Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is reviewing the medical record of a client who is receiving furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the healthcare professional monitor while the client is taking this medication?

• A. Sodium
• B. Glucose
• C. Potassium
• D. Calcium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Potassium. Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause potassium depletion due to increased urinary excretion. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium (choice A) levels are not typically affected by furosemide. Glucose (choice B) monitoring is important with other medications like corticosteroids but is not directly related to furosemide use. Calcium (choice D) levels are not significantly impacted by furosemide.

2. A healthcare professional is reviewing the medical records of a client who has a pressure ulcer. Which of the following is an expected finding?

• A. Serum albumin level of 3 g/dL
• B. HDL level of 90 mg/dL
• C. Norton scale score of 18
• D. Braden scale score of 20

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A serum albumin level of 3 g/dL is indicative of poor nutrition, which is commonly associated with pressure ulcers. This finding suggests that the client may be at risk for developing or already has a pressure ulcer due to malnutrition. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) level of 90 mg/dL (Choice B) is not directly related to pressure ulcers. The Norton scale (Choice C) is used to assess a client's risk of developing pressure ulcers, not as a finding in a client with an existing pressure ulcer. The Braden scale (Choice D) is also a tool used to assess the risk of developing pressure ulcers, not a finding in a client with an existing pressure ulcer.

3. A client with newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus is being seen by the home health nurse. The physician orders include: 1,200-calorie ADA diet, 15 units of NPH insulin before breakfast, and check blood sugar qid. When the nurse visits the client at 5 PM, the nurse observes the man performing a blood sugar analysis. The result is 50 mg/dL. The nurse would expect the client to be

• A. Confused with cold, clammy skin and a pulse of 110
• B. Lethargic with hot, dry skin and rapid, deep respirations
• C. Alert and cooperative with a BP of 130/80 and respirations of 12
• D. Short of breath, with distended neck veins and a bounding pulse of 96

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Low blood sugar levels (50 mg/dL) typically cause confusion, cold clammy skin, and an increased pulse (tachycardia). Option A correctly describes the expected symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include confusion due to the brain's inadequate glucose supply, cold and clammy skin due to sympathetic nervous system activation, and an increased pulse (110 bpm) as the body reacts to low blood sugar levels. Options B, C, and D describe symptoms that are not typically associated with hypoglycemia. Lethargy, hot dry skin, rapid deep respirations, normal vital signs, shortness of breath, distended neck veins, and bounding pulse are more indicative of other conditions or normal physiological responses, not hypoglycemia.

4. A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client with diabetes. What is the most important teaching point?

• A. Monitor blood sugar levels weekly
• B. Administer insulin before meals as prescribed
• C. Take medication only when feeling unwell
• D. Monitor blood sugar only in the morning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer insulin before meals as prescribed. This is the most important teaching point because insulin administration before meals helps manage blood sugar effectively in diabetic patients. Choice A is incorrect because monitoring blood sugar levels weekly may not provide timely information for managing diabetes. Choice C is incorrect as medications for diabetes should be taken as prescribed, not only when feeling unwell. Choice D is incorrect as blood sugar levels should be monitored at various times throughout the day, not just in the morning, to get a complete picture of the patient's condition.

5. What is the appropriate action for a healthcare professional when administering a blood transfusion?

• A. Verify the patient's identity
• B. Monitor vital signs
• C. Stay with the patient during the first 15 minutes
• D. Stop the transfusion if a reaction occurs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The appropriate action for a healthcare professional when administering a blood transfusion is to verify the patient's identity. This step is essential to ensure that the correct blood product is given to the right patient, preventing any errors or adverse reactions. While monitoring vital signs and staying with the patient during the initial phase of the transfusion are also important steps, the primary action of verifying the patient's identity takes precedence to uphold patient safety and prevent any potential harm.

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