Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a brainstem injury. The nurse should expect the client to exhibit which of the following findings?

• A. Decerebrate posturing.
• B. Hypervigilance.
• C. Absence of deep tendon reflexes.
• D. Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decerebrate posturing. Decerebrate posturing is an abnormal body posture characterized by rigid extension of the arms and legs, which indicates severe brainstem injury affecting the midbrain and pons. This posture suggests dysfunction or damage to neural pathways controlling muscle tone. Choice B, hypervigilance, is not typically associated with brainstem injury but rather with increased alertness and arousal. Choice C, absence of deep tendon reflexes, is not a specific finding related to brainstem injury. Choice D, a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, indicates a fully awake and alert state, which is not expected in a client with a brainstem injury.

2. A nurse is collecting data from an older adult client during a routine physical examination. Which of the following client statements should the nurse identify as a possible indication of maltreatment?

• A. My son took my wallet to keep track of my spending
• B. My son always cooks my meals for me
• C. My son doesn't want me to drive alone
• D. I exercise every day with my son

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Taking away a wallet to control spending is a form of financial maltreatment, which is a common form of abuse among older adults. Choices B, C, and D do not indicate maltreatment; rather, they show examples of care and concern from the son. Cooking meals, preventing the older adult from driving alone, and engaging in daily exercise are positive behaviors.

3. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who has Cushing's disease. The nurse should expect the client to have an increase in which of the following laboratory values?

• A. Serum glucose level.
• B. Serum calcium level.
• C. Lymphocyte count.
• D. Serum potassium level.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum glucose level. In Cushing's disease, there is an excess production of cortisol, leading to hyperglycemia. This results in an increase in serum glucose levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Cushing's disease does not directly affect serum calcium levels, lymphocyte count, or serum potassium levels.

4. What are the complications of untreated DVT?

• A. Pulmonary embolism and stroke
• B. Infection and kidney failure
• C. Hypertension and vision loss
• D. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary embolism and stroke. Untreated DVT can result in these serious complications, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent common complications associated with untreated deep vein thrombosis. Infection and kidney failure, hypertension and vision loss, as well as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are not typically direct consequences of untreated DVT.

5. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia and how should it be managed?

• A. Muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias; administer calcium gluconate
• B. Confusion and bradycardia; administer insulin and glucose
• C. Fatigue and irregular heart rate; administer diuretics
• D. Nausea and vomiting; administer sodium bicarbonate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias, making choice A correct. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac effects, and calcium gluconate is used to stabilize the heart by antagonizing the effects of potassium. Choices B, C, and D describe symptoms and interventions that are not typically associated with hyperkalemia. Confusion and bradycardia are not common in hyperkalemia, and insulin and glucose are used in hyperkalemia only under specific circumstances. Fatigue and irregular heart rate are vague symptoms, and diuretics are not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia. Nausea and vomiting are nonspecific symptoms and sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for the management of hyperkalemia.

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