Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is admitted with a new onset of confusion. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Obtain a blood glucose level.
• B. Administer an anticoagulant as prescribed.
• C. Perform a neurological assessment.
• D. Administer aspirin as prescribed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Performing a neurological assessment is the priority in this situation as it helps in evaluating the cause of the new onset of confusion in a client with atrial fibrillation. This assessment will provide crucial information about the client's neurological status, which can guide further interventions. Obtaining a blood glucose level (Choice A) is important but should not be the first step when dealing with a new onset of confusion. Administering an anticoagulant (Choice B) or aspirin (Choice D) may be necessary depending on the underlying cause, but assessing the neurological status comes first to determine the appropriate course of action.

2. A woman with an anxiety disorder calls her obstetrician's office and tells the nurse of increased anxiety since the normal vaginal delivery of her son three weeks ago. Since she is breastfeeding, she stopped taking her antianxiety medications, but thinks she may need to start taking them again because of her increased anxiety. What response is best for the nurse to provide this woman?

• A. Describe the transmission of drugs to the infant through breast milk
• B. Encourage her to use stress-relieving alternatives, such as deep breathing exercises
• C. Inform her that some antianxiety medications are safe to take while breastfeeding
• D. Explain that anxiety is a normal response for the mother of a 3-week-old.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: There are several antianxiety medications that are not contraindicated for breastfeeding mothers, so it is important to inform her of this option.

3. A client with a history of congestive heart failure is admitted with shortness of breath. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed.
• B. Administer prescribed diuretic therapy.
• C. Monitor the client's oxygen saturation.
• D. Assess the client's level of consciousness.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to elevate the head of the bed. Elevating the head of the bed is crucial in improving oxygenation in clients with congestive heart failure and shortness of breath by reducing venous return to the heart and decreasing fluid overload in the lungs. This intervention helps to alleviate the client's breathing difficulty. Administering diuretic therapy (Choice B) may be necessary but is not the initial priority. Monitoring oxygen saturation (Choice C) is important but should come after ensuring proper positioning. Assessing the client's level of consciousness (Choice D) is essential but is not the first intervention needed for a client experiencing respiratory distress.

4. During the initial newborn assessment, the nurse finds that a newborn's heart rate is irregular. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Notify the pediatrician immediately.
• B. Teach the parents about congenital heart defects.
• C. Document the finding in the infant's record.
• D. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula at 3 L/min.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention when a nurse finds an irregular heart rate in a newborn is to document the finding in the infant's record. An irregular heart rate is a common occurrence in newborns and does not necessarily require immediate medical intervention. Notifying the pediatrician immediately is unnecessary unless there are other concerning symptoms. Teaching the parents about congenital heart defects is not the priority in this situation. Applying oxygen via nasal cannula at 3 L/min is not indicated for an irregular heart rate without further assessment or medical indication.

5. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is admitted with hyperkalemia. Which laboratory value is most concerning?

• A. Serum potassium of 6.5 mEq/L
• B. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L
• C. Serum creatinine of 2.0 mg/dl
• D. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dl

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L is concerning in a client with CKD as it indicates hyperkalemia, which requires immediate intervention to prevent cardiac complications. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, particularly in patients with impaired kidney function. Serum sodium, creatinine, and blood glucose levels, while important, are not as acutely dangerous as severe hyperkalemia in this context.

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