Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

• A. Generalized rash over trunk
• B. Increased temperature
• C. Decreased level of consciousness
• D. Report of photophobia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased level of consciousness. In a client with meningitis, a decreased level of consciousness is a critical finding that should be reported immediately. This could indicate increased intracranial pressure or neurological deterioration, requiring prompt intervention. Choices A, B, and D are important in the assessment of meningitis but are not as immediately concerning as a decreased level of consciousness. A generalized rash over the trunk can be seen in meningococcal meningitis, an increased temperature is expected due to the inflammatory response, and photophobia is a common symptom due to meningeal irritation.

2. Your patient has a blood potassium level of 9.2 mEq/L. What intervention should you anticipate for this patient?

• A. Intravenous potassium supplementation
• B. Intravenous calcium supplementation
• C. Kidney dialysis
• D. Parenteral nutrition

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Kidney dialysis. A blood potassium level of 9.2 mEq/L indicates severe hyperkalemia, which can be life-threatening. Kidney dialysis is the most appropriate intervention to rapidly lower potassium levels in this situation. Choice A, intravenous potassium supplementation, would worsen the hyperkalemia. Choice B, intravenous calcium supplementation, is not the primary intervention for hyperkalemia. Choice D, parenteral nutrition, is unrelated to treating hyperkalemia and would not address the immediate concern.

3. Which technique or method is used to determine whether or not the patient has an irregular pulse?

• A. Apical pulse
• B. Inspection
• C. Auscultation
• D. Percussion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An apical pulse check is used to determine if the patient has an irregular pulse. The apical pulse is located at the point of maximal impulse (PMI) and is assessed using a stethoscope. Choice B, inspection, involves visual examination and is not used to assess pulse irregularities. Choice C, auscultation, involves listening to internal sounds using a stethoscope, which can be used to assess heart sounds but not specifically for pulse irregularities. Choice D, percussion, is a technique used to assess the density of body tissues or detect abnormal masses and is not used to determine pulse irregularities.

4. A nurse reviews the electrolyte results of an assigned client and notes that the potassium level is 5.4 mEq/L. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note on the electrocardiogram as a result of the laboratory value?

• A. ST depression
• B. Inverted T wave
• C. Prominent U wave
• D. Tall peaked T waves

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Tall peaked T waves.' Tall peaked T waves are characteristic ECG changes associated with hyperkalemia. In hyperkalemia, the elevated potassium levels affect the myocardium, leading to changes in the ECG. ST depression (Choice A) is more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia or infarction. Inverted T wave (Choice B) is seen in conditions like myocardial ischemia or CNS events. Prominent U wave (Choice C) is typically associated with hypokalemia or certain medications. Therefore, in this scenario, the nurse would expect to note tall peaked T waves on the electrocardiogram due to the elevated potassium level.

5. Which of the following strategies can help reduce healthcare-associated infections?

• A. Using outdated medical equipment
• B. Implementing strict hygiene protocols
• C. Increasing patient wait times
• D. Reducing nursing staff

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: Implementing strict hygiene protocols can help reduce healthcare-associated infections. By maintaining high standards of hygiene, such as proper handwashing, sterilization of equipment, and cleanliness of the environment, the spread of infections can be minimized. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Using outdated medical equipment can increase the risk of infections due to lack of proper maintenance and sterilization. Increasing patient wait times may lead to frustration but does not directly impact infection rates. Reducing nursing staff can compromise patient care and monitoring but is not specifically related to reducing healthcare-associated infections.

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