Nursing Elites

1. A client is newly prescribed lithium for bipolar disorder. Which finding is most important to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. A serum lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L.
• B. Fine hand tremors noted after starting the medication.
• C. A blood pressure of 110/60 mmHg.
• D. A serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Fine hand tremors noted after starting lithium are an early sign of lithium toxicity. It is crucial to report this finding to the healthcare provider promptly. Adjusting the dose or monitoring serum levels more closely may be necessary to prevent further toxicity. Choice A, a serum lithium level of 1.2 mEq/L, is within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) for treating bipolar disorder. Choice C, a blood pressure of 110/60 mmHg, and Choice D, a serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L, are within normal limits and not directly related to lithium therapy or toxicity.

2. A male client with HIV on saquinavir and other antiretrovirals reports increased hunger and thirst but weight loss. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Use a glucometer to assess capillary glucose.
• B. Explain to the client that an increased dose of medication is needed.
• C. Reassure the client that weight will improve as viral load decreases.
• D. Teach the client how to measure his weight accurately.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Increased thirst and hunger while losing weight may indicate hyperglycemia, a common side effect of saquinavir and other antiretrovirals. Using a glucometer to assess capillary glucose levels is essential to evaluate for hyperglycemia. Choice B is incorrect because increasing the dose of medication without assessing blood glucose levels can be dangerous. Choice C is incorrect because weight loss may not necessarily improve with viral load reduction and doesn't address the immediate concern of hyperglycemia. Choice D is irrelevant to the presenting symptoms and should not be a priority over assessing for hyperglycemia.

3. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What laboratory result should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. White blood cell count of 15,000.
• B. Blood glucose level of 320 mg/dL.
• C. Sodium level of 145 mEq/L.
• D. Serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A blood glucose level of 320 mg/dL indicates the need for insulin to manage diabetic ketoacidosis.

4. A client with a history of type 2 diabetes is admitted with hyperglycemia. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer a dose of insulin as prescribed.
• B. Check the client's blood glucose level.
• C. Administer a fluid bolus to improve hydration.
• D. Monitor the client's intake and output closely.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's blood glucose level. This is the priority action when dealing with a client admitted with hyperglycemia. Checking the blood glucose level helps determine the severity of hyperglycemia and guides further treatment. Administering insulin or fluids or monitoring intake and output are important interventions but should come after assessing the blood glucose level to inform the most appropriate course of action.

5. A client with chronic heart failure is admitted with worsening dyspnea. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per nasal cannula.
• B. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
• C. Assess the client's lung sounds.
• D. Reposition the client to relieve dyspnea.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with chronic heart failure experiencing worsening dyspnea, the priority action for the nurse is to administer oxygen at 2 liters per nasal cannula. This helps improve oxygenation and alleviate respiratory distress. Administering a diuretic (Choice B) may be necessary but addressing oxygenation comes first. While assessing lung sounds (Choice C) is important, it is not the immediate priority when the client is in respiratory distress. Repositioning the client (Choice D) may help with comfort but does not address the underlying issue of inadequate oxygenation.

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