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. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a new tracheostomy?

• A. Suction the tracheostomy as needed to maintain a patent airway.
• B. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation.
• C. Provide humidified air to prevent drying of the airway.
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy as needed to maintain a patent airway. After a tracheostomy procedure, the immediate concern is airway patency to prevent respiratory compromise. Suctioning helps clear secretions and maintains a clear airway, reducing the risk of respiratory distress. Monitoring the patient's oxygen saturation (choice B) is important but not the priority compared to ensuring a clear airway. Providing humidified air (choice C) and administering pain medication (choice D) are also essential aspects of care for a patient with a tracheostomy, but they are not the priority when immediate airway management is required.

3. A nurse enters a client's room and finds her on the floor. The client's roommate reports that the client was trying to get out of bed and fell over the bedrail onto the floor. Which of the following statements should the nurse document about this incident?

• A. Found on floor
• B. Client slipped while getting out of bed
• C. Patient fell while attempting to get out of bed
• D. Roommate reported fall

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Found on floor.' This choice provides a clear and objective account of the situation without adding interpretation or assumptions. It is crucial to document only the facts observed directly. Choices B and C introduce speculation by suggesting how the incident happened, which the nurse did not witness. Choice D is not directly related to the nurse’s observation and should not be documented as the primary incident.

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 is most effective in preventing postoperative complications?

• A. Encourage the patient to drink fluids.
• B. Ambulate the patient as soon as possible.
• C. Perform deep breathing exercises with the patient.
• D. Encourage the patient to perform range of motion exercises.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention in preventing postoperative complications is to ambulate the patient as soon as possible. Early ambulation helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia by enhancing circulation and preventing respiratory issues. Encouraging the patient to drink fluids, perform deep breathing exercises, or range of motion exercises are beneficial interventions, but ambulation is the priority due to its overall impact on preventing various postoperative complications.

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