Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which of the following lab results should be reviewed before administering the medication?

• A. Potassium level
• B. Calcium level
• C. Hemoglobin level
• D. White blood cell count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium level. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can potentiate the effects of low potassium levels, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Therefore, it is essential to review the patient's potassium level before administering digoxin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because calcium level, hemoglobin level, and white blood cell count are not directly related to the risk of digoxin toxicity.

2. A healthcare provider is providing dietary teaching for a client who has a burn injury and adheres to a vegan diet. The healthcare provider should recommend which of the following foods as the best source of protein to promote wound healing?

• A. One cup of brown rice
• B. One cup of pureed avocado
• C. One cup of lentils
• D. One cup of orange juice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Lentils are an excellent source of protein, suitable for a vegan diet, and promote wound healing. Brown rice (Choice A) is a carbohydrate-rich food and lacks sufficient protein for wound healing. Pureed avocado (Choice B) is a healthy fat source but low in protein. Orange juice (Choice D) is a source of vitamin C but lacks protein needed for wound healing.

3. The nurse is caring for a patient on contact precautions. Which action will be most appropriate to prevent the spread of disease?

• A. Wear a gown, gloves, face mask, and goggles for interactions with the patient.
• B. Transport the patient safely and quickly when going to the radiology department.
• C. Place the patient in a room with negative airflow.
• D. Use a dedicated blood pressure cuff that stays in the room and is used for that patient only.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to use a dedicated blood pressure cuff that stays in the room and is used for that patient only. Patients on contact precautions require dedicated equipment to prevent the spread of disease. Using one blood pressure cuff exclusively for the patient on contact precautions helps minimize the risk of transmitting infections to other patients. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while wearing protective gear and isolating the patient in a room with negative airflow are important infection control measures, using dedicated equipment for the patient on contact precautions is specifically recommended to prevent the spread of disease in this scenario.

4. A client has a new prescription for folic acid and believes it's only for pregnant women. What statement should the nurse make?

• A. Folic acid is important only for pregnant women.
• B. You don’t need folic acid if you eat a balanced diet.
• C. Folic acid is important for the building of blood cells for adults and children.
• D. You should take folic acid only if your blood tests show a deficiency.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because folic acid is essential for the production of red blood cells in adults and children, not just for pregnant women. Option A is incorrect as folic acid is not exclusive to pregnant women. Option B is incorrect as a balanced diet may not provide sufficient folic acid. Option D is incorrect since folic acid supplementation is also recommended for other reasons beyond deficiency.

5. A nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative day 1 following abdominal surgery. What is the nurse's priority action to prevent complications?

• A. Encourage the patient to perform incentive spirometry.
• B. Assist the patient in ambulating around the unit.
• C. Reposition the patient every 2 hours.
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the patient to perform incentive spirometry. Incentive spirometry helps prevent respiratory complications, such as atelectasis, by promoting deep breathing and optimal lung expansion. Ambulating, repositioning, and administering pain medication are important interventions but do not take precedence over preventing respiratory complications in the immediate postoperative period.

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