Nursing Elites

1. In caring for a client receiving the aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin, what diagnostic test should the nurse prioritize monitoring?

• A. Urinalysis
• B. Serum creatinine
• C. Serum osmolarity
• D. Liver enzymes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum creatinine. Aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, are known to cause nephrotoxicity, which can lead to kidney damage. Monitoring serum creatinine levels is crucial in assessing renal function and detecting any potential kidney problems early. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because urinalysis primarily assesses urine composition, serum osmolarity measures the concentration of solutes in the blood, and liver enzymes are not directly impacted by aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin.

2. The nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is receiving supplemental oxygen. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Use of accessory muscles
• B. Oxygen saturation of 90%
• C. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute
• D. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use of accessory muscles. This finding indicates increased work of breathing in a client with COPD and may signal respiratory failure, requiring immediate intervention. In COPD, the use of accessory muscles suggests that the client is in distress and struggling to breathe effectively. Oxygen saturation of 90% is within an acceptable range for a client with COPD receiving supplemental oxygen and does not require immediate intervention. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute is slightly elevated but not a critical finding. A blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg is within the normal range for an adult and does not indicate a need for immediate intervention in this scenario.

3. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse a client's readiness for pulmonary function tests?

• A. Expresses an understanding of the procedure.
• B. NPO for 6 hrs.
• C. No known drug allergies.
• D. Intravenous access intact.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Expresses an understanding of the procedure.' This choice indicates that the client is mentally prepared for the pulmonary function tests, as understanding the procedure shows readiness and cooperation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B, 'NPO for 6 hrs,' pertains to fasting status and is not directly related to readiness for the test. Choice C, 'No known drug allergies,' is important information but does not specifically indicate readiness for pulmonary function tests. Choice D, 'Intravenous access intact,' is related to vascular access and not a direct indicator of readiness for the pulmonary function tests.

4. A client with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving erythropoietin therapy. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. Serum potassium level
• B. White blood cell count
• C. Hemoglobin level
• D. Serum calcium level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum potassium level. In a client receiving erythropoietin therapy for chronic kidney disease, monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial due to the risk of hyperkalemia. Erythropoietin can stimulate red blood cell production, leading to an increased demand for potassium. Monitoring potassium levels helps prevent complications associated with hyperkalemia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because erythropoietin therapy specifically impacts potassium levels, not white blood cell count, hemoglobin level, or serum calcium level.

5. A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with pneumonia. Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?

• A. Arterial blood gas (ABG) values
• B. Serum potassium level
• C. Serum sodium level
• D. Blood glucose level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Arterial blood gas (ABG) values. In a client with COPD and pneumonia, ABG values are crucial as they provide essential information about the client's respiratory status, including oxygenation and acid-base balance. Immediate intervention may be required to optimize respiratory function based on ABG results. Serum potassium, sodium, and blood glucose levels are important parameters to monitor in various conditions but are not as directly related to the respiratory status in a client with COPD and pneumonia. Therefore, they do not require immediate intervention compared to ABG values.

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