Nursing Elites

1. In a patient with liver cirrhosis, which of the following lab results would be expected?

• A. Increased bilirubin levels.
• B. Decreased albumin levels.
• C. Increased liver enzymes.
• D. Decreased platelet count.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with liver cirrhosis, increased bilirubin levels would be expected. Liver cirrhosis leads to impaired liver function, causing a decrease in the liver's ability to process bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This results in elevated bilirubin levels. Decreased albumin levels (choice B) may occur in liver cirrhosis due to impaired liver synthesis of proteins, but it is not as specific as increased bilirubin levels. Increased liver enzymes (choice C) can be seen in liver damage but are not as characteristic as elevated bilirubin levels. Decreased platelet count (choice D) can occur in liver cirrhosis due to hypersplenism, but it is not as specific as increased bilirubin levels in this context.

2. A male client comes into the emergency department with a serum creatinine of 2.2 mg/dL and a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 24 mg/dL. What question should the nurse ask first when taking this client’s history?

• A. Have you been taking any aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen recently?
• B. Do you have anyone in your family with renal failure?
• C. Have you had a diet that is low in protein recently?
• D. Has a relative had a kidney transplant lately?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct question to ask the client first is about their recent intake of nephrotoxic medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Elevated serum creatinine and BUN levels indicate possible renal issues, making it crucial to assess potential causes such as medication-induced nephrotoxicity. Inquiring about family history of renal failure or recent kidney transplants would not provide immediate insights into the client's current renal condition. While a diet low in protein could influence BUN levels, it is important to address medication history first due to the acute presentation in the emergency department.

3. The nurse empties the nasogastric suction collection canister of a client who had a bowel resection the previous day and notes that 1000 ml of gastric secretions were collected in the last 4 hours. What condition is the client at risk for developing?

• A. Metabolic alkalosis
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Metabolic acidosis
• D. Hypoglycemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Metabolic alkalosis. Loss of gastric secretions, which contain stomach acid, can lead to metabolic alkalosis. Excessive loss of acid results in an increase in the blood pH, leading to alkalosis. Hyperkalemia (B) is an elevated potassium level and is not directly related to the loss of gastric secretions. Metabolic acidosis (C) is an acid-base imbalance characterized by low pH and bicarbonate levels, which is the opposite of what would occur with the loss of gastric secretions. Hypoglycemia (D) is low blood sugar and is not typically associated with the scenario described in the question.

4. After teaching a client with renal cancer who is prescribed temsirolimus (Torisel), the nurse assesses the client’s understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will take this medication with food and plenty of water.
• B. I shall keep my appointment at the infusion center each week.
• C. I’ll limit my intake of green leafy vegetables while on this medication.
• D. I must not take this medication if I have an infection or am feeling ill.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Temsirolimus, also known as Torisel, is administered as a weekly intravenous infusion. This medication blocks protein needed for cell division, inhibiting cell cycle progression. It is not taken orally, so there is no need to take it with food or water. Keeping the weekly infusion center appointment is crucial for the client to receive the prescribed treatment effectively. Choice A is incorrect as temsirolimus is not taken with food or water. Choice C is incorrect because there is no need to limit the intake of green leafy vegetables while on this medication. Choice D is incorrect as having an infection or feeling ill does not prohibit the use of temsirolimus.

5. Laboratory findings indicate that a client's serum potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Inform the healthcare provider of the need for potassium replacement.
• B. Prepare to administer a glucose-insulin-potassium replacement.
• C. Change the plan of care to include hourly urinary output measurement.
• D. Instruct the client to increase daily intake of potassium-rich foods.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is critically low, indicating severe hypokalemia. The immediate action the nurse should take is to inform the healthcare provider of the need for potassium replacement. Option B, preparing to administer glucose-insulin-potassium replacement, is not the first-line intervention; it may be considered in specific situations but requires a healthcare provider's prescription. Option C, changing the plan of care to include hourly urinary output measurement, is not the priority when managing critically low potassium levels. Option D, instructing the client to increase daily intake of potassium-rich foods, is not appropriate in this acute situation where immediate intervention is needed to address the dangerously low potassium level.

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