Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for furosemide. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following electrolyte imbalances?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hypomagnesemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypokalemia. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can cause potassium loss leading to hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial as low potassium can result in various complications like cardiac dysrhythmias. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Hypernatremia is high sodium levels, which are not typically associated with furosemide use. Hypercalcemia is elevated calcium levels and hypomagnesemia is low magnesium levels, which are not the primary electrolyte imbalances associated with furosemide.

2. What is the best intervention for a patient with dehydration?

• A. Administer IV fluids
• B. Provide oral fluids
• C. Encourage fluid intake
• D. Administer electrolytes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering IV fluids is the best intervention for a patient with dehydration because it is the fastest and most effective way to rehydrate the body. IV fluids can quickly restore fluid volume and electrolyte balance in severe cases of dehydration. Providing oral fluids or encouraging fluid intake may not be sufficient for patients with moderate to severe dehydration, as they may have impaired gastrointestinal absorption. While electrolytes are essential for rehydration, administering them alone without fluid replacement may not address the primary issue of fluid loss in dehydration.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hr postpartum and is breastfeeding her newborn. The client asks the nurse to warm up seaweed soup that her partner brought for her. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Does the doctor know you are eating that?
• B. Why are you eating seaweed soup?
• C. Of course, I will heat that up for you.
• D. The hospital food is more nutritious.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Respecting cultural preferences and providing client-centered care promotes trust.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer dopamine hydrochloride at 4 mcg/kg/min for a client weighing 80 kg. How many mL/hr should the nurse set the IV infusion to deliver?

• A. 6 mL/hr
• B. 8 mL/hr
• C. 12 mL/hr
• D. 16 mL/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the correct rate, you first need to convert the weight to micrograms: 4 mcg/kg/min * 80 kg = 320 mcg/min. Then, convert micrograms to milligrams: 320 mcg/min / 1000 = 0.32 mg/min. Next, calculate how many milligrams per hour: 0.32 mg/min * 60 min/hr = 19.2 mg/hr. Finally, determine the mL/hr rate by using the concentration provided: 19.2 mg/hr / 800 mg in 250 mL = 6 mL/hr. Therefore, the correct answer is 6 mL/hr. Choice B, 8 mL/hr, is incorrect as it does not reflect the accurate calculation based on the weight and drug concentration. Choices C and D, 12 mL/hr and 16 mL/hr, are also incorrect as they do not align with the correct calculation of the infusion rate for dopamine hydrochloride based on the client's weight and the medication concentration.

5. A nurse is caring for a client following the application of a cast. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Place an ice pack over the cast
• B. Palpate the pulse distal to the cast
• C. Teach the client to keep the cast clean and dry
• D. Position the casted extremity on a pillow

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Palpating the pulse distal to the cast is the priority as it assesses for circulation. Ensuring adequate blood flow is essential to prevent complications such as compartment syndrome. Placing an ice pack over the cast could cause constriction of blood vessels, further compromising circulation. Teaching the client about cast care and positioning the casted extremity on a pillow are important but do not take precedence over assessing circulation.

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