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 client receiving chemotherapy for cancer treatment is experiencing nausea and vomiting. What is the nurse's best intervention to manage these symptoms?

• A. Offer frequent, small meals
• B. Administer antiemetics before meals
• C. Encourage the client to eat a high-fat diet
• D. Provide the client with cold, carbonated beverages

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering antiemetics before meals is the best intervention to manage nausea and vomiting in clients receiving chemotherapy. This proactive approach helps control symptoms by preventing nausea from occurring, rather than waiting to treat it once symptoms have already started. Offering frequent, small meals (choice A) may worsen symptoms in some cases due to increased stomach activity. Encouraging a high-fat diet (choice C) can be difficult for nauseated clients and may not alleviate symptoms. Providing cold, carbonated beverages (choice D) could exacerbate nausea further due to the temperature and carbonation.

3. An adolescent who was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus Type 1 at the age of 9 is admitted to the hospital in diabetic ketoacidosis. Which occurrence is the most likely cause of ketoacidosis?

• A. Had a cold and ear infection for the past two days
• B. Missed a dose of insulin
• C. Did not follow dietary restrictions
• D. Overexerted during exercise

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Infections, like a cold and ear infection, increase the body's metabolic needs and insulin resistance, making diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) more likely. While missing insulin doses or not following dietary restrictions can trigger DKA, an illness is the most common precipitating factor in pediatric Type 1 diabetes. Option B is less likely as missing insulin can lead to hyperglycemia but might not be the immediate cause of ketoacidosis. Option C can contribute to DKA over time, but the acute trigger is usually an illness. Option D, overexertion during exercise, is less likely to cause DKA compared to an infection.

4. The nurse is caring for a client post-surgery with an order to ambulate the client every 2 hours. Which of the following tasks could be safely delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

• A. Assessing the client's ability to ambulate safely
• B. Documenting the client's tolerance of ambulation
• C. Assisting the client with ambulation
• D. Evaluating the client's pain level after ambulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assisting with ambulation is a task that can be safely delegated to a UAP as it is a supportive activity that does not require clinical judgment. Choices A, B, and D involve assessments, documentation, and evaluation, which require nursing knowledge and clinical judgment, making them tasks that should be performed by a licensed nurse.

5. A child is admitted with bacterial meningitis. What assessment finding should the nurse monitor most closely?

• A. Monitor the client’s skin for rash and lesions.
• B. Monitor for signs of increased intracranial pressure.
• C. Monitor the client’s blood pressure closely.
• D. Monitor for changes in heart rate and rhythm.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B. Signs of increased intracranial pressure, such as changes in consciousness or pupil reactivity, are critical to monitor in children with bacterial meningitis to prevent complications. Monitoring the client’s skin for rash and lesions (Choice A) is not the priority in bacterial meningitis. While monitoring blood pressure (Choice C) is important, signs of increased intracranial pressure take precedence. Monitoring for changes in heart rate and rhythm (Choice D) is less specific to the condition and may not indicate worsening neurological status.

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