Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who is prescribed spironolactone. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor for this client?

• A. Total bilirubin.
• B. Urine ketones.
• C. Serum potassium.
• D. Platelet count.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serum potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps the body retain potassium. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client's serum potassium levels to prevent hyperkalemia, which can be a potential side effect of spironolactone. Monitoring total bilirubin levels (A) is not specifically required for clients taking spironolactone. Urine ketones (B) are not directly influenced by spironolactone use. Platelet count (D) is not typically monitored in clients taking spironolactone.

2. A client is undergoing radiation therapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent skin irritation?

• A. Apply heat packs to the area
• B. Use perfumed soap to cleanse the area
• C. Keep the area moist with lotion
• D. Avoid sun exposure to the treated area

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Avoiding sun exposure is crucial to prevent skin irritation and burns in clients undergoing radiation therapy. Radiation therapy makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of skin damage. Applying heat packs (choice A) can exacerbate skin irritation as heat can further irritate the skin that is already sensitive due to radiation. Using perfumed soap (choice B) can further irritate the skin due to its harsh chemicals, potentially worsening skin reactions. While keeping the area moist with lotion (choice C) may seem beneficial, some lotions contain ingredients that can worsen skin reactions during radiation therapy. Therefore, avoiding sun exposure to the treated area (choice D) is the most appropriate action to prevent skin irritation and damage during radiation therapy.

3. What is the first priority for a patient in respiratory distress?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Assess airway patency
• C. Monitor oxygen saturation
• D. Call for assistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer oxygen. In a patient experiencing respiratory distress, the primary concern is ensuring an adequate oxygen supply to the body. By administering oxygen, you can help improve oxygenation, which is crucial for the patient's overall well-being. Assessing airway patency is important but administering oxygen takes precedence as it directly addresses the oxygenation concern. Monitoring oxygen saturation is also essential, but the immediate action should be to provide oxygen. Calling for assistance can be important but is not the first priority when dealing with a patient in respiratory distress.

4. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with oxygen therapy. What should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Avoid keeping oxygen tanks in an upright position
• B. Keep oxygen equipment at least 6 feet away from heat sources
• C. Allow family members to smoke in designated areas
• D. Restrict fluid intake while using oxygen therapy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Keep oxygen equipment at least 6 feet away from heat sources.' It is crucial to keep oxygen equipment away from heat sources to prevent fire hazards. Option A is incorrect as oxygen tanks should be stored in an upright position. Option C is wrong because smoking near oxygen equipment poses a significant fire risk. Option D is also incorrect as fluid intake should not be restricted while using oxygen therapy; in fact, it is important to maintain adequate hydration.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a sign of digoxin toxicity?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Hypotension
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bradycardia is a common sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, can lead to toxicity manifesting as bradycardia due to its effect on the heart's electrical conduction system. Tachycardia (choice B) is not typically associated with digoxin toxicity. Hypotension (choice C) and hyperkalemia (choice D) are not direct signs of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the correct answer is bradycardia.

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