Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) is being treated. Which laboratory value would be most concerning?

• A. Troponin level of 0.5 ng/mL
• B. Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) of 5.0 ng/mL
• C. Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L
• D. Blood glucose of 180 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A troponin level of 0.5 ng/mL is elevated, indicating myocardial damage, making it the most concerning finding in a client with a myocardial infarction (MI). Troponin is a highly specific marker for cardiac muscle damage, and elevated levels suggest ongoing injury to the heart muscle. While Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) is also a cardiac enzyme, troponin is more specific and sensitive for myocardial damage. Serum potassium and blood glucose levels are important parameters to monitor in MI patients, but in this scenario, the elevated troponin level takes precedence as it directly reflects cardiac injury.

2. A nurse is evaluating a client’s use of a cane. What is the correct use?

• A. Client holds the cane on the stronger side of the body.
• B. Client holds the cane on the weaker side of the body.
• C. Client holds the cane in front of the weaker side of the body.
• D. Client holds the cane in front of the stronger side of the body.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to use a cane is for the client to hold it on the stronger side of the body. This positioning allows the cane to provide support to the weaker side, assisting with balance and stability. Placing the cane on the weaker side (Choice B) may not provide adequate support and could lead to an increased risk of falls. Holding the cane in front of the weaker side (Choice C) or in front of the stronger side (Choice D) does not optimize the support and stability needed while walking with a cane.

3. A client has a new prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Place the tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve completely.
• C. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• D. Chew the tablet for faster relief.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual tablets is to place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve completely. This route of administration allows for rapid absorption of the medication through the oral mucosa, providing quick relief for angina symptoms. Option A, taking the medication with food, is incorrect as nitroglycerin should be taken sublingually, not with food. Option C, swallowing the tablet whole with water, is incorrect as sublingual tablets should not be swallowed whole. Option D, chewing the tablet for faster relief, is also incorrect as chewing the tablet can lead to rapid absorption and potential adverse effects rather than a controlled release for angina relief.

4. A client reports having insomnia. Which of the following interventions is appropriate for the nurse to recommend?

• A. Exercise 1 hour before bedtime.
• B. Eat a light carbohydrate snack before bedtime.
• C. Drink a cup of hot cocoa before bedtime.
• D. Take a 30-minute nap daily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Eating a light carbohydrate snack before bedtime is a suitable intervention for insomnia because it can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote sleep. Exercising close to bedtime may actually disrupt sleep patterns due to increased alertness and body temperature. Drinking hot cocoa before bedtime, which contains caffeine, may interfere with falling asleep. Taking a nap during the day can make it harder to fall asleep at night and may worsen insomnia. Therefore, the best recommendation among the choices provided is to eat a light carbohydrate snack before bedtime.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is unstable and has vital signs measured every 15 minutes by an electronic blood pressure machine. The nurse notices the machine begins to measure the blood pressure at varied intervals and the readings are inconsistent. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Discontinue the machine and measure the blood pressure manually every 15 minutes.
• B. Adjust the machine settings.
• C. Clean the machine to ensure accuracy.
• D. Increase the frequency of the readings.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should adjust the machine settings. If the electronic blood pressure machine is providing varied intervals and inconsistent readings, it indicates a potential malfunction. Changing the settings may help correct the issue and ensure accurate measurements. Discontinuing the machine and measuring manually every 15 minutes (Choice A) may be time-consuming and impractical. Cleaning the machine (Choice C) is important for routine maintenance but may not address the current issue of varied intervals and inconsistent readings. Increasing the frequency of the readings (Choice D) does not address the problem of inaccurate measurements caused by the malfunctioning machine.

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