Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder who is taking lithium. What is the most important information the nurse should provide?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Monitor sodium intake.
• C. Report any signs of weight gain.
• D. Avoid excessive caffeine intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor sodium intake.' Sodium levels can affect lithium levels in the body, so it is crucial to maintain a consistent sodium intake to prevent toxicity or subtherapeutic levels. Option A is incorrect because lithium is usually recommended to be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Option C, reporting signs of weight gain, is relevant but not as critical as monitoring sodium intake. Option D, avoiding excessive caffeine intake, is important for some individuals but not as essential as monitoring sodium levels when taking lithium.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer bronchodilator therapy as prescribed.
• B. Inhale the medication slowly while pressing down on the inhaler.
• C. Position the client in a high-Fowler's position.
• D. Increase the oxygen flow rate.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a client with COPD experiencing shortness of breath is to position the client in a high-Fowler's position. This position helps improve lung expansion and ease breathing by maximizing chest expansion and allowing for better airflow. While administering bronchodilator therapy is important, positioning the client for improved breathing takes priority. Inhaling the medication slowly and pressing down on the inhaler is a correct technique for inhaler use but not the priority intervention. Increasing the oxygen flow rate may be needed, but adjusting the client's position to a high-Fowler's position is the priority to address the shortness of breath in COPD.

3. A client with a history of pulmonary embolism is on anticoagulant therapy. What should the nurse monitor regularly?

• A. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
• B. Blood glucose levels
• C. Blood pressure
• D. Temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct! Monitoring INR is essential in clients on anticoagulant therapy to ensure the blood's clotting time is within the therapeutic range, preventing further embolic events or excessive bleeding. Monitoring blood glucose levels (Choice B), blood pressure (Choice C), and temperature (Choice D) is important for various other conditions but is not directly related to anticoagulant therapy for a client with a history of pulmonary embolism.

4. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is learning to administer insulin. What is the best site for the nurse to recommend for insulin injection?

• A. Abdomen
• B. Thigh
• C. Upper arm
• D. Buttock

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the abdomen. The abdomen is the recommended site for insulin injection due to its faster absorption rate compared to other sites. Insulin injected into the abdomen is absorbed more quickly, leading to better glycemic control. The thigh and upper arm are also common sites for insulin injection, but they have slower absorption rates than the abdomen. The buttock is not a preferred site for insulin injection due to inconsistent absorption and potential risk of injecting into muscle instead of fatty tissue.

5. The nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about lifestyle modifications. Which recommendation is most effective for lowering blood pressure?

• A. Increase intake of red meat
• B. Engage in regular physical activity
• C. Consume a high-sodium diet
• D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Engaging in regular physical activity is a highly effective recommendation for lowering blood pressure and improving overall cardiovascular health. Regular exercise helps to strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and manage weight, all of which contribute to reducing blood pressure levels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing intake of red meat can lead to higher saturated fat consumption, which is detrimental to heart health. Consuming a high-sodium diet can exacerbate hypertension by increasing blood pressure. Limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day may lead to dehydration and is not a recommended approach for managing hypertension.

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