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. What are the instructions for a behind-the-ear hearing aid?

• A. Remove before sleeping
• B. Remove before shower
• C. Keep on during all activities
• D. Replace every week

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to remove a behind-the-ear hearing aid before showering to prevent water damage. Choice A is incorrect because it is safe to wear the hearing aid while sleeping as it does not pose a risk of damage. Choice C is incorrect because it is advisable to remove the hearing aid during certain activities to prevent damage or loss. Choice D is incorrect as hearing aids do not need to be replaced weekly unless there is an issue with the device.

3. How can dehydration be assessed in an elderly patient?

• A. Checking skin turgor on the forearm
• B. Assessing for dry mucous membranes
• C. Checking for orthostatic hypotension
• D. Measuring daily weights

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing skin turgor by gently pinching the skin on the forearm is a reliable method to check for dehydration in elderly patients. When the skin is slow to return to its original position, it indicates dehydration. While assessing for dry mucous membranes is also important, checking skin turgor is a more direct method for dehydration assessment. Checking for orthostatic hypotension is more related to circulation status than dehydration. Measuring daily weights is helpful to monitor fluid balance but may not be as immediate or direct in detecting dehydration in elderly patients.

4. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient's pain who is non-verbal?

• A. Looking for changes in vital signs that may indicate pain
• B. Using alternative methods like touch or distraction
• C. Using a pain scale appropriate for non-verbal patients
• D. Observing for facial expressions or other non-verbal cues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing pain in non-verbal patients, looking for changes in vital signs that may indicate pain is crucial. While using alternative methods like touch or distraction can be helpful, they may not directly indicate the presence of pain. Using a pain scale appropriate for non-verbal patients is important, but it may not always provide immediate feedback. Observing for facial expressions or other non-verbal cues can be subjective and may not always accurately reflect the level of pain the patient is experiencing. Therefore, monitoring vital signs is a more objective way to assess pain in non-verbal patients.

5. While reviewing notes from a previous shift, a nurse finds incomplete documentation. What is the most appropriate action?

• A. Complete the missing documentation
• B. Notify the nurse manager of the issue
• C. Ask the nurse to complete the documentation
• D. Confront the nurse about the incomplete notes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate action when finding incomplete documentation is to notify the nurse manager of the issue. This ensures that accurate records are maintained and the situation can be addressed properly. Completing the missing documentation on behalf of someone else may lead to inaccuracies, asking the nurse to complete it may not guarantee timely correction, and confronting the nurse could create a confrontational situation that is not conducive to effective teamwork.

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