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. A nurse is observing a patient's use of a walker. Which observation indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. The patient advances the walker too far ahead.
• B. The patient uses the walker to assist in standing.
• C. The patient maintains their balance while using the walker.
• D. The patient walks with their back hunched over.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because advancing the walker too far ahead increases the risk of falls, indicating a need for further teaching. Choice B is correct as using the walker to assist in standing is a proper use. Choice C is correct as maintaining balance while using the walker shows proper technique. Choice D is incorrect as walking with the back hunched over is a posture issue, not directly related to walker use.

3. The nurse is observing the way a patient walks. What aspect is the nurse assessing?

• A. Body alignment
• B. Gait
• C. Activity tolerance
• D. Range of motion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Gait. Gait refers to the manner in which a person walks, including aspects such as stride length, step width, and walking speed. When a nurse observes a patient's gait, they are assessing their mobility and looking for any abnormalities or issues in their walking pattern. Choice A, body alignment, focuses more on the posture and position of the body rather than the actual walking pattern. Choice C, activity tolerance, relates to the ability to withstand physical activity without experiencing excessive fatigue. Choice D, range of motion, pertains to the extent of movement at a joint and is not directly related to observing the way a patient walks.

4. While working the night shift, a nurse observes a colleague behaving strangely. What is the best course of action?

• A. Ignore the behavior and continue working
• B. Report the behavior to the supervisor
• C. Ask the colleague if everything is okay
• D. Discuss the behavior with other colleagues

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse observes a colleague behaving strangely, the best course of action is to report the behavior to the supervisor. Unusual behavior by a healthcare professional could compromise patient safety and should be addressed promptly. Ignoring the behavior (Choice A) could potentially lead to negative outcomes for patients. Asking the colleague directly (Choice C) may not be appropriate if the behavior poses a risk. Discussing the behavior with other colleagues (Choice D) may not directly address the issue and could lead to gossip rather than a resolution.

5. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider to take when a patient refuses a prescribed medication?

• A. Document the refusal and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the medication at a later time.
• C. Explain the importance of the medication and its effects.
• D. Respect the patient's right to refuse the medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to respect the patient's right to refuse the medication. It is crucial to uphold the patient's autonomy and decision-making capacity when it comes to their treatment. Administering the medication later without the patient's consent (Choice B) disregards their autonomy and can lead to ethical issues. Documenting the refusal and notifying the healthcare provider (Choice A) is important for legal and continuity of care purposes but should come after respecting the patient's decision. While explaining the importance of the medication (Choice C) is valuable for promoting understanding and compliance, the immediate concern should be respecting the patient's refusal.

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