Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client who has heart failure. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication has been effective?

• A. Cardiac workload decreases
• B. Blood pressure increases
• C. Respiratory rate increases
• D. Temperature decreases

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiac workload decreases. Digoxin helps reduce cardiac workload in clients with heart failure, improving symptoms. This reduction in workload indicates that the medication is effective. Choice B, blood pressure increases, is incorrect because digoxin typically does not directly affect blood pressure. Choice C, respiratory rate increases, is incorrect as an increased respiratory rate is not a typical indicator of digoxin effectiveness. Choice D, temperature decreases, is also incorrect as digoxin does not typically affect body temperature.

2. A client with diabetes is being discharged. What is an essential teaching point?

• A. Monitor blood sugar levels once a week
• B. Instruct the client to administer insulin before meals
• C. Teach the client to exercise regularly to maintain glucose control
• D. Administer oral hypoglycemics as needed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Instructing the client to administer insulin before meals is a crucial teaching point for a client with diabetes. This action ensures proper glucose management by helping to control blood sugar levels. Monitoring blood sugar levels once a week (Choice A) may not be frequent enough to manage diabetes effectively. While regular exercise (Choice C) is beneficial for glucose control, the immediate administration of insulin is more critical at the time of discharge. Administering oral hypoglycemics as needed (Choice D) is inappropriate as it does not address the need for insulin administration for a client being discharged.

3. A client with a serum albumin level of 3 g/dL has a pressure ulcer. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Monitor the client's fluid and electrolyte balance
• B. Consult a dietitian to improve the client's nutritional status
• C. Administer a protein supplement
• D. Administer an anti-inflammatory medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for a client with a serum albumin level of 3 g/dL and a pressure ulcer is to consult a dietitian to improve the client's nutritional status. Adequate nutrition is essential for wound healing. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance is important but not the first priority in this situation. Administering a protein supplement can be considered after dietary evaluation. Administering an anti-inflammatory medication is not the primary intervention for addressing a pressure ulcer related to low albumin levels.

4. What are the signs and symptoms of fluid overload?

• A. Edema, shortness of breath, weight gain
• B. High blood pressure and jugular venous distention
• C. Low blood pressure and cyanosis
• D. Tachycardia and dizziness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs and symptoms of fluid overload include edema, shortness of breath, and weight gain. Edema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid causing swelling, shortness of breath can occur due to fluid accumulating in the lungs, and weight gain is often seen as a result of excess fluid retention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because high blood pressure and jugular venous distention are more indicative of conditions like heart failure, while low blood pressure and cyanosis are seen in conditions like shock or poor perfusion. Tachycardia and dizziness are not typical signs of fluid overload.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a sign of digoxin toxicity?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Hypotension
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bradycardia is a common sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, can lead to toxicity manifesting as bradycardia due to its effect on the heart's electrical conduction system. Tachycardia (choice B) is not typically associated with digoxin toxicity. Hypotension (choice C) and hyperkalemia (choice D) are not direct signs of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the correct answer is bradycardia.

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