Nursing Elites

1. A client at 20 weeks of gestation is being taught by a nurse about an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

• A. This test is used to confirm pregnancy
• B. This test is used to detect neural tube defects
• C. This test will determine the baby's lung maturity
• D. This test will check for gestational diabetes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'This test is used to detect neural tube defects.' An alpha-fetoprotein test is essential for screening neural tube defects in the fetus, not for confirming pregnancy, determining lung maturity, or checking for gestational diabetes. Detecting neural tube defects is crucial for early intervention and management of potential health issues in the baby.

2. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement for a client with hyperkalemia?

• A. Administer calcium gluconate
• B. Increase fluid intake to promote potassium excretion
• C. Administer a diuretic
• D. Administer sodium bicarbonate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with hyperkalemia is to administer calcium gluconate. Calcium gluconate helps counteract the effects of hyperkalemia by stabilizing the cardiac cell membrane. Increasing fluid intake (Choice B) may not effectively lower potassium levels. Administering a diuretic (Choice C) or sodium bicarbonate (Choice D) is not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia and may not address the immediate need to lower potassium levels.

3. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia and how should it be managed?

• A. Muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias; administer calcium gluconate
• B. Confusion and bradycardia; administer insulin and glucose
• C. Fatigue and irregular heart rate; administer diuretics
• D. Nausea and vomiting; administer sodium bicarbonate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias, making choice A correct. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac effects, and calcium gluconate is used to stabilize the heart by antagonizing the effects of potassium. Choices B, C, and D describe symptoms and interventions that are not typically associated with hyperkalemia. Confusion and bradycardia are not common in hyperkalemia, and insulin and glucose are used in hyperkalemia only under specific circumstances. Fatigue and irregular heart rate are vague symptoms, and diuretics are not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia. Nausea and vomiting are nonspecific symptoms and sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for the management of hyperkalemia.

4. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a prescription for the use of oxygen in his home. Which of the following should the nurse teach the client about using oxygen safely in his home?

• A. Family members who smoke should be at least 10 ft away from the client when oxygen is in use
• B. Nail polish should not be used near a client who is receiving oxygen
• C. A 'No Smoking' sign should be placed on the front door
• D. Cotton bedding and clothing should be replaced with items made from wool

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Placing a 'No Smoking' sign on the front door is crucial for fire safety when using oxygen at home. Choice A is incorrect as family members who smoke should not be around the client when oxygen is in use, not just at a distance. Choice B is not directly related to oxygen safety. Choice D is also irrelevant as the type of bedding and clothing material does not impact oxygen safety.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple fractures following a motor-vehicle crash. For which of the following client statements should the nurse recommend a referral to an occupational therapist?

• A. I can't brush my teeth properly
• B. I am so frustrated I can't open my milk carton
• C. I can't hold a pencil
• D. I can't write anymore

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The client's frustration with opening a milk carton indicates difficulty with activities of daily living, which is a common concern addressed by occupational therapists. Choices A, C, and D are related to fine motor skills, which may also be addressed by an occupational therapist but are not as directly linked to activities of daily living as struggling with tasks like opening containers.

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