences of untreated DVT.

4. What are the early signs of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient?

• A. Sweating and trembling
• B. Confusion and irritability
• C. Dizziness and increased heart rate
• D. Nausea and vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Sweating and trembling.' These are classic early signs of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient. Sweating occurs due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to low blood sugar levels, while trembling is a result of the body's attempt to increase muscle activity to raise blood sugar levels. Confusion and irritability (Choice B) are more advanced signs of hypoglycemia that occur if the condition is not treated promptly. Dizziness and increased heart rate (Choice C) can also occur but are not as specific and early as sweating and trembling. Nausea and vomiting (Choice D) are more commonly associated with other conditions or severe hypoglycemia, rather than being early signs.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has an altered mental status and has become aggressive. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse clarify with the provider prior to administration?

• A. Haloperidol
• B. Zolpidem
• C. Morphine
• D. Lorazepam

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Zolpidem. Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medication that can worsen altered mental status, especially in clients who are already aggressive. Therefore, the nurse should clarify this prescription with the provider before administration to ensure it is safe for the client. Choice A, Haloperidol, is an antipsychotic commonly used to manage aggression in clients with altered mental status, making it an appropriate choice in this scenario. Choice C, Morphine, is an opioid analgesic and would not directly impact the client's altered mental status or aggression. Choice D, Lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to manage anxiety and agitation, which could be beneficial in this situation but does not have the same potential to exacerbate altered mental status as Zolpidem.

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