Nursing Elites

1. What electrolyte value should be monitored when a patient is receiving a loop diuretic?

• A. Calcium levels
• B. Phosphorus levels
• C. Potassium levels
• D. Magnesium levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is receiving a loop diuretic like furosemide (Lasix), potassium levels should be monitored closely. Loop diuretics act on the ascending loop of Henle to inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and water, leading to potassium loss. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can result in serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Calcium levels (Choice A), phosphorus levels (Choice B), and magnesium levels (Choice D) are not typically affected directly by loop diuretics and do not require routine monitoring in this context.

2. What can cause dehydration?

• A. Prolonged vomiting.
• B. Prolonged diarrhea.
• C. Too little fluid intake.
• D. Prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, and too little fluid intake.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dehydration can result from significant fluid loss due to vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake. Prolonged vomiting and diarrhea lead to excessive fluid loss from the body, contributing to dehydration. Similarly, not consuming enough fluids can also result in dehydration. Choice A and B are too specific as they only mention one cause each, while choice C is also correct but does not encompass all the potential causes of dehydration as mentioned in choice D.

3. A nurse is visiting an 84-year-old woman living at home and recovering from hip surgery. The woman seems confused and has poor skin turgor, and she states that 'she stops drinking water early in the day because it is too difficult to get up during the night to go to the bathroom.' The nurse explains to the woman that:

• A. She will need to have her medications adjusted and be readmitted to the hospital for a complete workup.
• B. Limiting fluids can create imbalances in the body that can result in confusion; maybe we need to adjust the timing of your fluids.
• C. It is normal to be a little confused following surgery and it is safe not to urinate at night.
• D. Confusion following surgery is common in the elderly due to loss of sleep.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In elderly patients, fluid deficits can lead to confusion and cognitive impairment. Limiting fluids can disrupt the body's balance, leading to such symptoms. Adjusting the timing of fluids can help maintain hydration without causing nighttime interruptions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the underlying issue of fluid imbalance causing confusion. Choice A suggests unnecessary hospital readmission and medication adjustments. Choice C incorrectly normalizes confusion post-surgery and suggests it is safe not to urinate at night, which can exacerbate the issue. Choice D inaccurately attributes confusion to sleep loss rather than fluid imbalance.

4. The nurse is caring for a patient in metabolic alkalosis. The patient has an NG tube to low intermittent suction for a diagnosis of bowel obstruction. What drug would the nurse expect to find on the medication orders?

• A. Cimetidine
• B. Maalox
• C. Potassium chloride elixir
• D. ) Furosemide

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

5. The chief mechanism for maintaining fluid balance is to:

• A. adjust fluid intake so it equals fluid output.
• B. adjust fluid intake so it is slightly above fluid output.
• C. adjust fluid output so it equals fluid input.
• D. adjust fluid intake so it is slightly below fluid output.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'adjust fluid output so it equals fluid input.' Maintaining fluid balance involves ensuring that the amount of fluid lost through processes like urination, sweating, and respiration equals the amount of fluid taken in. This ensures that the body stays properly hydrated. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not focus on the balance between fluid input and output, which is crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance. By adjusting fluid output to equal fluid input, the body can regulate hydration levels effectively, preventing dehydration or overhydration.

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