Nursing Elites

1. A nursing student needs to administer potassium chloride intravenously as prescribed to a client with hypokalemia. The nursing instructor determines that the student is unprepared for this procedure if the student states that which of the following is part of the plan for preparation and administration of the potassium?

• A. Obtaining a controlled IV infusion pump
• B. Monitoring urine output during administration
• C. Diluting an appropriate amount of normal saline
• D. Preparing the medication for bolus administration

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is preparing the medication for bolus administration (Choice D). Potassium should never be administered as a bolus because it can cause cardiac arrest. It must always be diluted and given slowly. Obtaining a controlled IV infusion pump (Choice A) is essential for accurate delivery, monitoring urine output during administration (Choice B) helps assess the client's response, and diluting an appropriate amount of normal saline (Choice C) is necessary to prevent irritation and ensure safe administration.

2. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. The nurse should teach the client to take this medication:

• A. With meals
• B. Before bedtime
• C. On an empty stomach in the morning
• D. With a glass of milk

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning to enhance absorption and efficacy. Taking it with meals (Choice A) may interfere with absorption due to food interactions. Taking it before bedtime (Choice B) can lead to difficulties with absorption and may disrupt the sleep cycle. Consuming levothyroxine with a glass of milk (Choice D) is not recommended as calcium in milk can interfere with its absorption. Therefore, the best practice is to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach in the morning to ensure optimal effectiveness.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with hypothyroidism. Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Weight loss
• C. Cold intolerance
• D. Diaphoresis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cold intolerance is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the body's metabolic rate is decreased, leading to a decreased ability to regulate body temperature. This results in a feeling of being cold most of the time. Tachycardia (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Weight loss (Choice B) and diaphoresis (Choice D) are also more characteristic of hyperthyroidism, where there is an increased metabolic rate and excess heat production.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with DM who is experiencing ketoacidosis. The nurse should prioritize which action?

• A. Administering insulin intravenously.
• B. Giving the client sips of water.
• C. Monitoring the client's urine output.
• D. Applying a heating pad to the client's abdomen.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering insulin intravenously is the priority action for managing diabetic ketoacidosis. Insulin helps lower blood glucose levels and halts the production of ketones, addressing the underlying cause of ketoacidosis. Giving sips of water (Choice B) may be necessary for hydration, but it does not address the immediate life-threatening issue of ketoacidosis. Monitoring urine output (Choice C) is important for assessing renal function but is not the priority over administering insulin. Applying a heating pad (Choice D) is not indicated and can potentially worsen the condition in ketoacidosis.

5. A client with diabetes insipidus is being treated with desmopressin. The nurse should monitor for which of the following side effects?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyponatremia. Desmopressin, a medication used in diabetes insipidus, can cause water retention by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys. This excess water retention can lead to dilutional hyponatremia, where sodium levels in the body become too low. Monitoring for hyponatremia is crucial to prevent complications such as neurological symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because desmopressin is not known to cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, or hypercalcemia.

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