Nursing Elites

1. A nurse reviews the electrolyte results of an assigned client and notes that the potassium level is 5.4 mEq/L. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note on the electrocardiogram as a result of the laboratory value?

• A. ST depression
• B. Inverted T wave
• C. Prominent U wave
• D. Tall peaked T waves

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Tall peaked T waves.' Tall peaked T waves are characteristic ECG changes associated with hyperkalemia. In hyperkalemia, the elevated potassium levels affect the myocardium, leading to changes in the ECG. ST depression (Choice A) is more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia or infarction. Inverted T wave (Choice B) is seen in conditions like myocardial ischemia or CNS events. Prominent U wave (Choice C) is typically associated with hypokalemia or certain medications. Therefore, in this scenario, the nurse would expect to note tall peaked T waves on the electrocardiogram due to the elevated potassium level.

2. Nurses on an inpatient care unit are working to help reduce unit costs. Which of the following actions is appropriate to include in the cost-containment plan?

• A. Store opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
• B. Return unused supplies from the bedside to the unit's supply stock.
• C. Wait to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full.
• D. Use clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Using clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care is a cost-effective measure without compromising care quality. This choice helps in reducing costs without compromising patient safety. Storing opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours (Choice A) may lead to contamination risks. Returning unused supplies to the unit's supply stock (Choice B) can be inefficient and lead to potential waste. Waiting to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full (Choice C) may pose safety hazards and not directly impact cost savings.

3. A client is in DKA, secondary to infection. As the condition progresses, which of the following symptoms might the nurse see?

• A. Kussmaul's respirations and a fruity odor on the breath
• B. Shallow respirations and severe abdominal pain
• C. Decreased respirations and increased urine output
• D. Cheyne-Stokes respirations and foul-smelling urine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), as the condition progresses, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate, leading to Kussmaul's respirations. The accumulation of ketones in the body causes a fruity odor on the breath. Option A is correct because Kussmaul's respirations and a fruity odor on the breath are classic signs of DKA. Option B is incorrect because shallow respirations are not typically seen in DKA, and severe abdominal pain is more commonly associated with conditions like pancreatitis. Option C is incorrect as decreased respirations are not a typical finding in DKA, and increased urine output is more commonly seen in conditions like diabetes insipidus. Option D is incorrect because Cheyne-Stokes respirations are not characteristic of DKA, and foul-smelling urine is not a prominent symptom in this condition.

4. Which of the following is the best way to improve nursing's image?

• A. Uniforms should reflect your professionalism.
• B. Introduce yourself with your full name.
• C. Understand the essence of professional behavior in your practice.
• D. Take every opportunity to speak to the public about nursing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because taking every chance to engage with the public about nursing allows for the improvement of nursing's image and the promotion of the profession. Choice A is incorrect as uniforms should reflect professionalism rather than personality. Choice B is not directly related to improving nursing's image. Choice C, while important, does not directly address improving the image of nursing through public engagement.

5. Wilms' tumor is a form of:

• A. Renal cancer.
• B. Liver cancer.
• C. Basal cell carcinoma.
• D. Brain cancer.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Wilms' tumor is a type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children. The correct answer is A: Renal cancer. This tumor originates in the kidneys and is most commonly found in children, with the peak incidence around 3-4 years of age. Choice B, Liver cancer, is incorrect as Wilms' tumor specifically involves the kidneys, not the liver. Choice C, Basal cell carcinoma, is a form of skin cancer, not related to Wilms' tumor. Choice D, Brain cancer, is incorrect as Wilms' tumor is not associated with the brain but rather with the kidneys.

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