Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Serum sodium.
• B. Serum glucose.
• C. Serum potassium.
• D. Serum calcium.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serum potassium. Furosemide is a potassium-wasting diuretic, meaning it can lead to potassium loss in the body. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of furosemide and prevent hypokalemia. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because furosemide does not directly affect sodium, glucose, or calcium levels in the same way it impacts potassium levels.

2. While caring for a newborn under phototherapy lights, which of the following is an appropriate nursing action?

• A. Ensure the eye shield is covering the eyes.
• B. Apply lotion to the exposed skin.
• C. Offer glucose water between feedings.
• D. Discontinue breastfeeding during treatment.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the eye shield is covering the eyes. Protecting the newborn's eyes from exposure to direct light is crucial during phototherapy to prevent potential eye damage. Applying lotion to the exposed skin (choice B) is not recommended as it can interfere with the effectiveness of the phototherapy. Offering glucose water between feedings (choice C) is not necessary and may not be suitable for a newborn undergoing treatment. Discontinuing breastfeeding during treatment (choice D) is not recommended as breast milk provides essential nutrients and hydration for the newborn, and breastfeeding should continue unless contraindicated by a specific medical condition.

3. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Serum potassium 5.4 mEq/L
• B. Flat T waves
• C. Elevated ST segments
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Flat T waves are a characteristic ECG finding in hypokalemia. Hypokalemia causes a decrease in serum potassium levels, leading to altered cardiac conduction. Flat T waves are associated with hypokalemia-induced cardiac dysrhythmias. Elevated ST segments are typically seen in conditions like myocardial infarction, not in hypokalemia. Bradycardia is not a typical manifestation of hypokalemia; instead, tachycardia may occur due to potassium imbalances affecting the heart's electrical activity.

4. A client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being taught about dietary management by a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid eating spicy foods.
• B. Eat three large meals each day.
• C. Lie down after meals.
• D. Increase your intake of dairy products.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with GERD is to avoid eating spicy foods. Spicy foods can trigger GERD symptoms by irritating the esophagus and increasing acid reflux. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Eating three large meals each day can exacerbate GERD symptoms by putting pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, lying down after meals can worsen reflux due to gravity, and increasing dairy product intake may lead to higher fat consumption, which can also trigger GERD symptoms.

5. A client has a nasogastric tube for gastric decompression. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Check for the presence of bowel sounds every 8 hours.
• B. Flush the NG tube every 24 hours.
• C. Provide the client with sips of water every 2 hours.
• D. Keep the client's head of the bed elevated to 45 degrees.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to keep the client's head of the bed elevated to 45 degrees. This position helps prevent aspiration in clients with a nasogastric tube for gastric decompression by reducing the risk of reflux and promoting proper drainage. Choice A is incorrect because checking for bowel sounds is not directly related to the care of a nasogastric tube. Choice B is incorrect as flushing the NG tube every 24 hours is not a standard nursing practice and may lead to complications. Choice C is incorrect because providing sips of water may interfere with the purpose of gastric decompression, which is to keep the stomach empty.

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