Nursing Elites

1. The client is receiving digoxin and has a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Increase the dose of digoxin.
• C. Continue the current dose of digoxin.
• D. Administer potassium supplements.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Holding the medication and informing the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent adverse effects. Choice B is incorrect because increasing the dose of digoxin would further raise the risk of toxicity. Choice C is incorrect as continuing the current dose could exacerbate the toxicity risk. Choice D is incorrect because administering potassium supplements alone is not sufficient to address the potential digoxin toxicity; the first step should be to hold the digoxin and seek further guidance.

2. Which procedure is used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with arrhythmias, typically using electrical shocks?

• A. Cardioversion
• B. Defibrillation
• C. Ablation
• D. Angioplasty

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardioversion. Cardioversion is the procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients with arrhythmias by delivering controlled electrical shocks to the heart. Choice B, Defibrillation, is incorrect because defibrillation is used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias by delivering an unsynchronized high-energy shock to the heart. Choice C, Ablation, is incorrect as it involves destroying abnormal tissue that causes arrhythmias, not necessarily restoring normal heart rhythm. Choice D, Angioplasty, is unrelated to heart rhythm restoration and is a procedure to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels.

3. The nurse is giving a client an IV bolus of heparin. What is the most important nursing action?

• A. Monitor the client's heart rate.
• B. Check the client's blood pressure.
• C. Check for signs of bleeding.
• D. Monitor the client's respiratory rate.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When administering an IV bolus of heparin, the most important nursing action is to monitor the client's heart rate. Heparin can cause bradycardia as a side effect, making it crucial to assess the heart rate for any abnormalities. Checking the blood pressure (Choice B) is important but not as critical as monitoring the heart rate. While checking for signs of bleeding (Choice C) is essential, it is not the most crucial action when administering heparin. Monitoring the respiratory rate (Choice D) is also important but not as directly related to the potential side effects of heparin as monitoring the heart rate.

4. Which term refers to the relaxation phase of the heart, during which the chambers fill with blood?

• A. Diastole
• B. Systole
• C. Refractoriness
• D. Automaticity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Diastole. Diastole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscles relax, allowing the chambers to fill with blood. Choice B, Systole, is incorrect as systole is the contraction phase of the heart when blood is pumped out of the chambers. Choice C, Refractoriness, refers to a period during which the heart muscle is unresponsive to stimuli. Choice D, Automaticity, relates to the heart's ability to generate its own electrical impulses.

5. Which type of lung cancer is strongly associated with exposure to asbestos?

• A. Mesothelioma
• B. Adenocarcinoma
• C. Squamous cell carcinoma
• D. Small cell lung cancer

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Mesothelioma. This type of lung cancer is indeed strongly associated with exposure to asbestos, affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and Small cell lung cancer are not primarily linked to asbestos exposure, making them incorrect choices for this question.

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