Nursing Elites

1. The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer potassium supplements.
• C. Continue the spironolactone as ordered.
• D. Increase the dose of spironolactone.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L is high, indicating hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can further elevate potassium levels. Therefore, the priority action is to withhold the medication to prevent exacerbating hyperkalemia and notify the healthcare provider for further management. Option B is incorrect because administering potassium supplements would worsen the hyperkalemia. Option C is incorrect as continuing spironolactone can lead to a further increase in potassium levels. Option D is incorrect as increasing the dose of spironolactone would be inappropriate in the presence of elevated potassium levels.

2. What is a severe and often sudden allergic reaction that can lead to breathing difficulties and anaphylactic shock?

• A. Anaphylaxis
• B. Allergic rhinitis
• C. Bronchospasm
• D. Asthma attack

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Anaphylaxis is the correct answer. It is a severe allergic reaction that can result in difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and even anaphylactic shock if not treated promptly. Choice B, allergic rhinitis, is characterized by symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itching. Choice C, bronchospasm, refers to the sudden constriction of the muscles in the walls of the bronchioles, leading to breathing difficulties. Choice D, asthma attack, involves the inflammation and narrowing of the airways, resulting in symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.

3. What is the term used to describe a condition where the blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted, often referred to as a 'mini-stroke'?

• A. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• B. Stroke
• C. Myocardial infarction
• D. Pulmonary embolism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transient ischemic attack (TIA). A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is often called a 'mini-stroke' because it is characterized by a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, resulting in stroke-like symptoms that typically resolve within a short period. Choice B, 'Stroke,' is incorrect because a stroke involves a more prolonged interruption of blood flow, leading to lasting brain damage. Choices C and D, 'Myocardial infarction' and 'Pulmonary embolism,' are unrelated conditions involving the heart and lungs, respectively, and do not describe a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain.

4. Which condition is characterized by the lungs becoming scarred and stiff, leading to difficulty breathing and inadequate oxygen intake into the bloodstream?

• A. Pulmonary fibrosis
• B. Cystic fibrosis
• C. COPD
• D. Tuberculosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease where lung tissue is damaged and scarred, resulting in breathing difficulties and decreased oxygen transfer into the bloodstream. Cystic fibrosis (B) is a genetic disorder primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system, not causing lung scarring. COPD (C) includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema but doesn't specifically involve lung scarring. Tuberculosis (D) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but doesn't cause lung tissue scarring and stiffness as seen in pulmonary fibrosis.

5. Which term refers to the ability of the heart to initiate impulses repetitively and spontaneously?

• A. Contractility
• B. Excitability
• C. Automaticity
• D. Rhythmicity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Automaticity. Automaticity is the specific term used to describe the heart's ability to generate impulses repetitively and spontaneously. Contractility (A) refers to the ability of muscle fibers to contract, not the initiation of impulses. Excitability (B) is the ability of cells to respond to stimuli but is not specific to the heart's impulse generation. Rhythmicity (D) is a related term but does not specifically describe the heart's spontaneous impulse initiation.

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