Nursing Elites

1. The client has been vomiting and has had numerous episodes of diarrhea. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor?

• A. Serum calcium.
• B. Serum phosphorus.
• C. Serum potassium.
• D. Serum sodium.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, there is a risk of significant potassium loss, leading to potential electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial in this situation to assess and manage any abnormalities promptly. Serum calcium (Choice A) is not typically affected by vomiting and diarrhea. Serum phosphorus (Choice B) levels are not commonly altered by these symptoms. Serum sodium (Choice D) may be affected in severe cases of dehydration, but potassium monitoring is a higher priority due to its potential for rapid depletion in vomiting and diarrhea.

2. A nurse caring for a group of clients reviews the electrolyte laboratory results and notes a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L on one client's laboratory report. The nurse understands that which client is at highest risk for the development of a potassium value at this level?

• A. The client with colitis
• B. The client with Cushing's syndrome
• C. The client who has been overusing laxatives
• D. The client who has sustained a traumatic burn

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clients who have sustained traumatic burns are at a higher risk of developing hyperkalemia due to cell lysis. When cells are damaged in a traumatic burn, potassium can leak out from the intracellular space into the bloodstream, leading to elevated serum potassium levels. Colitis, Cushing's syndrome, and overuse of laxatives are not typically associated with the same degree of cell damage or potassium shifts seen in traumatic burns, making them less likely to result in such high potassium levels.

3. Which of the following best describes the nurse's role in maintaining patient dignity?

• A. The nurse ensures that the patient is treated with respect and that their personal beliefs and values are considered in their care.
• B. The nurse maintains the patient's dignity by ensuring privacy during personal care activities.
• C. The nurse ensures that the patient's personal information is kept private and only shared with those directly involved in their care.
• D. The nurse ensures that the patient is involved in decisions about their care and that their preferences are respected.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The nurse's role in maintaining patient dignity goes beyond just privacy during personal care activities. It involves treating the patient with respect, considering their personal beliefs and values in their care. While privacy is important for dignity, respecting personal beliefs and values is equally crucial. Choice B focuses solely on privacy, overlooking the broader aspects of dignity maintenance. Choices C and D, although important in patient care, do not fully capture the comprehensive approach needed for maintaining patient dignity as described in choice A.

4. In a client with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse should expect which laboratory result?

• A. Increased calcium levels
• B. Decreased phosphorus levels
• C. Increased phosphorus levels
• D. Increased potassium levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In hypoparathyroidism, there is a deficiency of parathyroid hormone, leading to decreased calcium levels and increased phosphorus levels. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Increased phosphorus levels' (Choice C). Choice A, 'Increased calcium levels,' is incorrect because hypoparathyroidism is associated with low calcium levels. Choice B, 'Decreased phosphorus levels,' is incorrect as phosphorus levels are typically elevated in hypoparathyroidism. Choice D, 'Increased potassium levels,' is not directly related to hypoparathyroidism and is not an expected laboratory result in this condition.

5. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. The nurse should teach the client to take this medication:

• A. With meals
• B. Before bedtime
• C. On an empty stomach in the morning
• D. With a glass of milk

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning to enhance absorption and efficacy. Taking it with meals (Choice A) may interfere with absorption due to food interactions. Taking it before bedtime (Choice B) can lead to difficulties with absorption and may disrupt the sleep cycle. Consuming levothyroxine with a glass of milk (Choice D) is not recommended as calcium in milk can interfere with its absorption. Therefore, the best practice is to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach in the morning to ensure optimal effectiveness.

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