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 DM has an above-knee amputation because of severe peripheral vascular disease. Two days following surgery, when preparing the client for dinner, what is the nurse's primary responsibility?

• A. Check the client's serum glucose level
• B. Assist the client out of bed to the chair
• C. Place the client in a high-Fowler's position
• D. Ensure that the client's residual limb is elevated

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the client's serum glucose level. In a client with diabetes who just had surgery, monitoring the serum glucose level is crucial to ensure proper management of the condition. This helps in preventing complications related to blood sugar fluctuations. Assisting the client out of bed may be important but not the primary responsibility at this time. Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position or ensuring the residual limb is elevated are important interventions for comfort and circulation but are not the primary concern in this scenario.

3. A client with a tumor refuses surgery, but the client's partner wants it. Which is the deciding factor in determining if the surgery will be done?

• A. Whether the partner is the client's durable power of attorney for healthcare
• B. Whether the client understands the risk of refusing the procedure
• C. Whether the client's refusal is based on religious belief
• D. Whether the facility's ethical committee reaches a consensus on the case

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the client's understanding of the risks involved in refusing the surgery is crucial in determining the course of action. In this scenario, the client's autonomy and decision-making capacity take precedence. Choice A is not directly relevant to the decision-making process regarding surgery. Choice C, religious beliefs, may influence the decision but should not be the determining factor in this case. Choice D involving the facility's ethical committee is not typically involved in individual patient care decisions.

4. Which of the following is a common barrier to effective communication in healthcare?

• A. Active listening
• B. Cultural differences
• C. Clear language
• D. Empathy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cultural differences are a common barrier to effective communication in healthcare. When individuals from different cultures interact in healthcare settings, varying communication styles, beliefs, values, and language barriers can hinder effective communication. This can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and ultimately impact the quality of care provided. Active listening (choice A) is a communication skill that helps improve understanding and can actually enhance communication. Clear language (choice C) is essential for effective communication and can help overcome barriers, rather than being a barrier itself. Empathy (choice D) is important in healthcare to understand patients' emotions and perspectives, but it is not a common barrier to effective communication.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

• A. Generalized rash over trunk
• B. Increased temperature
• C. Decreased level of consciousness
• D. Report of photophobia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased level of consciousness. In a client with meningitis, a decreased level of consciousness is a critical finding that should be reported immediately. This could indicate increased intracranial pressure or neurological deterioration, requiring prompt intervention. Choices A, B, and D are important in the assessment of meningitis but are not as immediately concerning as a decreased level of consciousness. A generalized rash over the trunk can be seen in meningococcal meningitis, an increased temperature is expected due to the inflammatory response, and photophobia is a common symptom due to meningeal irritation.

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