Nursing Elites

1. A patient's serum potassium level is 2.2 mEq/L. Which nursing action is the highest priority for this patient?

• A. Start oxygen at 2 L/min
• B. Initiate cardiac monitoring
• C. Initiate seizure precautions
• D. Keep the patient on bed rest

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate cardiac monitoring. Severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, making cardiac monitoring the priority to detect and manage any cardiac complications. Starting oxygen, seizure precautions, or bed rest are not the immediate priority actions for severe hypokalemia.

2. A client with type 1 DM has a finger stick glucose level of 258mg/dl at bedtime. An order for sliding scale insulin exists. The nurse should:

• A. Call the physician
• B. Encourage the intake of fluids
• C. Administer the insulin as ordered
• D. Give the client ½ cup of orange juice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the client with type 1 DM has a high glucose level at bedtime. The appropriate action for the nurse is to administer the sliding scale insulin as ordered. This insulin regimen is specifically designed to manage high blood glucose levels. Calling the physician is not necessary as the protocol for sliding scale insulin is already in place. Encouraging fluid intake or providing orange juice is not the correct intervention for addressing high blood glucose levels in this case.

3. Which patient is at greatest risk for papilledema?

• A. An elderly patient with cataracts and macular degeneration
• B. A male patient with hypothyroidism
• C. A male patient with hyperthyroidism
• D. An adolescent with a closed head injury

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An adolescent with a closed head injury is at the highest risk for papilledema due to increased intracranial pressure. Papilledema is often a consequence of elevated intracranial pressure, which can occur in conditions like head trauma. Choices A, B, and C do not directly correlate with an increased risk of papilledema compared to a closed head injury, which is more likely to lead to elevated intracranial pressure and subsequent papilledema.

4. Alcohol, caffeine, or drugs are high-risk factors that all fall under which broad classification of risk factors?

• A. Social demographic
• B. Environmental
• C. Biophysical
• D. Psychosocial

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Psychosocial. Alcohol, caffeine, or drug use are considered psychosocial risk factors as they are related to individual behavior, lifestyle choices, and social interactions. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Social demographic factors (choice A) refer to characteristics of a population such as age, gender, education, income, etc. Environmental factors (choice B) include physical surroundings like air quality, housing conditions, etc. Biophysical factors (choice C) involve biological aspects like genetics, physiology, and health conditions.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parent of a toddler who has a new diagnosis of asthma. The parent states she is unable to afford the nebulizer prescribed for the child. Which of the following referrals should the nurse recommend?

• A. Social worker
• B. Pharmacist
• C. Respiratory therapist
• D. Child protective services

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Social worker. A social worker can assist the parent in finding resources to afford the nebulizer. While a pharmacist may provide information about medications and devices, they may not have direct resources to address financial concerns. A respiratory therapist focuses on respiratory care but may not specialize in financial assistance. Referring to child protective services is not appropriate in this scenario as the parent's inability to afford a nebulizer does not indicate neglect or abuse.

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