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. After signing an informed consent form, a client states, 'I have changed my mind and do not want to have the procedure.' Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Suggest that family members discuss the importance of the surgery with the client
• B. Notify the surgeon that the client wishes to withdraw informed consent for the procedure
• C. Document the risks of refusing the procedure in the client's medical record
• D. Discuss the benefits of the procedure with the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to notify the surgeon that the client wishes to withdraw informed consent for the procedure. This ensures that the client's right to refuse treatment is respected. Choice A is incorrect because involving family members in this decision could violate the client's autonomy. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the immediate need to respect the client's decision. Choice D is also incorrect as the client has clearly stated their refusal of the procedure.

3. A nurse is caring for a patient with an infection. Which laboratory result is most important to monitor?

• A. White blood cell count (WBC)
• B. C-reactive protein (CRP)
• C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: White blood cell count (WBC). Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial when caring for a patient with an infection as it helps assess the body's response to the infection. An elevated white blood cell count often indicates an active infection or inflammation, while a decreasing count may signal improvement or potential complications. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are nonspecific markers of inflammation and not as specific to monitoring infection progression as the white blood cell count. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity and blood volume, but they are not the primary indicators for monitoring infection.

4. A nurse manager is discussing electronic medical records with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to maintain client confidentiality?

• A. Log out of the computer terminal before leaving.
• B. Share passwords for computer access with colleagues.
• C. Change computer access passwords on a regular basis.
• D. Avoid accessing information about clients admitted to other units.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Log out of the computer terminal before leaving. Logging out before leaving the computer terminal is crucial to ensuring patient data remains confidential and to prevent unauthorized access. Choice B is incorrect because sharing passwords compromises confidentiality. Choice C is incorrect as changing passwords regularly, although a good practice for security, is not directly related to maintaining client confidentiality. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the immediate concern of maintaining client confidentiality through proper access to electronic medical records.

5. Which intervention should be prioritized for a client experiencing panic-level anxiety?

• A. Postpone health teaching until anxiety subsides
• B. Encourage participation in group therapy
• C. Monitor vital signs every 5 minutes
• D. Provide reassurance and remain with the client

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During panic-level anxiety, the priority is to provide reassurance and remain with the client. This intervention helps to offer immediate support, comfort, and a sense of safety to the client. Postponing health teaching until anxiety subsides (Choice A) is not appropriate as the client's immediate emotional needs are more critical. Encouraging participation in group therapy (Choice B) may be beneficial in the long term but is not the priority during a panic attack. While monitoring vital signs (Choice C) is important, providing reassurance and support take precedence in managing panic-level anxiety.

Similar Questions