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 assessing a patient with dehydration. Which finding indicates the patient's condition is worsening?

• A. Dry mucous membranes.
• B. Tachycardia and low blood pressure.
• C. Bradycardia and shallow respirations.
• D. Clear lung sounds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tachycardia and low blood pressure are indicative of worsening dehydration in a patient. Tachycardia is the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in response to decreased intravascular volume, while low blood pressure reflects inadequate perfusion due to decreased fluid levels. Bradycardia and shallow respirations are not typical findings in worsening dehydration, and clear lung sounds do not directly correlate with the severity of dehydration.

3. A community nurse is instructing a group of newly licensed nurses about diseases that require airborne precautions. Which of the following diseases should the nurse include?

• A. Rubella
• B. Pertussis
• C. Influenza
• D. Varicella

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Varicella. Varicella (chickenpox) is a disease that requires airborne precautions to prevent its spread. Airborne precautions are necessary to prevent transmission of pathogens that remain infectious over long distances when suspended in the air. Rubella, pertussis, and influenza do not require airborne precautions. Rubella and pertussis require droplet precautions, while influenza requires droplet and contact precautions. Therefore, Varicella is the only disease in the list that necessitates airborne precautions.

4. What is the priority intervention for a patient experiencing chest pain?

• A. Administer nitroglycerin as prescribed.
• B. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths.
• C. Monitor the patient's blood pressure closely.
• D. Encourage the patient to rest in a comfortable position.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer nitroglycerin as prescribed. Nitroglycerin helps relieve chest pain by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow, addressing the immediate concern of chest pain. Encouraging deep breaths may not be appropriate for chest pain, monitoring blood pressure, although important, is not the priority when the patient is experiencing chest pain, and while resting in a comfortable position is beneficial, administering nitroglycerin is the priority intervention to address the chest pain.

5. A client expresses concern about hair loss during chemotherapy. What should the nurse suggest?

• A. Encourage the client to cut their hair short before chemotherapy begins.
• B. Offer resources for wigs and head coverings.
• C. Assure the client that hair loss will be minimal.
• D. Ignore the client's concerns about hair loss.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During chemotherapy, hair loss is a common side effect. Offering resources for wigs and head coverings can help the client cope with this change in appearance, maintain self-esteem, and feel more comfortable during the process. Encouraging the client to cut their hair short does not address the emotional impact of hair loss and may not be the client's preference. Assuring the client that hair loss will be minimal may provide false hope as significant hair loss is a common occurrence. Ignoring the client's concerns is not appropriate and goes against the principles of providing holistic and compassionate care.

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