Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Numbness of the extremities.
• B. Abdominal cramping.
• C. Bradycardia.
• D. Positive Chvostek's sign.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia, as the sodium imbalance affects muscle function. Numbness of the extremities (Choice A) is more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances such as hypocalcemia. Bradycardia (Choice C) is not typically a direct manifestation of hyponatremia. Positive Chvostek's sign (Choice D) is related to hypocalcemia, not hyponatremia.

2. What are the nursing interventions for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

• A. Administer glucose or dextrose and monitor blood sugar levels
• B. Monitor vital signs and provide a high-carbohydrate snack
• C. Monitor for sweating and confusion
• D. Provide insulin and assess for hyperglycemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Administering glucose or dextrose is a crucial nursing intervention for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia as it helps to quickly raise blood sugar levels. Monitoring blood sugar levels is essential to ensure that the patient's glucose levels normalize. Choice B is incorrect because providing a high-carbohydrate snack may not be sufficient to rapidly raise blood sugar levels in severe hypoglycemia. Choice C is incorrect because while monitoring for sweating and confusion is important in hypoglycemia, it is not a direct nursing intervention. Choice D is incorrect as providing insulin would lower blood sugar levels further, worsening hypoglycemia.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is in the early stages of hypovolemic shock. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Heart rate 60/min
• B. Increased urinary output
• C. Increased respiratory rate
• D. Hypothermia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the early stages of hypovolemic shock, the body initiates compensatory mechanisms to maintain perfusion. One of these mechanisms is an increased respiratory rate to improve oxygen delivery. This helps to offset the decreased circulating blood volume. A heart rate of 60/min (choice A) is not expected in hypovolemic shock; instead, tachycardia is a common finding due to the body's attempt to maintain cardiac output. Increased urinary output (choice B) is not typically seen in hypovolemic shock as the body tries to conserve fluid. Hypothermia (choice D) is usually a late sign of shock when the body's compensatory mechanisms are failing, and perfusion is severely compromised.

4. What are the signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, and how should they be managed?

• A. Weight gain, moon face; administer corticosteroids
• B. Hirsutism and thin extremities; manage with diuretics
• C. Purple striae, muscle weakness; provide dietary counseling
• D. Hypertension and bruising; manage with fluid restriction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are weight gain and a moon face. Corticosteroids are used to manage Cushing's syndrome by reducing the overproduction of cortisol. Choice B is incorrect because hirsutism and thin extremities are not typical signs of Cushing's syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as purple striae and muscle weakness are more characteristic of the syndrome. Choice D is also incorrect as hypertension and bruising are not primary signs of Cushing's syndrome.

5. A nurse is collecting data from a client who is in severe pain. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?

• A. When did your pain start?
• B. How severe is your pain?
• C. What makes your pain worse?
• D. Where is your pain located?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should first ask the client where the pain is located because identifying the location of the pain is crucial in determining the cause and appropriate treatment. This information helps in further assessment and diagnosis. Asking when the pain started (Choice A) may be important but determining the location provides more immediate insights. Inquiring about the severity of pain (Choice B) and what worsens it (Choice C) are also important but come after identifying the location to provide a comprehensive understanding of the client's condition.

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