Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with hyperkalemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Muscle weakness
• B. Nausea
• C. Increased thirst
• D. Restlessness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Muscle weakness is a characteristic finding in hyperkalemia. High levels of potassium can affect the normal function of muscles, leading to weakness. Nausea and increased thirst are not typically associated with hyperkalemia. Restlessness is more commonly seen in conditions such as hypoxia or anxiety, not specifically in hyperkalemia.

2. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia and how should it be managed?

• A. Muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias; administer calcium gluconate
• B. Confusion and bradycardia; administer insulin and glucose
• C. Fatigue and irregular heart rate; administer diuretics
• D. Nausea and vomiting; administer sodium bicarbonate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias, making choice A correct. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac effects, and calcium gluconate is used to stabilize the heart by antagonizing the effects of potassium. Choices B, C, and D describe symptoms and interventions that are not typically associated with hyperkalemia. Confusion and bradycardia are not common in hyperkalemia, and insulin and glucose are used in hyperkalemia only under specific circumstances. Fatigue and irregular heart rate are vague symptoms, and diuretics are not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia. Nausea and vomiting are nonspecific symptoms and sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for the management of hyperkalemia.

3. A client is being taught about prescribed asthma medications. Which of the following medications should the client use for treatment of an acute asthma attack?

• A. Beclomethasone
• B. Salmeterol
• C. Albuterol
• D. Montelukast

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Albuterol is the correct choice for treating acute asthma attacks because it is a short-acting bronchodilator that provides quick relief by relaxing the muscles in the airways. Beclomethasone (choice A) and Salmeterol (choice B) are long-acting medications used for controlling and preventing asthma symptoms but are not for immediate relief during an acute attack. Montelukast (choice D) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for asthma maintenance therapy and not for acute asthma attacks.

4. What are the risk factors for developing pneumonia in older adults?

• A. Immobility and decreased lung function
• B. Poor hygiene and aspiration
• C. Use of respiratory equipment and medications
• D. Poor nutritional status and compromised immune system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Immobility and decreased lung function. Older adults with immobility and decreased lung function are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia. Immobility can lead to decreased lung expansion and impaired clearance of secretions, predisposing to pneumonia. While poor hygiene, aspiration, use of respiratory equipment, medications, poor nutritional status, and compromised immune system can also contribute to pneumonia risk, they are not as directly associated with pneumonia in older adults as immobility and decreased lung function.

5. A client undergoing radiation therapy is being taught about skin care by a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will use a heating pad to soothe the skin
• B. I will avoid using perfumed lotions on the treated area
• C. I will apply cold compresses to the area
• D. I will scrub the area daily with soap and water

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because avoiding perfumed lotions is important to prevent skin irritation after radiation therapy. Using a heating pad (A) can further damage the skin, applying cold compresses (C) may not be recommended, and scrubbing the area daily with soap and water (D) can be too harsh on the skin, leading to further irritation and damage.

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