Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has a new prescription for digoxin. Which of the following findings is the priority for the healthcare professional to report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate of 58/min
• B. Weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) in 24 hours
• C. Respiratory rate of 20/min
• D. Temperature of 37.3°C (99.1°F)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A heart rate of 58/min is indicative of bradycardia, a potential sign of digoxin toxicity, which should be reported immediately. While weight gain, respiratory rate, and temperature are important parameters to monitor, they are not as critical as identifying bradycardia in a client taking digoxin.

2. A client sustained a major burn over 20% of the body. What intervention should the nurse implement to meet the client's nutritional needs?

• A. Keep track of calorie intake for food and beverages.
• B. Provide a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet.
• C. Schedule meals at 6-hour intervals.
• D. Provide a high-protein, high-calorie diet.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to provide a high-protein, high-calorie diet for a client with major burns. This type of diet is essential to support healing and recovery. High-protein intake is crucial as it helps in tissue repair and wound healing, while high-calorie intake is necessary to meet the increased metabolic demands of the body during the healing process. Keeping track of calorie intake (Choice A) is important but doesn't address the specific needs of a burn patient. Providing a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet (Choice B) is not suitable for burn patients as they require adequate protein for wound healing. Scheduling meals at 6-hour intervals (Choice C) may be helpful for maintaining a consistent eating schedule, but it is not as crucial as providing the correct high-protein, high-calorie diet.

3. A client with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus is being taught by a nurse about insulin administration. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Store unopened vials of insulin in the refrigerator, not the freezer.
• B. Rotate injection sites within the same region to prevent tissue damage.
• C. Administer insulin at a 90-degree angle for subcutaneous injections.
• D. Avoid massaging the injection site after administering insulin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to rotate injection sites within the same region to prevent tissue damage. By rotating sites, the client can prevent lipodystrophy, which is a condition characterized by the loss or change in body fat at the site of repeated injections. This practice also helps to ensure proper insulin absorption. Storing unopened vials of insulin in the refrigerator (Choice A) is correct, not in the freezer, as freezing can damage the insulin. Administering insulin at a 90-degree angle (Choice C) is more appropriate for subcutaneous injections, while a 45-degree angle is used for intramuscular injections. Massaging the injection site after administering insulin (Choice D) is not recommended as it can affect insulin absorption rates.

4. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is receiving warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. INR 1.8
• B. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
• C. Platelets 175,000/mm³
• D. Potassium 3.8 mEq/L

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. An INR of 1.8 is below the therapeutic range for a client receiving warfarin, indicating a potential risk of blood clots. This value should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and possible adjustment of the warfarin dosage. Choices B, C, and D are within normal ranges and do not directly relate to the effectiveness or safety of warfarin therapy in this scenario, making them less urgent to report.

5. What is the most appropriate method to assess a patient's level of consciousness?

• A. Use the Glasgow Coma Scale
• B. Assess the patient's orientation
• C. Check pupillary response
• D. Monitor vital signs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Using the Glasgow Coma Scale. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a standardized tool used to assess a patient's level of consciousness by evaluating their eye response, verbal response, and motor response. This scale provides a numeric value that helps in determining the severity of brain injury or altered mental status. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while assessing the patient's orientation, checking pupillary response, and monitoring vital signs are important components of a comprehensive patient assessment, they do not specifically target the assessment of consciousness level, which is best done using the Glasgow Coma Scale.

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