Nursing Elites

1. A client with myasthenia gravis (MG) is receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Review of recent laboratory test results shows that the client’s serum magnesium level has decreased below the normal range. In addition to contacting the healthcare provider, what nursing action is most important?

• A. Check the visual difficulties
• B. Note the most recent hemoglobin level
• C. Assess for hand and joint pain
• D. Observe rhythm on telemetry monitor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to observe the rhythm on the telemetry monitor. Decreased magnesium levels can lead to cardiac issues, such as arrhythmias. Monitoring the heart rhythm is crucial in this situation. Checking visual difficulties (choice A) is not directly related to the potential cardiac effects of low magnesium levels. Noting the hemoglobin level (choice B) and assessing for hand and joint pain (choice C) are not the priority when dealing with low magnesium levels and possible cardiac complications.

2. The nurse is measuring the output of an infant admitted for vomiting and diarrhea. During a 12-hour shift, the infant drinks 4 ounces of Pedialyte, vomits 25 ml, and voids twice. The dry diaper weighs 105 grams. Which computer documentation should the nurse enter in the infant’s record?

• A. Subtract vomitus from 120 ml Pedialyte, then document 95 ml oral intake.
• B. Compare the difference between the infant’s current weight and admission weight.
• C. Document on the flow sheet that the infant voided twice and vomited 25 ml.
• D. Calculate the difference in wet and dry diapers and document 80 ml urine.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to document on the flow sheet that the infant voided twice and vomited 25 ml. This choice accurately reflects the need for accurate documentation of intake and output, essential for monitoring the infant's hydration status. Choice A is incorrect because the oral intake should not be calculated by subtracting vomitus from the oral intake. Choice B is incorrect because it does not address the specific documentation related to the infant's output. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on calculating urine output based on diaper weight, which is not the primary concern in this scenario.

3. A newborn whose mother is HIV positive is admitted to the nursery from labor and delivery. Which action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Initiate treatment with zidovudine (ZDV) syrup at 2 mg per kg
• B. Bathe the infant with dilute chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) or soap
• C. Measure and record the infant's frontal-occipital circumference
• D. Administer vitamin K (AquaMEPHYTON) IM in the vastus lateralis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for a newborn potentially exposed to HIV is to bathe the infant with dilute chlorhexidine or soap. This helps reduce the risk of infection. Initiating treatment with zidovudine would be important but not the first priority. Measuring and recording the infant's frontal-occipital circumference and administering vitamin K are important tasks but are not the priority when dealing with potential HIV exposure. Immediate hygiene measures are crucial to minimize the risk of transmission.

4. To differentiate adventitious lung sounds associated with heart failure from those associated with bacterial pneumonia, what information should the nurse review?

• A. Sputum culture findings
• B. Oxygen saturation level
• C. Amount of coughing
• D. Respiratory rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sputum culture findings. Reviewing sputum culture findings can provide valuable information to differentiate between bacterial pneumonia and heart failure, as the type of bacteria present in the sputum can help identify the specific infection. Oxygen saturation level (Choice B) is important for assessing oxygenation status but does not directly help in distinguishing between the two conditions based on lung sounds. The amount of coughing (Choice C) and respiratory rate (Choice D) may offer some clinical insights but are not as specific or diagnostic as sputum culture findings when differentiating between heart failure and bacterial pneumonia.

5. A client is admitted to the labor and delivery unit in early labor, and the nurse assesses the status of her contractions. The frequency of contractions is most accurately evaluated by counting the minutes and seconds in which manner?

• A. From the peak of one contraction to the peak of the next contraction
• B. From the beginning of one contraction to the end of that contraction
• C. From the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction
• D. From the end of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The frequency of contractions is measured from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction. This timing is crucial in determining the progress of labor. Choice A, measuring from peak to peak, is incorrect as it assesses the duration between the highest points of contractions, which is not how frequency is calculated. Choice B, measuring from the beginning to the end of one contraction, is incorrect as it does not consider the start of the next contraction. Choice D, measuring from the end of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction, is incorrect as it misses the initial onset of the following contraction.

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