Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) to a client. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
• B. Serum potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L.
• C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
• D. Client reports seeing halos around lights.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Seeing halos around lights is a symptom of digoxin toxicity, which should be reported to the healthcare provider. This visual disturbance is a serious adverse effect of digoxin and indicates potential toxicity. Reporting this finding promptly is crucial to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and C are within normal limits and do not indicate an immediate need for intervention related to digoxin administration.

2. During a follow-up visit, a client with hypertension reports that they often forget to take their medication. What should the nurse do first?

• A. educate the client on the importance of medication adherence
• B. explore the reasons for the client's forgetfulness
• C. provide the client with a pill organizer
• D. adjust the client's medication schedule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse is to explore the reasons for the client's forgetfulness. By understanding the underlying causes, the nurse can provide tailored interventions to help the client improve medication adherence. Providing education on the importance of adherence (Choice A) may be necessary but should come after identifying the reasons for forgetfulness. Simply providing a pill organizer (Choice C) or adjusting the medication schedule (Choice D) does not address the root cause of the forgetfulness and may not lead to sustained improvement in adherence.

3. The nurse is preparing an orientation class for new employees at an inner-city clinic that serves a low-income population. Which information should the nurse include in the presentation to these new employees?

• A. A lack of transportation is the major impediment for the clinic's clients.
• B. Basic physiological needs are likely to be unmet in this clinic's client population.
• C. Printed material is less effective for this population that has limited reading skills.
• D. A group education class is often poorly attended by non-compliant clients.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Addressing transportation issues is crucial when working with low-income populations as lack of transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare services. This information is important for new employees to understand the challenges faced by the clinic's clients and to strategize ways to overcome this barrier. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while they may be relevant considerations, addressing transportation barriers should be a priority given its impact on accessing care for this specific population.

4. During a 2-week postoperative follow-up home visit, a female client who had gastric bypass surgery exhibits abdominal tenderness, shoulder pain, and describes feelings of malaise. Her vital signs are: T 101.8, BP 100/50, HR 104, and RR 18. Which action should the RN take?

• A. have the client transported via ambulance to the hospital
• B. recheck the client's vital signs in 30 minutes
• C. instruct the client to drive to the hospital for admission
• D. assess the client's current symptoms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client is presenting with signs of a potential postoperative complication, such as fever, low blood pressure, and tachycardia, which could indicate sepsis or another serious issue. These symptoms require immediate hospital evaluation and management. Option B of rechecking vital signs in 30 minutes could delay crucial intervention in a potentially life-threatening situation. Option C is unsafe as the client should not drive herself due to her condition. Option D is vague and does not address the urgency of the situation.

5. The client is unable to void, and the plan of care sets an objective for the client to ingest at least 1000 mL of fluid between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm. Which client response should the nurse document to indicate a successful outcome?

• A. Drinks adequate fluids.
• B. Void without difficulty.
• C. Feels less thirsty.
• D. Drinks 240 mL of fluid five times during the shift.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Drinking 240 mL of fluid five times during the shift indicates a fluid intake of 1200 mL, which exceeds the minimum objective of at least 1000 mL. The client meeting or exceeding the fluid intake goal is a clear indicator of a successful outcome. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because simply drinking adequate fluids, voiding without difficulty, or feeling less thirsty do not directly demonstrate meeting the specific objective of fluid intake set in the care plan.

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