Nursing Elites

1. When developing a plan of care for a client with dementia, what should the LPN/LVN remember about confusion in the elderly?

• A. It is not a normal part of aging.
• B. It often follows relocation to new surroundings.
• C. It is primarily due to changes in the brain associated with the disease.
• D. It cannot be prevented or cured by adequate sleep alone.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a client with dementia, it is crucial to understand that confusion often arises after relocating to new surroundings. This change can disrupt familiar routines and trigger increased disorientation and confusion. Choice A is correct because confusion in the elderly is not a normal part of aging. Choice C is incorrect because confusion in dementia is primarily due to changes in the brain associated with the disease, not just irreversible brain pathology. Choice D is incorrect because while adequate sleep is important for overall health, it alone cannot prevent or cure confusion associated with dementia.

2. A client with chronic kidney disease is experiencing hyperkalemia. Which medication should the LPN/LVN anticipate being prescribed to lower the client's potassium level?

• A. Furosemide (Lasix)
• B. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)
• C. Calcium gluconate
• D. Albuterol (Proventil)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate). Kayexalate is commonly used to lower potassium levels in clients with hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the large intestine, leading to the elimination of excess potassium from the body. Choice A, Furosemide (Lasix), is a loop diuretic that helps with fluid retention but does not directly lower potassium levels. Choice C, Calcium gluconate, is used to treat calcium deficiencies and does not impact potassium levels. Choice D, Albuterol (Proventil), is a bronchodilator used to treat respiratory conditions and does not affect potassium levels. Therefore, the LPN/LVN should anticipate the prescription of Kayexalate to address the client's hyperkalemia.

3. By the second postoperative day, a client has not achieved satisfactory pain relief. Based on this evaluation, which of the following actions should the nurse take, according to the nursing process?

• A. Reassess the client to determine the reasons for inadequate pain relief.
• B. Wait to see whether the pain lessens during the next 24 hours.
• C. Change the plan of care to provide different pain relief interventions.
• D. Teach the client about the plan of care for managing pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Reassessing the client is crucial to identify the reasons for inadequate pain relief. This action allows the nurse to gather more information, evaluate the current pain management interventions, and make necessary adjustments to the care plan. Waiting for the pain to lessen without taking action delays appropriate pain management. Changing the plan of care without reassessment may lead to ineffective interventions. Teaching the client about the plan of care should be based on a reassessment of the current pain relief status to ensure tailored and effective pain management strategies.

4. A nurse is talking with caregivers of a 12-year-old child. Which of the following issues verbalized by the caregivers should the nurse identify as the priority?

• A. “We just don’t understand why our child can’t keep up with the other kids in simple activities like running and jumping.”
• B. “Our child keeps trying to find ways around our household rules. They always want to make deals with us.”
• C. “We think our child is trying too hard to excel in math just to get the top grades in the class.”
• D. “Our child likes to sing and worries it will make the other kids want to laugh.”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Difficulty in keeping up with physical activities like running and jumping may indicate an underlying physical or developmental issue that requires prompt assessment. This could be related to musculoskeletal problems, coordination difficulties, or other health concerns that need further evaluation. Choices B, C, and D, while important, do not address a potential physical or developmental issue that could impact the child's overall well-being. Addressing the child's physical limitations should be the priority to ensure appropriate support and intervention.

5. The nurse is having difficulty reading the healthcare provider's written order that was written right before the shift change. What action should be taken?

• A. Leave the order for the oncoming staff to follow up
• B. Contact the charge nurse for an interpretation
• C. Ask the pharmacy for assistance in interpretation
• D. Call the provider for clarification

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should call the provider for clarification. In situations where there is difficulty reading an order, it is crucial to directly contact the healthcare provider to ensure the correct order is understood and followed. Leaving the order for the oncoming staff (Choice A) may lead to misunderstandings and errors. Contacting the charge nurse (Choice B) may cause delays as they may also need to contact the provider. Asking the pharmacy (Choice C) is not the most direct and immediate action in this scenario, as the provider is the one who can provide immediate clarification.

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