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. Serge, who has diabetes mellitus, is taking oral agents and is scheduled for a diagnostic test that requires him to be NPO. What is the best plan of action for the nurse regarding Serge's oral medications?

• A. Administer the oral agents immediately after the test.
• B. Notify the diagnostic department and request orders.
• C. Notify the physician and request orders.
• D. Administer the oral agents with a sip of water before the test.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best plan of action for the nurse is to notify the physician and request orders regarding Serge's oral medications. By involving the physician, the nurse ensures that appropriate instructions are obtained, considering Serge's medical condition and the need for NPO status for the diagnostic test. Administering the medications without medical guidance (choice A) can be risky, as it may affect the test results. Notifying the diagnostic department (choice B) is not the most direct and appropriate action; the physician is the primary healthcare provider responsible for medication orders. Administering the medications with water before the test (choice D) is not advisable when the patient is supposed to be NPO, as it can interfere with the test requirements.

3. Your pediatric patient weighs 15.8 kg. How many pounds does this child weigh?

• A. 36 pounds
• B. 33.6 pounds
• C. 35 pounds
• D. 34.8 pounds

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To convert 15.8 kg to pounds, you multiply by the conversion factor of 2.20462. So, 15.8 kg * 2.20462 = 34.8 pounds. Therefore, the child weighs 34.8 pounds. Choice A is incorrect as it is higher than the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect as it is lower than the correct answer. Choice C is incorrect as it rounds down the conversion result, leading to an inaccurate weight measurement.

4. A nurse is preparing to discharge a client who requires home oxygen. The equipment company has not yet delivered the oxygen tank. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Send an oxygen tank from the facility home with the client
• B. Instruct the client's family to contact the insurance provider about the oxygen equipment
• C. Contact social services about the delivery of the oxygen equipment
• D. Notify the provider about the delayed oxygen tank delivery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to contact social services about the delivery of the oxygen equipment. This ensures that the necessary equipment is delivered to the client's home promptly. Choice A is incorrect because sending an oxygen tank from the facility is not a sustainable solution and may lead to legal and safety issues. Choice B is incorrect as contacting the insurance provider is not the appropriate course of action to address the delayed delivery. Choice D is also incorrect because notifying the provider about the delay may not directly lead to the timely delivery of the oxygen equipment.

5. A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who is unconscious following a motor-vehicle crash. The client requires immediate surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Transport the client to the operating room without verifying informed consent
• B. Ask the anesthesiologist to sign the consent
• C. Obtain telephone consent from the facility administrator before the surgery
• D. Delay the surgery until the nurse can obtain informed consent

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In emergency situations where a client is unconscious and requires immediate surgery, implied consent applies. Implied consent allows healthcare providers, including nurses, to proceed with necessary treatment or surgery without formally verifying informed consent. Choice A is correct because the priority in this scenario is to ensure the client receives timely medical intervention to address life-threatening conditions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because in emergencies, waiting to obtain formal consent can delay critical treatment, risking the client's health and well-being.

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