Nursing Elites

1. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. Serum amylase.
• B. Serum sodium.
• C. Serum calcium.
• D. Serum potassium.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In acute pancreatitis, serum amylase is a crucial laboratory value to monitor closely. Elevated levels of serum amylase are a key indicator of pancreatic inflammation and can help confirm the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, monitoring serum amylase levels is essential for assessing the progression and severity of the condition in a client with acute pancreatitis.

2. What health promotion teaching should prioritize to prevent drug-induced hepatitis?

• A. Finish all prescribed courses of antibiotics, regardless of symptom resolution
• B. Adhere to dosing recommendations of over-the-counter analgesics
• C. Ensure that expired medications are disposed of safely
• D. Ensure that pharmacists regularly review drug regimens for potential interactions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Adhering to dosing recommendations of over-the-counter analgesics is crucial in preventing drug-induced hepatitis. Overdosing on analgesics can lead to liver damage, making it essential to follow the recommended dosages to reduce the risk of hepatotoxicity.

3. A 35-year-old man presents with difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and regurgitation of undigested food. A barium swallow shows a 'bird beak' appearance of the lower esophagus. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Esophageal cancer
• B. Achalasia
• C. Peptic stricture
• D. Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The 'bird beak' appearance on a barium swallow is characteristic of achalasia, a condition where the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly. This leads to difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and regurgitation of undigested food, which are hallmark symptoms of achalasia.

4. In evaluating a 10-year-old child with meningitis suspected of having diabetes insipidus, which finding is indicative of diabetes insipidus?

• A. Decreased urine specific gravity.
• B. Elevated urine glucose.
• C. Decreased serum potassium.
• D. Increased serum sodium.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Diabetes insipidus is characterized by the kidneys' inability to concentrate urine, leading to decreased urine specific gravity. This results in the excretion of large volumes of dilute urine, causing a decrease in urine specific gravity. Therefore, when evaluating a suspected case of diabetes insipidus, a finding of decreased urine specific gravity is indicative of this condition.

5. A client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) through a central line suddenly develops dyspnea, chest pain, and a drop in blood pressure. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Stop the TPN infusion.
• B. Notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Place the client in Trendelenburg position.
• D. Administer oxygen at 2 liters/minute.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing the client in Trendelenburg position should be the initial action as it can help manage a suspected air embolism, a potential complication of TPN administration. This position helps trap air in the apex of the atrium, reducing the risk of air reaching the pulmonary circulation and causing further harm. Once the client is in a safe position, further actions such as stopping the TPN infusion, notifying the healthcare provider, and administering oxygen can be taken as appropriate.

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