Nursing Elites

1. A patient receives 3% NaCl solution for correction of hyponatremia. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to monitor while the patient is receiving this infusion?

• A. Lung sounds
• B. Urinary output
• C. Peripheral pulses
• D. Peripheral edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lung sounds. Hypertonic solutions like 3% NaCl can cause water retention, leading to fluid excess. Monitoring lung sounds is crucial as crackles may indicate pulmonary edema, a serious manifestation of fluid excess. While monitoring urinary output, peripheral pulses, and peripheral edema are also important when administering hypertonic solutions, they do not provide immediate clues to acute respiratory or cardiac decompensation like lung sounds.

2. The father of an 11-year-old client reports to the nurse that the client has been wetting the bed since the passing of his mother and is concerned. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

• A. Reassure the father that it is normal for a pre-teen to wet the bed during times of stress
• B. Inform the father that nocturnal emissions are abnormal and his son is developmentally delayed
• C. Inform the father that it is most important to let the son know that bedwetting is normal after trauma
• D. Refer the father and the client to a psychologist

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is common for children to experience bedwetting as a response to severe trauma, such as losing a parent. Referring the father and the client to a psychologist is crucial in this situation to help the child cope with the loss and address any underlying emotional issues. Choice A is incorrect as bedwetting in this context is likely related to the trauma rather than puberty. Choice B is incorrect as nocturnal emissions are not abnormal and do not relate to bedwetting. Choice C is incorrect because the focus should be on addressing the emotional impact of the trauma rather than specifically discussing bedwetting.

3. When assessing a male client, the nurse finds that he is fatigued, and is experiencing muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Based on these findings, the nurse plans to check the client's laboratory values to validate the existence of which?

• A. Hyperphosphatemia
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Hypermagnesemia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Hypokalemia. Generalized weakness, muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias are manifestations of hypokalemia. Checking the potassium level is essential in this case. Hypocalcemia typically presents with facial muscle spasms, not the symptoms mentioned. Hypermagnesemia does not typically cause the symptoms described. It's important to note that orange juice is high in potassium and would be advisable to drink if the patient was hypokalemic. Loose stools are more commonly associated with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia.

4. The nurse is caring for a patient with a massive burn injury and possible hypovolemia. Which assessment data will be of most concern to the nurse?

• A. Blood pressure is 90/40 mm Hg.
• B. Urine output is 30 mL over the last hour.
• C. Oral fluid intake is 100 mL over the last 8 hours.
• D. There is prolonged skin tenting over the sternum.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Blood pressure is 90/40 mm Hg." A low blood pressure reading of 90/40 mm Hg indicates that the patient may be developing hypovolemic shock due to intravascular fluid loss from the burn injury. This finding is of utmost concern as it suggests systemic hypoperfusion, requiring immediate intervention to prevent complications. Choices B, C, and D also indicate signs of dehydration and the need to increase fluid intake; however, they are not as urgent as addressing the hypotension and potential shock presented in choice A.

5. The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who is providing a total bed bath for a confused and lethargic client. The UAP is soaking the client's foot in a basin of warm water placed on the bed. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Remove the basin of water from the client's bed immediately
• B. Remind the UAP to dry between the client's toes completely
• C. Advise the UAP that this procedure is damaging to the skin
• D. Add skin cream to the basin of water while the foot is soaking

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice (B) is the correct action for the nurse to take in this situation. Ensuring that the UAP dries between the client's toes completely is crucial to prevent skin breakdown due to excessive moisture. While keeping the client's feet clean is important, maintaining dryness is paramount for skin integrity. Choices (A), (C), and (D) are incorrect: (A) removing the basin of water immediately may disrupt the care process without addressing the root issue, (C) advising the UAP that the procedure is damaging to the skin is not as immediate or specific to the observed problem, and (D) adding skin cream to the water may not address the need for drying the client's toes thoroughly.

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