Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's admission laboratory results. Which of the following findings requires further evaluation?

• A. Sodium 138
• B. Creatinine 1.8
• C. Hemoglobin 15
• D. Potassium 4.2

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. An elevated creatinine level, such as 1.8, suggests potential kidney dysfunction, requiring further assessment. Sodium level within normal limits (135-145 mEq/L), hemoglobin level of 15 g/dL, and potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L are all within normal ranges and do not indicate immediate concerns. Therefore, they do not require further evaluation at this time.

2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for digoxin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication at bedtime.
• B. Take your pulse before taking this medication.
• C. Avoid eating foods high in potassium.
• D. Take this medication with an antacid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include is to advise the client to take their pulse before taking digoxin. This is important to monitor for bradycardia, a potential side effect of the medication. Option A is incorrect because digoxin is usually taken in the morning. Option C is unrelated to digoxin therapy, as high potassium foods are usually restricted in clients taking potassium-sparing diuretics. Option D is incorrect because digoxin should not be taken with antacids as they can affect its absorption.

3. Which laboratory test is essential for monitoring renal function in a patient with chronic kidney disease?

• A. Monitor BUN and creatinine levels
• B. Check blood glucose levels
• C. Monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit levels
• D. Monitor liver enzymes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) and creatinine levels in a patient with chronic kidney disease. These tests provide crucial information about renal function. Checking blood glucose levels (Choice B) is important for monitoring diabetes, not renal function. Monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (Choice C) helps assess anemia, not specifically renal function. Monitoring liver enzymes (Choice D) is relevant for assessing liver function, not renal function.

4. A client has a new prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with a potassium supplement.
• B. Avoid foods that contain potassium.
• C. Limit your fluid intake while taking this medication.
• D. Take this medication on an empty stomach.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it helps the body retain potassium. Instructing the client to avoid foods high in potassium helps prevent hyperkalemia, a potential side effect of spironolactone. Choice A is incorrect because taking spironolactone with a potassium supplement can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Choice C is not directly related to spironolactone use. Choice D is also incorrect as spironolactone does not need to be taken on an empty stomach.

5. A client is immediately postoperative following a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following positions should the nurse maintain for the client?

• A. Supine with legs extended
• B. Semi-Fowler's position with legs bent
• C. Lateral position with an abduction pillow between the legs
• D. Prone with legs elevated

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct position for a client immediately postoperative following a hip arthroplasty is the lateral position with an abduction pillow between the legs. This position helps prevent dislocation of the hip prosthesis and maintains proper alignment of the hip joint. Supine position with legs extended (Choice A) may put stress on the hip joint, Semi-Fowler's position with legs bent (Choice B) may not provide adequate support and alignment, and prone position with legs elevated (Choice D) is not recommended after hip arthroplasty as it can compromise the surgical site and increase the risk of complications.

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