Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer medications to four clients. The nurse should administer medications to which client first?

• A. A client who has pneumonia and a WBC count of 11,500/mm3 prescribed piperacillin
• B. A client who has renal failure and a serum potassium of 5.8 mEq/L prescribed sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• C. A client who is post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) prescribed atorvastatin
• D. A client who has anemia and a hemoglobin level of 11g/dL prescribed epoetin alfa

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The client with renal failure and high potassium levels requires immediate attention because hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac complications. Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate helps lower the potassium levels. Choice A, the client with pneumonia and a high WBC count, although important, does not present an immediate life-threatening condition. Choice C, the post-CABG client prescribed atorvastatin, and Choice D, the client with anemia and a hemoglobin level of 11g/dL prescribed epoetin alfa, do not require immediate intervention compared to managing hyperkalemia in a client with renal failure.

2. A patient with chronic kidney disease has been prescribed a low-protein diet. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Encourage the patient to eat small, frequent meals.
• B. Monitor the patient's intake and output.
• C. Educate the patient on the benefits of a low-protein diet.
• D. Monitor the patient's protein intake closely.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the patient's protein intake closely. In patients with chronic kidney disease on a low-protein diet, monitoring protein intake is crucial to prevent complications such as malnutrition or inadequate nutrient intake. Encouraging small, frequent meals (Choice A) can be beneficial but is not the priority over monitoring protein intake. Monitoring intake and output (Choice B) is important but does not directly address the specific focus on protein intake. Educating the patient on the benefits of a low-protein diet (Choice C) is essential but not as immediate as monitoring the actual protein intake.

3. A case manager at an assisted living facility is reviewing the use of complementary health practices by several clients. Which of the following actions should the case manager plan to take?

• A. Plan to report a client's use of echinacea to the provider as a contraindication to aspirin therapy
• B. Plan to schedule time for a new client to continue tai chi practice as a stress reduction technique
• C. Tell a client that yoga has not been proven effective to reduce manifestations of menopause
• D. Tell a client who drinks cranberry juice daily that it can help treat existing urinary tract infections

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Tai chi is a recognized complementary health practice for stress reduction. Scheduling time for a new client to continue tai chi practice aligns with supporting holistic care. Choice A is incorrect because reporting a client's use of echinacea as a contraindication to aspirin therapy is not necessary without further context or evidence of interactions. Choice C is wrong because yoga can indeed be effective in reducing manifestations of menopause. Choice D is also incorrect because while cranberry juice is known to help prevent urinary tract infections, it is not typically used to treat existing infections.

4. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer a dextrose 50% IV bolus
• B. Provide 8 oz of orange juice
• C. Administer regular insulin IV infusion
• D. Give oral metformin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer regular insulin IV infusion. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the priority intervention is to rapidly decrease blood glucose levels. Administering regular insulin via IV infusion helps in lowering blood glucose effectively and quickly. Choice A, administering a dextrose 50% IV bolus, is incorrect because it would further increase blood sugar levels. Choice B, providing orange juice, is not appropriate for treating DKA as it contains sugar that will elevate blood glucose levels. Choice D, giving oral metformin, is not suitable for immediate blood glucose reduction as it acts over time and is not the first-line treatment for DKA.

5. A nurse is preparing to perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client?

• A. Remain still once the gel pads are attached
• B. I will be placing electrodes on your chest
• C. I will lower the head of your bed so you can sit up
• D. Breathe normally throughout the procedure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Instructing the client to remain still once the gel pads are attached is crucial to obtaining accurate ECG readings. Choice B is incorrect as electrodes are typically placed on the chest, not the breast. Choice C is incorrect because the client should lie flat during an ECG, not sit up. Choice D is incorrect because the client should breathe normally, rather than holding their breath, throughout the procedure.

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