Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client with diabetes mellitus experiencing DKA, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Tremors
• B. Urine retention
• C. Kussmaul respirations
• D. Bradypnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are a type of deep and labored breathing pattern associated with severe metabolic acidosis, commonly observed in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate, resulting in Kussmaul respirations. This helps eliminate excess carbon dioxide and reduce the acidity of the blood. Tremors (Choice A) are not typically associated with DKA. Urine retention (Choice B) is not a common finding in DKA; in fact, clients with DKA often have polyuria due to the osmotic diuresis caused by high blood glucose levels. Bradypnea (Choice D), which is abnormally slow breathing rate, is not a characteristic finding in DKA where the respiratory rate is usually increased to compensate for metabolic acidosis.

2. A client has a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include during discharge teaching?

• A. Avoid foods high in potassium.
• B. Monitor weight daily.
• C. Take the medication with food.
• D. Increase salt intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring weight daily is crucial when taking furosemide to detect fluid retention or loss. Furosemide is a diuretic that helps the body get rid of excess water and salt through urine. Changes in weight can indicate fluid shifts, which could be a sign of inadequate response to the medication or worsening condition. Therefore, monitoring weight daily is essential to assess the effectiveness of furosemide therapy and detect any potential issues early on. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding foods high in potassium is more relevant for clients taking potassium-sparing diuretics, not furosemide. Taking furosemide with food is not necessary, as it can be taken with or without food. Increasing salt intake is contradictory to the purpose of furosemide, which aims to eliminate excess salt from the body.

3. A client has a new prescription for digoxin, and a nurse is providing teaching. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will take my pulse before taking this medication.
• B. I will take this medication with an antacid.
• C. I will double the dose if I miss one.
• D. I will avoid eating bananas.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because taking the pulse before administering digoxin is crucial as the medication can cause bradycardia. Monitoring the pulse helps in identifying any signs of bradycardia, a common side effect of digoxin. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Taking digoxin with an antacid may interfere with its absorption. Doubling the dose if a dose is missed can lead to overdose and adverse effects. Avoiding bananas is not specifically related to digoxin therapy.

4. When planning to perform a sterile dressing change for a client, which of the following actions should a healthcare professional take?

• A. Wear sterile gloves to remove the old dressing.
• B. Cleanse the wound with an antiseptic solution.
• C. Use clean gloves to apply the new dressing.
• D. Open sterile supplies before donning sterile gloves.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Opening sterile supplies before donning sterile gloves is a critical step in maintaining the sterility of the supplies during a dressing change procedure. By doing so, the healthcare professional ensures that they do not touch non-sterile surfaces with their hands once sterile gloves are worn, reducing the risk of introducing pathogens to the wound and minimizing the potential for contamination.

5. A client has a tracheostomy and requires suctioning. Which of the following actions should be taken?

• A. Hyperoxygenate the client before suctioning
• B. Insert the catheter while exhalation
• C. Apply suction after inserting the catheter
• D. Limit suctioning to no more than 15 seconds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hyperoxygenating the client before suctioning is crucial to prevent hypoxia during the procedure. By using a manual resuscitation bag with 100% oxygen, the nurse should provide several breaths to the client to ensure sufficient oxygenation before starting suctioning. This approach helps maintain oxygen levels and decreases the risk of hypoxia, which may arise when suctioning interrupts the normal respiratory process. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because inserting the catheter during exhalation, applying suction while inserting the catheter, and limiting suctioning to 15 seconds do not address the priority of hyperoxygenating the client to prevent hypoxia.

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