Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of alcoholism is admitted with confusion, ataxia, and nystagmus. Which nursing intervention is a priority for this client?

• A. Monitor for signs of alcohol withdrawal.
• B. Administer thiamine as prescribed.
• C. Provide a quiet environment to reduce confusion.
• D. Initiate fall precautions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer thiamine as prescribed. Administering thiamine is crucial in clients with a history of alcoholism to prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy, which is characterized by confusion, ataxia, and nystagmus. Monitoring for signs of alcohol withdrawal (choice A) is important but not the priority. Providing a quiet environment (choice C) and initiating fall precautions (choice D) are important interventions, but administering thiamine takes precedence due to the risk of Wernicke's encephalopathy.

2. The parents of a 6-year-old recently diagnosed with asthma should be taught that symptoms of an acute episode of asthma are due to which physiological response?

• A. Inflammation of the mucous membrane and bronchospasm
• B. Increased mucus production and airway obstruction
• C. Hyperinflation of the lungs and alveolar collapse
• D. Bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation. During an acute asthma episode, bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation occur, leading to difficulty breathing. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Inflammation of the mucous membrane and bronchospasm (Choice A) are part of the pathophysiology of asthma but do not fully explain the symptoms during an acute episode. Increased mucus production and airway obstruction (Choice B) are also seen in asthma but are not the primary cause of acute symptoms. Hyperinflation of the lungs and alveolar collapse (Choice C) are not typical features of an acute asthma episode.

3. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is scheduled for a renal biopsy. Which laboratory value should the nurse review before the procedure?

• A. Serum potassium
• B. Serum creatinine
• C. Hemoglobin
• D. White blood cell count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before a renal biopsy, the nurse should review the serum creatinine level. Serum creatinine is a key indicator of kidney function. In clients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), monitoring creatinine levels is crucial as elevated levels may indicate worsening kidney function, which could impact the safety and outcome of the biopsy. Hemoglobin (choice C) is important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity but is not directly related to the kidney biopsy procedure. Serum potassium (choice A) is important to monitor in CKD but is not specifically crucial before a renal biopsy. White blood cell count (choice D) is more relevant for assessing infection or inflammation, which is not the primary concern before a renal biopsy.

4. An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) assigned to obtain client vital signs reports to the charge nurse that a client has a weak pulse with a rate of 44 beats/minute. What action should the charge nurse implement?

• A. Instruct the UAP to count the client's apical pulse rate for sixty seconds.
• B. Determine if the UAP also measured the client's capillary refill time.
• C. Assign a practical nurse (LPN) to determine if an apical-radial pulse deficit is present.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider of the abnormal pulse rate and pulse volume.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the charge nurse to implement in this situation is to assign a practical nurse (LPN) to determine if an apical-radial pulse deficit is present. This helps to confirm the accuracy of the reported weak pulse. In this scenario, it is crucial to involve a licensed nurse to further assess the situation and provide a more comprehensive evaluation. Inaccurate pulse readings can lead to inappropriate interventions or unnecessary alarm. Instructing the UAP to count the apical pulse may not address the accuracy issue. Checking capillary refill time is not directly related to confirming the weak pulse rate. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately may be premature without confirming the accuracy of the pulse reading first.

5. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is scheduled to receive a dose of methotrexate. Which laboratory result is most important for the nurse to review before administering the medication?

• A. White blood cell count
• B. Liver function tests
• C. Kidney function tests
• D. Complete blood count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver function tests. Before administering methotrexate, it is crucial to review liver function tests due to the medication's potential hepatotoxic effects. Methotrexate can cause liver damage, so monitoring liver function is essential to prevent any serious complications. While white blood cell count, kidney function tests, and complete blood count are important parameters to monitor in certain situations, they are not the most critical before administering methotrexate.

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