Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who has been taking lithium carbonate for the past 12 months. The provider notes a lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L. Which of the following orders from the provider should the healthcare provider expect?

• A. Withhold the next dose
• B. Increase the dosage
• C. Discontinue the medication
• D. Administer the medication

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L falls within the therapeutic range for maintaining the drug's effectiveness while minimizing toxicity. Therefore, the appropriate action would be to continue administering the medication as prescribed by the healthcare provider to maintain the therapeutic effect for the client.

2. Which of the following patients is at greater risk for contracting an infection?

• A. A patient with leukopenia
• B. A patient receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics
• C. A postoperative patient who has undergone orthopedic surgery
• D. A newly diagnosed diabetic patient

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Leukopenia, characterized by low white blood cell count, significantly reduces the body's ability to fight infections. Patients with leukopenia are at a higher risk of contracting infections due to compromised immune defenses.

3. A patient presents with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by shortness of breath, orthopnea, thick, tenacious secretions, and a dry hacking cough. An appropriate nursing diagnosis would be:

• A. Ineffective airway clearance related to thick, tenacious secretions.
• B. Ineffective airway clearance related to dry, hacking cough.
• C. Ineffective individual coping with COPD.
• D. Pain related to immobilization of affected leg.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The patient's symptoms of shortness of breath, orthopnea, thick, tenacious secretions, and a dry hacking cough all point towards a potential airway clearance issue. This makes option A, 'Ineffective airway clearance related to thick, tenacious secretions,' the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. It directly addresses the thick secretions and suggests a potential cause of the breathing difficulty the patient is experiencing.

4. According to the principles of standard precautions, when should gloves be worn by healthcare providers?

• A. Providing a back massage
• B. Feeding a client
• C. Providing hair care
• D. Providing oral hygiene

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gloves should be worn when providing oral hygiene as it involves potential exposure to bodily fluids, aligning with the standard precautions to prevent the transmission of infections. Providing a back massage, feeding a client, and providing hair care do not typically involve direct exposure to bodily fluids, so wearing gloves is not necessary in these scenarios according to standard precautions.

5. A patient is kept off food and fluids for 10 hours before surgery. His oral temperature at 8 a.m. is 99.8°F (37.7°C). This temperature reading probably indicates:

• A. Infection
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Anxiety
• D. Dehydration

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A patient being kept off food and fluids before surgery can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause a slight increase in body temperature, which could explain the elevated oral temperature reading of 99.8°F (37.7°C) in this scenario. Infections are more likely to cause higher fevers, hypothermia would present with a lower temperature, and anxiety typically does not directly affect body temperature in this manner.

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