Nursing Elites

1. A patient has recently been prescribed Norvasc. Which of the following side effects should the patient specifically watch out for?

• A. Hypotension and Angina
• B. Hypertension
• C. Lower extremity edema
• D. Peripheral sensory loss and SOB

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hypotension and Angina.' Norvasc is a medication known to cause hypotension (low blood pressure) and angina (chest pain) as side effects. These side effects are important for the patient to watch out for as they can indicate potential issues related to the medication. Choice B ('Hypertension') is incorrect as Norvasc is actually used to treat hypertension, not cause it. Choice C ('Lower extremity edema') is not a common side effect of Norvasc. Choice D ('Peripheral sensory loss and SOB') is not typically associated with Norvasc's side effects.

2. During a screening on a patient with a recent cast on the left lower extremity, which of the following statements should the nurse be most concerned about?

• A. The patient reports, "I didn't keep my extremity elevated as the doctor asked me to."?
• B. The patient reports, "I have been having pain in my left calf."?
• C. The patient reports, "My left leg has really been itching."?
• D. The patient reports, "The arthritis in my wrists is flaring up when I put weight on my crutches."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because pain in the left calf could indicate a potential neurovascular complication related to the casted extremity. It could suggest issues such as compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. Option A is not as concerning since not elevating the extremity may lead to swelling but is not an immediate concern. Option C indicates itching, which is common with casts and not as concerning as potential neurovascular issues. Option D, regarding arthritis in the wrists, is unrelated to the lower extremity issue being screened for.

3. Which of the following goals is the most important for the nurse to address for a client admitted to the cardiac rehabilitation unit?

• A. Reduction of anxiety
• B. Referral to community resources
• C. Identification of lifestyle changes
• D. Verbalization of energy-conservation techniques

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important goal for a client admitted to the cardiac rehabilitation unit is the identification of lifestyle changes. This is crucial in promoting cardiovascular health and preventing future cardiac issues. Lifestyle changes such as diet modifications, exercise routines, smoking cessation, and stress management play a significant role in improving the overall cardiovascular well-being of the patient. While reducing anxiety, referring to community resources, and verbalizing energy-conservation techniques are all important aspects of care, identifying lifestyle changes is the primary focus in helping the client achieve long-term cardiovascular wellness.

4. Which is an example of a sentinel event?

• A. The terminally ill client is referred to hospice and dies 3 months later.
• B. A client receives an unordered mammogram which reveals a small cyst.
• C. A client with a laceration to the knee requiring 4 sutures falls when getting up unassisted after being instructed to remain in bed.
• D. A client scheduled for knee replacement surgery had an above-the-knee amputation performed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Yes! A sentinel event is an unexpected occurrence causing death or serious injury. In this case, a client who was scheduled for knee replacement surgery but had an above-the-knee amputation performed instead represents a sentinel event as it resulted in serious harm that was not intended. The other choices do not meet the criteria for a sentinel event. Choice A describes a natural progression for a terminally ill client, choice B shows an incidental finding from a test, and choice C involves a preventable fall leading to an injury but not a sentinel event.

5. A client with asthma develops respiratory acidosis. Based on this diagnosis, what should the nurse expect the client's serum potassium level to be?

• A. normal
• B. elevated
• C. low
• D. unrelated to the pH

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In respiratory acidosis, the body retains CO2, leading to increased hydrogen ion concentration and a drop in blood pH. As pH decreases, serum potassium levels increase due to the movement of potassium out of cells to compensate for the acidosis. Elevated serum potassium levels are expected in respiratory acidosis. Choice A ('normal') is incorrect because potassium levels are expected to be elevated in respiratory acidosis. Choice C ('low') is incorrect as potassium levels rise in this condition. Choice D ('unrelated to the pH') is incorrect as serum potassium levels are directly impacted by changes in pH in respiratory acidosis.

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