Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has osteoarthritis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Apply heat to inflamed joints
• B. Provide passive range-of-motion exercises
• C. Encourage prolonged use of NSAIDs
• D. Apply cold packs to the joints

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Applying heat to inflamed joints can help relieve pain in clients with osteoarthritis. Heat therapy can help improve blood circulation, relax muscles, and reduce stiffness. Choice B, providing passive range-of-motion exercises, may be beneficial for joint mobility but is not the first-line intervention for pain relief in osteoarthritis. Choice C, encouraging prolonged use of NSAIDs, should be done cautiously due to potential side effects and should be guided by a healthcare provider. Choice D, applying cold packs to the joints, is not recommended for osteoarthritis as cold therapy can worsen stiffness and discomfort in this condition.

2. A client has deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer thrombolytics as prescribed.
• B. Massage the affected extremity every 2 hours.
• C. Apply warm compresses to the affected extremity.
• D. Place the client in a supine position with the legs elevated.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for a nurse caring for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to apply warm compresses to the affected extremity. Warm compresses help reduce swelling and pain in clients with DVT. Administering thrombolytics (Choice A) is not typically done without specific orders due to the risk of bleeding. Massaging the affected extremity (Choice B) can dislodge blood clots and lead to complications. Placing the client in a supine position with the legs elevated (Choice D) may increase the risk of clot dislodgment.

3. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is experiencing preterm contractions and dehydration. Which statement should the nurse make?

• A. Dehydration is treated with calcium supplements.
• B. Dehydration can increase the risk of preterm labor.
• C. Dehydration is caused by decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit.
• D. Dehydration causes gastroesophageal reflux.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement is B: 'Dehydration can increase the risk of preterm labor.' Dehydration can lead to increased uterine irritability, potentially causing preterm contractions and labor. Choice A is incorrect as dehydration is not treated with calcium supplements but rather with fluids. Choice C is incorrect as dehydration is not caused by decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels but rather by a lack of fluids. Choice D is incorrect as dehydration does not directly cause gastroesophageal reflux.

4. Which lab value should be monitored in a patient on digoxin?

• A. Monitor potassium levels
• B. Monitor calcium levels
• C. Monitor digoxin levels
• D. Monitor sodium levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor digoxin levels in a patient on digoxin. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, and monitoring its levels in the blood is crucial to ensure that the patient is within the therapeutic range and to prevent toxicity. Monitoring potassium levels (Choice A) is important due to the potential of digoxin-induced hypokalemia, but the primary focus should be on monitoring digoxin levels. Monitoring calcium levels (Choice B) and sodium levels (Choice D) are not directly related to digoxin therapy and are not the primary lab values of concern when administering digoxin.

5. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Potassium 5.0 mEq/L
• B. Blood pressure 136/84 mm Hg
• C. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• D. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of normal and should be monitored closely in clients taking spironolactone, which is potassium-sparing. Elevated potassium levels can lead to hyperkalemia, especially in individuals on potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone. Monitoring and reporting high potassium levels are crucial to prevent potential complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Blood pressure (choice B), sodium level (choice C), and calcium level (choice D) are not directly related to the use of spironolactone and do not require immediate reporting in this scenario.

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