Nursing Elites

1. A patient who is being treated for dehydration is receiving 5% dextrose and 0.45% normal saline with 20 mEq/L potassium chloride at a rate of 125 mL/hour. The nurse assuming care for the patient reviews the patient’s serum electrolytes and notes a serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L and a serum potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L. The patient had a urine output of 250 mL during the last 12-hour shift. Which action will the nurse take?

• A. Contact the patient’s provider to discuss increasing the potassium chloride to 40 mEq/L.
• B. Continue the intravenous fluids as ordered and reassess the patient frequently.
• C. Notify the provider and discuss increasing the rate of fluids to 200 mL/hour.
• D. Stop the intravenous fluids and notify the provider of the assessment findings.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The patient’s potassium level is within normal limits, but the decreased urine output indicates the patient should not receive additional IV potassium. Increasing potassium chloride to 40 mEq/L is not needed as the level is normal. Stopping the IV fluids is appropriate due to the decreased urine output, which suggests potential fluid overload. The nurse should notify the provider of the assessment findings for further management. Increasing the rate of fluids to 200 mL/hour is not recommended without addressing the decreased urine output first.

2. A client with functional urinary incontinence is being taught by a nurse. Which statement should the nurse include in this client’s teaching?

• A. Clean around your catheter daily with soap and water.
• B. Wash the vaginal weights with a 10% bleach solution after each use.
• C. Informing about available operations to repair your bladder.
• D. Buy slacks with elastic waistbands that are easy to pull down.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Functional urinary incontinence is not related to bladder issues but rather to difficulties with ambulation or accessing the toilet. The goal is to help the client manage clothing independently. Elastic waistband slacks that are easy to pull down facilitate timely access to the toilet. Choices A and B are unrelated and not applicable to functional urinary incontinence. Choice C is incorrect as surgeries to repair the bladder are not indicated for functional urinary incontinence.

3. After teaching a client with nephrotic syndrome and a normal glomerular filtration rate, the nurse assesses the client’s understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the nutritional therapy for this condition?

• A. I must decrease my intake of fat.
• B. I will increase my intake of protein.
• C. A decreased intake of carbohydrates will be required.
• D. An increased intake of vitamin C is necessary.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In nephrotic syndrome, there is significant renal loss of protein leading to hypoalbuminemia and edema formation. If glomerular filtration is normal or near normal, increased protein loss should be matched by an increased intake of protein. Therefore, the correct statement indicating a correct understanding of the nutritional therapy for this condition is increasing protein intake. Decreasing fat, decreasing carbohydrates, or increasing vitamin C intake is not necessary for addressing the underlying issues associated with nephrotic syndrome.

4. A nurse plans care for clients with urinary incontinence. Which client is correctly paired with the appropriate intervention?

• A. A 29-year-old client after a difficult vaginal delivery – Habit training
• B. A 58-year-old postmenopausal client who is not taking estrogen therapy – Electrical stimulation
• C. A 64-year-old female with Alzheimer’s-type senile dementia – Bladder training
• D. A 77-year-old female who has difficulty ambulating – Exercise therapy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct pairing is a 58-year-old postmenopausal client who is not taking estrogen therapy with electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation is used for clients with stress incontinence related to menopause and low estrogen levels. Exercise therapy improves pelvic wall strength and is not specifically for ambulation issues. Habit training is more effective for cognitively impaired clients, like those with Alzheimer's-type senile dementia. Bladder training requires the client to be alert, aware, and able to resist the urge to urinate, which may not be suitable for clients with cognitive impairments.

5. A client has made an appointment for her annual Papanicolaou test (a.k.a. Pap smear). The nurse who schedules the appointment should tell the client that:

• A. The test cannot be performed while the client is menstruating
• B. Vaginal douching is required at least 24 hours before the test
• C. Spicy foods should not be eaten on the day of the test
• D. The test has absolutely no discomfort associated with it

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A Pap smear cannot be performed with accurate results during menstruation. Menstrual blood may interfere with the test results. Choice B is incorrect as vaginal douching should be avoided for at least 24 hours before the test to prevent altering the cervical cells. Choice C is incorrect as there is no restriction on spicy foods before a Pap smear. Choice D is incorrect as some women may experience mild discomfort during the test, although it is generally well-tolerated.

Similar Questions