Nursing Elites

1. After teaching a client to increase dietary potassium intake, a nurse assesses the client's understanding. Which dietary meal selection indicates the client correctly understands the teaching?

• A. Toasted English muffin with butter and blueberry jam, and tea with sugar
• B. Two scrambled eggs, a slice of white toast, and a half cup of strawberries
• C. Sausage, one slice of whole wheat toast, half cup of raisins, and a glass of milk
• D. Bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar, a half cup of sliced peaches, and coffee

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer as it includes foods high in potassium, such as raisins, whole wheat toast, and milk. Potassium is essential for various bodily functions, including maintaining proper heart and muscle function. Choices A, B, and D do not contain significant sources of potassium. Choice A consists mainly of carbohydrates and sugar, choice B focuses on protein and carbohydrates, and choice D provides carbohydrates and some fruit but lacks high-potassium options like in choice C.

2. What electrolyte value should be monitored when a patient is receiving a loop diuretic?

• A. Calcium levels
• B. Phosphorus levels
• C. Potassium levels
• D. Magnesium levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is receiving a loop diuretic like furosemide (Lasix), potassium levels should be monitored closely. Loop diuretics act on the ascending loop of Henle to inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and water, leading to potassium loss. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can result in serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Calcium levels (Choice A), phosphorus levels (Choice B), and magnesium levels (Choice D) are not typically affected directly by loop diuretics and do not require routine monitoring in this context.

3. Which of the following might the nurse assess in a patient diagnosed with hypermagnesemia?

• A. Diminished deep tendon reflexes
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Cool clammy skin
• D. Increased serum magnesium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diminished deep tendon reflexes. In a patient with hypermagnesemia, the nurse would assess for diminished deep tendon reflexes. Hypermagnesemia can lead to neuromuscular depression, causing a decrease in deep tendon reflexes. Tachycardia (choice B) is more commonly associated with hypomagnesemia. Cool clammy skin (choice C) is not typically a direct symptom of hypermagnesemia. While hypermagnesemia does involve increased serum magnesium levels (choice D), assessing serum levels is a laboratory test and not a clinical assessment like checking deep tendon reflexes.

4. The nurse is assessing the patient for the presence of a Chvostek's sign. What electrolyte imbalance does a positive Chvostek's sign indicate?

• A. Hypermagnesemia
• B. Hypomagnesemia
• C. Hypocalcemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chvostek's sign is characterized by a brief contraction of the upper lip, nose, or side of the face and is indicative of hypocalcemia, making choice C the correct answer. Hypomagnesemia (choice B) is associated with Trousseau's sign, not Chvostek's sign. Hypermagnesemia (choice A) is not related to Chvostek's sign. Hyperkalemia (choice D) is not typically associated with Chvostek's sign; instead, it may present with muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.

5. What is the fluid that surrounds the cells called?

• A. plasma
• B. interstitial fluid
• C. intracellular fluid
• D. edema

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is interstitial fluid. Interstitial fluid is the fluid that surrounds and fills the spaces between cells, facilitating nutrient and waste exchange. Plasma, referred to in choice A, is the liquid part of blood. Choice C, intracellular fluid, is the fluid inside cells. Choice D, edema, is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in interstitial spaces, causing swelling.

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