Nursing Elites

1. A client has hypertension and a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Suggest that the client use a salt substitute
• B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
• C. Obtain a blood sample for a serum sodium level
• D. Advise the client to add citrus juices and bananas to their diet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is crucial in this situation to assess cardiac function due to the elevated potassium level. High potassium levels can lead to dangerous arrhythmias, and an ECG helps in detecting any cardiac abnormalities. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Suggesting a salt substitute can further elevate the client's potassium levels. Checking serum sodium levels is not the priority when dealing with high potassium levels. Advising the client to add citrus juices and bananas, which are high in potassium, would worsen the situation.

2. The nurse is preparing a care plan for a patient who is immobile. Which psychosocial aspect will the nurse assess for?

• A. Loss of weight
• B. Loss of bone mass
• C. Loss of hope
• D. Loss of strength

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is immobile, the nurse should assess for psychosocial aspects, including a loss of hope and increased risk of depression. While issues like weight loss (choice A), loss of bone mass (choice B), and loss of strength (choice D) can also occur due to immobility, the primary concern in this scenario is the patient's mental and emotional well-being, making 'Loss of hope' the correct answer.

3. How should the nurse manage the client's pain if a client with a history of substance abuse is requesting pain medication?

• A. Administer the medication as requested
• B. Assess the patient's pain level first
• C. Administer a placebo to the client
• D. Refuse to give any medication to the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with a history of substance abuse requests pain medication, the nurse should first assess the patient's pain level. It is important to determine the nature and intensity of the pain before administering any medication to ensure appropriate pain management. Administering medication without assessing the pain level can lead to unnecessary drug administration or inadequate pain relief. Administering a placebo would be unethical and ineffective. Refusing to give any medication without proper assessment can compromise the client's comfort and recovery. Therefore, the correct approach is to assess the patient's pain level first before deciding on the most suitable pain management intervention.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving a continuous IV infusion of heparin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Report any urine output greater than 30 mL/hr.
• B. Bruising on the arms and legs.
• C. Positive Trousseau's sign.
• D. Urine output of 60 mL/hr.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Bruising on the arms and legs is a sign of bleeding, which is a serious complication of heparin therapy and should be reported immediately to the provider. Option A is incorrect as urine output greater than 30 mL/hr is a normal finding. Option C, positive Trousseau's sign, is associated with hypocalcemia, not heparin therapy. Option D, urine output of 60 mL/hr, is within the normal range and does not indicate a complication of heparin therapy.

5. Which finding in a postoperative patient requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute.
• B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg.
• C. Crackles heard in the lung bases.
• D. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a postoperative patient, an oxygen saturation level of 88% on room air indicates a significant drop below the normal range, suggesting potential respiratory distress. This finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse to ensure the patient receives adequate oxygenation. A heart rate of 88 beats per minute is within the normal range, making it a less concerning finding. A blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg falls within the normal range for blood pressure and does not require immediate intervention. Crackles heard in the lung bases may indicate fluid accumulation but may not always require immediate intervention unless accompanied by other concerning signs or symptoms.

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