Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Serum sodium.
• B. Serum calcium.
• C. Serum potassium.
• D. Serum glucose.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, so serum potassium should be monitored to evaluate its effectiveness. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial because spironolactone can cause hyperkalemia as a side effect. Serum sodium, serum calcium, and serum glucose levels are not directly affected by spironolactone and would not provide an accurate assessment of the medication's effectiveness.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report?

• A. Heart rate of 90/min
• B. Blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg
• C. Warmth and redness in the calf
• D. Pink-tinged urine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, warmth and redness in the calf. These symptoms may indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a serious complication following hip arthroplasty that requires immediate attention. A heart rate of 90/min and blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg are within normal ranges for a postoperative client and do not indicate an urgent issue. Pink-tinged urine may suggest blood in the urine, which should be monitored but is not as critical as the potential DVT.

3. While caring for a newborn with jaundice receiving phototherapy, what action should the nurse take?

• A. Feed the infant 30 ml (1 oz) of glucose water every 2 hours.
• B. Keep the infant's head covered with a cap.
• C. Ensure that the newborn wears a diaper.
• D. Apply lotion to the newborn every 4 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take while caring for a newborn with jaundice receiving phototherapy is to ensure that the newborn wears a diaper. This is essential to prevent skin irritation during phototherapy. Feeding the infant glucose water or applying lotion are not pertinent to managing jaundice or phototherapy. Keeping the infant's head covered with a cap is also not necessary for this specific situation.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer packed RBCs to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Prime the IV tubing with dextrose 5% in water
• B. Ensure the client's consent is on file
• C. Check the client's identification using two identifiers
• D. Administer the blood through a 22-gauge catheter

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when preparing to administer packed RBCs is to check the client's identification using two identifiers. This step is crucial to ensure that the right blood is given to the right client, preventing any transfusion errors. Priming the IV tubing with dextrose 5% in water and administering the blood through a 22-gauge catheter are important steps but should come after confirming the client's identity. Ensuring the client's consent is on file is also important but is not the immediate priority when preparing to administer packed RBCs.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has severe preeclampsia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Administer magnesium sulfate.
• B. Place the client in the left lateral position.
• C. Monitor intake and output.
• D. Provide a low-sodium diet.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with severe preeclampsia is to monitor intake and output. This is crucial to assess kidney function, fluid balance, and detect any signs of deterioration. Administering magnesium sulfate is indicated for seizure prophylaxis in severe preeclampsia, but it is not the primary intervention related to care planning. Placing the client in the left lateral position is not a specific intervention for managing preeclampsia. Providing a low-sodium diet is not typically recommended for clients with severe preeclampsia as sodium restriction is not a primary treatment modality for this condition.

Similar Questions