Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic liver disease. Which lab value is most concerning?

• A. Elevated AST and ALT
• B. Decreased albumin level
• C. Elevated bilirubin level
• D. Prolonged PT/INR

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, prolonged PT/INR. In a client with chronic liver disease, a prolonged PT/INR is the most concerning lab value. This indicates impaired liver function, leading to a higher risk of bleeding. Elevated AST and ALT (choice A) are indicators of liver damage but do not directly assess the risk of bleeding. Decreased albumin level (choice B) reflects impaired liver function but is not as directly related to bleeding risk as a prolonged PT/INR. Elevated bilirubin level (choice C) is a sign of liver dysfunction, specifically related to bile metabolism, and while important, it is not as directly associated with bleeding risk as a prolonged PT/INR in the context of chronic liver disease.

2. A client with a history of stroke presents with dysphagia. What is the most important nursing intervention to prevent aspiration?

• A. Encourage the client to drink water between meals
• B. Position the client in a high-Fowler's position during meals
• C. Provide the client with thickened liquids
• D. Allow the client to eat quickly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Position the client in a high-Fowler's position during meals. Placing the client in a high-Fowler's position (sitting upright at a 90-degree angle) helps reduce the risk of aspiration by ensuring that the airway is protected during swallowing. This position facilitates easier swallowing and decreases the likelihood of food or liquids entering the respiratory tract. Encouraging the client to drink water between meals (choice A) does not directly address the risk of aspiration during meals. Providing thickened liquids (choice C) may be necessary for some patients with dysphagia but is not the most important intervention to prevent aspiration. Allowing the client to eat quickly (choice D) without proper positioning and precautions can increase the risk of aspiration.

3. When counting a client's radial pulse, the nurse notes the pulse is weak and irregular. To record the most accurate heart rate, what should the nurse do?

• A. Recheck the radial pulse in thirty minutes
• B. Palpate the radial pulse for thirty seconds and double the rate
• C. Count the apical pulse rate for sixty seconds
• D. Compare the radial pulse rate bilaterally and record the higher rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to count the apical pulse rate for sixty seconds. The apical pulse is more accurate, especially when peripheral pulses are weak or irregular. Counting the apical pulse for a full minute provides a more precise heart rate measurement. Option A is incorrect because waiting for thirty minutes is unnecessary and could delay potential interventions. Option B is incorrect because doubling the radial pulse rate may not provide an accurate representation of the heart rate. Option D is incorrect because comparing radial pulses bilaterally does not give the most accurate heart rate measurement; the apical pulse is preferred in this situation.

4. A client with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid). What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach
• B. Take the medication with food
• C. Report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism
• D. Do not discontinue the medication abruptly

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism.' Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations or tremors, may indicate an excessive dose of levothyroxine and should be reported to the healthcare provider for proper adjustment of the medication. Choice A is incorrect because levothyroxine is usually taken in the morning on an empty stomach to maximize absorption. Choice B is incorrect because taking levothyroxine with food can interfere with its absorption. Choice D is incorrect because discontinuing levothyroxine abruptly can lead to a worsening of hypothyroidism symptoms.

5. A client is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis. What is the most critical treatment to initiate?

• A. Administer sodium bicarbonate IV
• B. Start an insulin drip
• C. Monitor glucose and ketone levels
• D. Provide oral hydration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the case of diabetic ketoacidosis, the most critical treatment to initiate is starting an insulin drip. Insulin therapy is crucial for reducing blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake in cells and inhibiting the production of ketones. Administering sodium bicarbonate IV is generally not recommended as it may lower the pH further and potentially worsen the condition. While monitoring glucose and ketone levels is important for assessing the response to treatment, initiating insulin therapy takes precedence. Providing oral hydration alone is insufficient to manage the metabolic derangements seen in diabetic ketoacidosis.

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