Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is teaching a client about the physiological changes that occur with aging. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased sense of taste
• B. Decreased blood pressure
• C. Increased gastric secretions
• D. Increased accommodation to near vision

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased sense of taste. As individuals age, they may experience a decrease in their sense of taste due to changes in taste buds and a decrease in saliva production. This can lead to a reduced ability to taste flavors or distinguish between different tastes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Decreased blood pressure is not a consistent physiological change with aging; instead, blood pressure may increase or remain stable. Gastric secretions tend to decrease with age, leading to issues like decreased absorption of certain nutrients. Accommodation to near vision typically decreases with age, causing a condition known as presbyopia, where individuals have difficulty focusing on close objects.

2. A client who has a new prescription for lithium is receiving teaching from a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. ''I will avoid eating foods that contain tyramine.''
• B. ''I should increase my salt intake while taking this medication.''
• C. ''I should drink at least 2 liters of water each day while taking this medication.''
• D. ''I should avoid consuming caffeinated beverages while taking this medication.''

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Drinking at least 2 liters of water daily is crucial for clients taking lithium to prevent dehydration and lithium toxicity. Lithium is a salt, so it's important for clients to maintain adequate hydration. Option A is incorrect because lithium does not interact with tyramine-containing foods. Option B is incorrect because increasing salt intake is not necessary and can actually exacerbate lithium toxicity. Option D is incorrect because avoiding caffeinated beverages is not a priority teaching point for clients taking lithium.

3. What is the most important nursing action when a patient has a central line?

• A. Monitor for infection
• B. Monitor the central line dressing
• C. Monitor for redness
• D. Monitor for swelling

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important nursing action when a patient has a central line is to monitor for infection. Central line-associated bloodstream infections are a serious complication that can lead to severe outcomes. Monitoring for infection involves assessing the patient for signs and symptoms such as fever, chills, and hypotension. While monitoring the central line dressing, redness, and swelling are also important aspects of care, they are secondary to monitoring for infection as the primary focus should be on preventing serious complications.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

• A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• B. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
• C. Potassium 5.2 mEq/L
• D. Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Potassium 5.2 mEq/L. A potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is elevated and should be monitored in clients taking spironolactone, which is a potassium-sparing medication. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial as spironolactone can cause hyperkalemia. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels are not typically affected by spironolactone. Therefore, the nurse should primarily focus on monitoring the potassium levels in this scenario.

5. While caring for a client with an arterial line, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Level the transducer with the client's phlebotomy site
• B. Flush the arterial line every 8 hours
• C. Obtain a blood sample for arterial blood gases
• D. Keep the client's hand elevated above the heart level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Obtaining arterial blood gases is a crucial nursing action when caring for a client with an arterial line. This procedure helps assess the client's oxygenation status and acid-base balance accurately. Leveling the transducer with the client's phlebotomy site (A) is important for accurate pressure measurements, but it is not the primary action in this scenario. Flushing the arterial line every 8 hours (B) is a routine maintenance procedure and not the immediate priority. Keeping the client's hand elevated above the heart level (D) is a good practice to prevent swelling, but it is not directly related to the arterial line care in this case.

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