Nursing Elites

1. The patient is receiving a high dose of tetracycline (Sumycin). Which laboratory values should the nurse monitor while caring for this patient?

• A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels
• B. Complete blood counts
• C. Electrolytes
• D. Liver enzyme levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: High doses of tetracyclines can lead to nephrotoxicity, especially when given along with other nephrotoxic drugs. Renal function tests, such as monitoring blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, should be performed to assess for nephrotoxicity. Monitoring complete blood counts (choice B) is not directly related to tetracycline therapy. Checking electrolytes (choice C) is important but not the priority when monitoring for tetracycline-induced nephrotoxicity. Monitoring liver enzyme levels (choice D) is not typically indicated in the context of tetracycline therapy.

2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to be seen in a patient with chronic kidney disease?

• A. Hypernatremia.
• B. Hyperkalemia.
• C. Hypocalcemia.
• D. Hypokalemia.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In chronic kidney disease, hyperkalemia is the most common electrolyte imbalance due to the kidneys' reduced ability to excrete potassium. This impaired kidney function leads to potassium retention in the body, resulting in elevated serum potassium levels. Hypernatremia (increased sodium levels) is less likely in chronic kidney disease as the kidneys typically still function to regulate sodium levels. Hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) is not a prominent electrolyte imbalance in chronic kidney disease unless there are additional factors involved. Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) is less common in chronic kidney disease, as the primary issue is usually potassium retention rather than deficiency.

3. What should the nurse do before an echocardiogram for a client who has had a myocardial infarction?

• A. Ensuring no food or drink for 4 hours before the procedure
• B. Obtaining informed consent from the client
• C. Assessing for any history of iodine or shellfish allergies
• D. Informing the client about the painless nature and duration of the procedure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to inform the client that the echocardiogram is a painless procedure that usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Echocardiography is a noninvasive, risk-free, and pain-free test that uses ultrasound to evaluate the heart's structure and motion. There is no need for special preparation before the procedure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because imposing nothing-by-mouth status, obtaining informed consent, and assessing for allergies to iodine or shellfish are not necessary steps before an echocardiogram.

4. A client with renal calculi is being assessed by a nurse. Which question should the nurse ask?

• A. Is there a family history of this problem?
• B. Do you consume cranberry juice?
• C. Do you urinate after sexual intercourse?
• D. Do you have burning sensation during urination?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a client with renal calculi, it is important for the nurse to inquire about a family history of the problem. There is a genetic predisposition associated with renal stone formation, making it essential to assess if other family members have experienced renal stones. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to renal calculi. Consuming cranberry juice is more relevant to urinary tract health, urinating after sexual intercourse is related to preventing urinary tract infections, and experiencing a burning sensation during urination is a symptom commonly associated with urinary tract infections, not renal calculi.

5. An emergency department nurse assesses a client with a history of urinary incontinence who presents with extreme dry mouth, constipation, and an inability to void. Which question should the nurse ask first?

• A. Are you drinking plenty of water?
• B. What medications are you taking?
• C. Have you tried laxatives or enemas?
• D. Has this type of thing ever happened before?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the client's symptoms of dry mouth, constipation, and inability to void are indicative of anticholinergic side effects, which can be caused by medications like propantheline (Pro-Banthine) commonly used to treat incontinence. The first question the nurse should ask is about the client's medications to determine if they are taking anticholinergic drugs. This information is crucial as it can help differentiate between a simple side effect or a potential overdose. Asking about water intake (Choice A) may be relevant later but is not the priority in this situation. Questioning about laxatives or enemas (Choice C) and past occurrences (Choice D) are not as pertinent initially as identifying the client's current medication status.

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