Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is reviewing a client's lab results. Which of the following lab values should the provider report?

• A. Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L
• B. Potassium 3.6 mEq/L
• C. Sodium 126 mEq/L
• D. Chloride 99 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sodium 126 mEq/L. A sodium level of 126 mEq/L is below the normal range, indicating hyponatremia, which can have serious health implications and should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention. Choices A, B, and D are within or close to the normal ranges for magnesium, potassium, and chloride, respectively, and do not require immediate reporting as they are not significantly abnormal.

2. A nurse is assigned to care for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client with chest pain and shortness of breath
• B. A client with a fever of 100°F
• C. A client scheduled for surgery
• D. A client with stable vital signs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Chest pain and shortness of breath are symptoms that could indicate a life-threatening condition such as a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Therefore, this client should be assessed first to ensure prompt intervention and treatment. Choice B, a client with a fever of 100°F, may indicate an infection but is not immediately life-threatening compared to the symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath. Choice C, a client scheduled for surgery, is not an immediate priority unless there are specific preoperative assessments or interventions required. Choice D, a client with stable vital signs, does not indicate an urgent need for assessment compared to the client with chest pain and shortness of breath.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication that requires a peak and trough level. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer the medication before the peak level is obtained.
• B. Withhold the medication until the trough level is obtained.
• C. Administer the medication based on the previous trough level.
• D. Ensure that the medication is administered within 2 hours of the peak level.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority action should be to withhold the medication until the trough level is obtained. This is crucial to ensure accurate dosing based on the patient's levels. Administering the medication before the peak level is obtained (choice A) can lead to incorrect dosing. Administering the medication based on the previous trough level (choice C) may not reflect the current levels accurately. Ensuring that the medication is administered within 2 hours of the peak level (choice D) is not necessary for obtaining accurate peak and trough levels.

4. A nurse manager is teaching a group of staff members about proper body mechanics. Which of the following statements by a staff member indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should get assistance when lifting more than 35 pounds
• B. I will twist at my waist when moving an object
• C. I should hold objects 1 ft away from my body when I walk
• D. I will roll my shoulders forward to reduce strain on my back

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer because lifting more than 35 pounds without assistance can cause injury, so getting help is crucial for proper body mechanics. Choice B is incorrect as twisting at the waist can lead to back injuries. Choice C is incorrect as holding objects closer to the body, not 1 ft away, is recommended to reduce strain. Choice D is incorrect as rolling shoulders forward can increase strain on the back instead of reducing it.

5. The nurse is caring for a patient in the hospital. The nurse observes the nursing assistive personnel (NAP) turning off the handle faucet with bare hands. Which professional practice principle supports the need for follow-up with the NAP?

• A. The nurse is responsible for providing a safe environment for the patient.
• B. This step is crucial in the process of handwashing.
• C. Different scopes of practice allow for procedure modifications.
• D. Leaving the water running wastes resources and money.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The nurse is responsible for providing a safe environment for the patient. In this situation, the nurse should follow up with the nursing assistive personnel (NAP) who turned off the handle faucet with bare hands to ensure infection control practices are maintained. This action is crucial to prevent the spread of infections in the hospital setting. Choice B is incorrect because the question is not specifically about handwashing procedures but about infection control practices. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the potential risk of infection transmission. Choice D is incorrect as it is unrelated to the main concern of infection control in this scenario.

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