Nursing Elites

1. A nurse admitting a patient with a history of emphysema reviews her past lab reports and notes that the patient's PaCO2 has been 56 to 64 mmHg. The nurse will be cautious administering oxygen because:

• A. The patient's calcium will rise dramatically due to pituitary stimulation.
• B. The oxygen will increase the patient's intracranial pressure and create confusion.
• C. The oxygen may cause the patient to hyperventilate and become acidotic.
• D. Using oxygen may result in the patient developing carbon dioxide narcosis and hypoxemia.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When PaCO2 chronically exceeds 50 mm Hg, it creates insensitivity to CO2 in the respiratory medulla, and the use of oxygen may result in the patient developing carbon dioxide narcosis and hypoxemia. Choice A is incorrect because administering oxygen does not lead to a dramatic rise in calcium due to pituitary stimulation. Choice B is incorrect because administering oxygen does not directly increase intracranial pressure or create confusion. Choice C is incorrect because administering oxygen to a patient with emphysema and high PaCO2 levels is more likely to cause respiratory depression than hyperventilation and acidosis.

2. Diagnostic testing has been ordered to differentiate between normal anion gap acidosis and high anion gap acidosis in an acutely ill patient. What health problem typically precedes normal anion gap acidosis?

• A. Metastases
• B. Excessive potassium intake
• C. Water intoxication
• D. Excessive administration of chloride

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

3. A patient admitted with a gastrointestinal bleed and anemia is receiving a blood transfusion. Based on the patient's hypotensive blood pressure, the nurse anticipates an order for IV fluids from the physician. Which of the following IV solutions may be administered with blood products?

• A. D5 and 0.45% Normal Saline
• B. Lactated Ringer's
• C. 5% dextrose in water
• D. 0.9% NaCl

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 0.9% NaCl. The only IV solution that can be administered with blood products is normal saline (0.9% NaCl). This solution is compatible with most blood products and is commonly used during transfusions to maintain hemodynamic stability. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A, D5 and 0.45% Normal Saline, contains dextrose and is not recommended to be given simultaneously with blood products. Choice B, Lactated Ringer's, contains calcium, which can cause coagulation and should not be mixed with blood. Choice C, 5% dextrose in water, is hypotonic and not suitable to be administered with blood products.

4. You are caring for a patient admitted with a diagnosis of acute kidney injury. When you review your patient's most recent laboratory reports, you note that the patient's magnesium levels are high. You should prioritize assessment for which of the following health problems?

• A. Diminished deep tendon reflexes
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Cool, clammy skin
• D. Acute flank pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: To assess a patient's magnesium status, the nurse should check deep tendon reflexes. Diminished deep tendon reflexes may indicate high serum magnesium levels, as hypermagnesemia can lead to neuromuscular effects. Tachycardia, cool clammy skin, and acute flank pain are not typically associated with high magnesium levels and are not priority assessments in this situation.

5. What fluid is found in spaces between the cells?

• A. Intracellular fluid
• B. Interstitial fluid
• C. Plasma
• D. Electrolyte

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Interstitial fluid. Interstitial fluid is the fluid that surrounds and occupies the spaces between cells, providing them with nutrients and removing waste. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because intracellular fluid refers to fluid inside cells, plasma refers to the liquid component of blood, and electrolyte refers to substances that dissociate into ions in solution, affecting fluid balance but not specifically found in spaces between cells.

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