Nursing Elites

1. A client is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory result would the nurse expect to find in this client?

• A. pH level of 7.45
• B. Serum calcium of 15 mg/dL
• C. Blood glucose of 450 mg/dL
• D. Sodium level of 120 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Clients with diabetic ketoacidosis typically present with elevated blood glucose levels, often above 300 mg/dL. This high blood glucose level, along with other symptoms, helps confirm the diagnosis of DKA. A pH level of 7.45 would be indicative of alkalosis, not the acidosis seen in DKA. A serum calcium level of 15 mg/dL is significantly elevated and is not a typical finding in DKA. A sodium level of 120 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which is not a characteristic laboratory finding in DKA.

2. The nurse is caring for a group of clients with the help of a PN. Which nursing actions should the nurse assign to the PN?

• A. All of the above
• B. Administer a dose of insulin per sliding scale for a client with Type 2 DM
• C. Obtain postoperative vital signs for a client one day following unilateral knee arthroplasty
• D. Perform daily surgical dressing change for a client who had an abdominal hysterectomy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: All of these tasks fall within the PN's scope of practice, which includes performing surgical dressing changes, taking postoperative vital signs, and administering insulin under supervision. The RN can delegate these tasks to the PN safely. Choice A is the correct answer because all the tasks mentioned are appropriate for delegation to a PN. Choice B should not be assigned to a PN as only RNs should administer insulin. Choice C is suitable for delegation to a PN as obtaining vital signs falls within their scope of practice. Choice D is also appropriate for delegation to a PN as performing surgical dressing changes is within their scope of practice.

3. A client with chronic liver disease develops jaundice. What is the most important assessment the nurse should perform?

• A. Assess the client’s skin for lesions or sores.
• B. Monitor the client’s liver function tests.
• C. Assess for changes in mental status and behavior.
• D. Monitor the client’s urine output closely.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with chronic liver disease developing jaundice, the most important assessment the nurse should perform is to monitor the client’s urine output closely. Jaundice can indicate worsening liver function, so monitoring urine output helps assess kidney function and fluid balance, which are critical in chronic liver disease. Assessing the client’s skin for lesions or sores (Choice A) may be relevant for dermatological conditions but is not the priority in this case. Monitoring liver function tests (Choice B) is important but may not provide immediate information on the client’s current status. Assessing for changes in mental status and behavior (Choice C) is important for detecting hepatic encephalopathy but does not directly address the immediate concern of fluid balance and kidney function in the presence of jaundice.

4. A client with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) is scheduled for hemodialysis. Which dietary instruction should the nurse provide to the client?

• A. Limit fluid intake to prevent fluid overload
• B. Increase sodium intake to improve fluid balance
• C. Increase potassium intake to prevent hypokalemia
• D. Increase protein intake to promote healing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Limit fluid intake to prevent fluid overload.' Clients with advanced chronic kidney disease are at risk of fluid retention, which can lead to complications like fluid overload and hypertension. Therefore, it is crucial to instruct the client to limit fluid intake. Choice B is incorrect because increasing sodium intake can exacerbate fluid retention and hypertension in clients with CKD. Choice C is incorrect as increasing potassium intake can be dangerous for clients with CKD who may already have elevated potassium levels. Choice D is incorrect because while protein intake may need to be adjusted for clients on hemodialysis, the priority in this case is managing fluid intake.

5. An adolescent with major depressive disorder has been taking duloxetine (Cymbalta) for the past 12 days. Which assessment finding requires immediate follow-up?

• A. Increased appetite
• B. Describes life without purpose
• C. Exhibits mood swings
• D. Complains of insomnia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An adolescent expressing 'life without purpose' after taking duloxetine (Cymbalta) may be indicating suicidal ideation, which requires immediate attention. The initial period of antidepressant treatment can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in younger populations. Increased appetite (Choice A) is a common side effect of duloxetine and may not require immediate follow-up. Mood swings (Choice C) and insomnia (Choice D) are also possible side effects of the medication but are not as urgent as addressing suicidal ideation.

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