Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of hypertension is prescribed a diuretic. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Monitor serum calcium levels.
• B. Monitor serum potassium levels.
• C. Monitor serum sodium levels.
• D. Monitor serum magnesium levels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor serum potassium levels. When a client is prescribed a diuretic, monitoring serum potassium levels is essential to evaluate the medication's effectiveness and to detect potential electrolyte imbalances. Diuretics can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia, which can have serious consequences such as cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring serum calcium levels (Choice A) is not typically required when assessing the effectiveness of diuretics. Similarly, monitoring serum sodium levels (Choice C) is important for other conditions but is not the primary concern when evaluating diuretic therapy. Monitoring serum magnesium levels (Choice D) is also important, but potassium levels are more critical in assessing diuretic effectiveness and preventing complications.

2. A client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The nurse should monitor the client for which complication?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hyperglycemia is the correct complication to monitor for in a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) due to the high glucose content of the solution. TPN solutions are rich in glucose, so monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial to prevent hyperglycemia. Hypoglycemia (Choice A) is less common with TPN due to the high glucose content, making hyperglycemia a more significant concern. Hypertension (Choice C) and hyperkalemia (Choice D) are not typically associated with TPN administration, making them incorrect choices in this scenario.

3. A client has Clostridium difficile and is in contact isolation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Wear gloves when changing the client's gown.
• B. Use hand sanitizer after contact with the client.
• C. Wear a mask when entering the client's room.
• D. Clean the room with a disinfectant spray.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a client with Clostridium difficile in contact isolation is to wear gloves when changing the client's gown. Clostridium difficile is highly transmissible, and wearing gloves helps prevent the spread of the infection. Using hand sanitizer after contact with the client (Choice B) is not enough to prevent the transmission of C. difficile, as the spores can persist and spread. Wearing a mask when entering the client's room (Choice C) is not necessary for C. difficile transmission, which primarily occurs through contact with contaminated surfaces. Cleaning the room with a disinfectant spray (Choice D) is important, but wearing gloves during direct care is the priority to prevent the nurse from acquiring and spreading the infection.

4. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will take my pulse before taking the medication.
• B. I will take the medication at the same time every day.
• C. I should avoid taking antacids at the same time as this medication.
• D. I should eat foods high in potassium while taking this medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Clients taking digoxin should avoid eating foods high in potassium, as this can affect the medication's efficacy. Choices A, B, and C are correct statements regarding digoxin administration and precautions, indicating the client's understanding of the medication and its management.

5. The LPN/LVN is assisting with the care of a client who has had a stroke. Which intervention is most important to include in the client's plan of care to prevent joint contractures?

• A. Encourage the client to perform active range-of-motion exercises.
• B. Use pillows to keep the client's extremities in a functional position.
• C. Place the client in a prone position for 30 minutes each day.
• D. Perform passive range-of-motion exercises on the affected side.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using pillows to keep the client's extremities in a functional position is crucial in preventing joint contractures. This intervention helps maintain proper alignment of the joints and reduces the risk of contractures by preventing prolonged positioning that can lead to muscle shortening. Encouraging the client to perform active range-of-motion exercises (Choice A) is beneficial for maintaining mobility but may not be the most important intervention to prevent joint contractures. Placing the client in a prone position for 30 minutes each day (Choice C) can be helpful for preventing pressure ulcers but is not directly related to preventing joint contractures. Performing passive range-of-motion exercises on the affected side (Choice D) can aid in maintaining joint flexibility but may not be as crucial as using pillows to prevent joint contractures.

Similar Questions