Nursing Elites

1. A client with a terminal illness is expected to pass away within 24 hours. The family asks the nurse about what to expect at this time. Which of the following findings should the nurse include?

• A. Regular breathing pattern
• B. Warm extremities
• C. Increased urine output
• D. Decreased muscle tone

Correct answer: D

Rationale: As death approaches, decreased muscle tone and other signs like decreased blood pressure, irregular breathing patterns, cold extremities, and decreased urine output are common. Warm extremities (choice B) would not be expected as circulation may be compromised. Increased urine output (choice C) is unlikely as organ function declines. A regular breathing pattern (choice A) is also unlikely as irregular breathing patterns are common near death.

2. A client is being discharged with a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Take your pulse daily before taking this medication.
• B. Take an extra dose if you miss a dose of this medication.
• C. Take this medication with food.
• D. Avoid eating foods high in potassium while taking this medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take your pulse daily before taking this medication.' It is essential for clients taking digoxin to monitor their pulse daily to detect bradycardia, a potential side effect. Choice B is incorrect because clients should never take an extra dose if a dose is missed; they should take the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it is close to the time for the next dose. Choice C is incorrect because digoxin is preferably taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Choice D is incorrect because digoxin itself can cause low potassium levels, so avoiding potassium-rich foods is not necessary.

3. What is the most important action for preventing infection in a client with a central venous catheter?

• A. Changing the catheter dressing every 72 hours.
• B. Flushing the catheter with heparin solution daily.
• C. Ensuring the catheter is clamped when not in use.
• D. Maintaining sterile technique when handling the catheter.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Maintaining sterile technique when handling a central venous catheter is crucial in preventing infections. This action helps minimize the introduction of pathogens into the catheter site, reducing the risk of contamination and subsequent infection. Changing the catheter dressing every 72 hours, while important, does not directly address the prevention of infection at the insertion site. Flushing the catheter with heparin solution daily helps prevent occlusion but does not primarily focus on infection prevention. Ensuring the catheter is clamped when not in use is essential for preventing air embolism but does not directly relate to infection control.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to perform nasal tracheal suctioning for a client. Which of the following is an appropriate action for the healthcare professional to take?

• A. Hold the suction catheter with the non-dominant hand.
• B. Apply suctioning for 20 to 30 seconds.
• C. Place the catheter in a clean and dry location for later use.
• D. Use surgical asepsis when performing the procedure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Using surgical asepsis when performing nasal tracheal suctioning is crucial to prevent infection. Choice A is incorrect because the suction catheter should be held with the dominant hand to ensure better control and precision during the procedure. Choice B is incorrect as suctioning should be applied for no longer than 10 to 15 seconds to avoid trauma to the mucous membranes. Choice C is incorrect as the catheter should be disposed of properly after single-use to prevent cross-contamination and infection.

5. A nurse is planning care for a client who has hypernatremia. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Infuse hypotonic IV fluids.
• B. Implement a fluid restriction.
• C. Increase sodium intake.
• D. Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to infuse hypotonic IV fluids. In hypernatremia, there is an elevated sodium concentration in the blood, and diluting it with hypotonic fluids helps to lower the sodium levels. Implementing a fluid restriction or increasing sodium intake would worsen hypernatremia by further concentrating sodium in the body. Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used for treating hyperkalemia, not hypernatremia.

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