Nursing Elites

1. A client with heart failure has a prescription for digoxin. The nurse is aware that sufficient potassium should be included in the diet because hypokalemia in combination with this medication:

• A. Can predispose to dysrhythmias
• B. May lead to oliguria
• C. May cause irritability and anxiety
• D. Sometimes alters consciousness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia increases the risk of dysrhythmias when taking digoxin, making potassium intake crucial. Digoxin toxicity is more likely in patients with low potassium levels, leading to an increased risk of dysrhythmias. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypokalemia in combination with digoxin is primarily associated with dysrhythmias rather than oliguria, irritability, anxiety, or alteration of consciousness.

2. A client is being maintained on heparin therapy for deep vein thrombosis. The nurse must closely monitor which of the following laboratory values?

• A. Bleeding time
• B. Platelet count
• C. Activated PTT
• D. Clotting time

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Activated PTT is the correct lab value to monitor for clients on heparin therapy. Activated PTT (partial thromboplastin time) helps assess the effectiveness of heparin therapy by measuring the time it takes for blood to clot. Monitoring activated PTT ensures that the client is within the therapeutic range of heparin to prevent both clotting and bleeding complications. Bleeding time (Choice A) and platelet count (Choice B) are not specific indicators of heparin therapy effectiveness. Clotting time (Choice D) is not as sensitive as activated PTT in monitoring heparin therapy.

3. The nurse assesses a 72-year-old client who was admitted for right-sided congestive heart failure. Which of the following would the nurse anticipate finding?

• A. Decreased urinary output
• B. Jugular vein distention
• C. Pleural effusion
• D. Bibasilar crackles

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In right-sided congestive heart failure, the nurse would anticipate finding jugular vein distention. This occurs due to increased venous pressure, leading to the distention of the jugular veins in the neck. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Decreased urinary output is not typically associated with right-sided heart failure; pleural effusion and bibasilar crackles are more commonly seen in conditions like left-sided heart failure.

4. A client who has received treatment for kidney stones should be reminded to increase intake of which of the following?

• A. Tea
• B. Sodium
• C. Water
• D. Protein

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Water. Increasing water intake helps prevent the formation of new kidney stones by diluting the urine. Tea (Choice A) contains oxalates, which can contribute to kidney stone formation. Sodium (Choice B) should be limited to prevent the risk of certain types of kidney stones. Protein (Choice D) intake should be moderate as excessive protein consumption may increase the risk of kidney stones. Therefore, advising the client to increase water intake is the most appropriate recommendation to prevent the recurrence of kidney stones.

5. A nurse is collecting data from a client who has diabetes and is overweight. The client tells the nurse that she wants to start an exercise program. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Determine the client's usual pattern of activity.
• B. Assist the client in developing a healthy eating plan.
• C. Encourage the client to join a support group.
• D. Provide the client with a list of signs and symptoms to report to the provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing the client's usual pattern of activity is crucial as it helps the nurse understand the client's current level of physical activity, any limitations, and areas needing improvement. This information is essential to create a safe and effective exercise plan tailored to the client's specific needs. Choice B, assisting the client in developing a healthy eating plan, is important but not the first step when the client's immediate goal is to start an exercise program. Encouraging the client to join a support group may be beneficial for motivation and emotional support but is not the priority at this stage. Providing a list of signs and symptoms to report to the provider is important for client education but is not the initial step when the client expresses a desire to begin an exercise program.

Similar Questions