Nursing Elites

1. The practical nurse is preparing to administer a prescription for cefazolin (Kefzol) 600 mg IM every six hours. The available vial is labeled, 'Cefazolin (Kefzol) 1 gram,' and the instructions for reconstitution state, 'For IM use add 2 ml sterile water for injection. Total volume after reconstitution = 2.5 ml.' When reconstituted, how many milligrams are in each milliliter of solution?

• A. 400 mg/mL
• B. 500 mg/mL
• C. 450 mg/mL
• D. 350 mg/mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After reconstitution, the concentration of cefazolin solution is calculated by dividing the total amount of drug (600 mg) by the total volume after reconstitution (2.5 mL). This gives 600 mg / 2.5 mL = 240 mg/mL. However, the question asks for the concentration in each milliliter of solution after reconstitution, so we need to consider the final volume of 2.5 mL. Therefore, 240 mg/mL * 2.5 mL = 600 mg, which means each milliliter contains 240 mg of cefazolin. Therefore, after reconstitution, there are 400 mg of cefazolin in each milliliter of solution. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the concentration after reconstitution.

2. What is the primary purpose of a chest tube in a client's care?

• A. To drain air and fluid from the pleural space
• B. To prevent infection in the thoracic cavity
• C. To assist with lung expansion
• D. To monitor intrathoracic pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To drain air and fluid from the pleural space. A chest tube is primarily used to remove accumulated air or fluid in the pleural space, preventing lung collapse or compromise of lung function. This intervention aims to re-expand the lung and enhance respiratory function. Choice B is incorrect because preventing infection is not the primary purpose of a chest tube. Choice C is incorrect as lung expansion is a result of draining the pleural space, not the primary goal. Choice D is incorrect as monitoring intrathoracic pressure is not the main objective of a chest tube insertion.

3. When teaching a diabetic client about foot care, what information is most important?

• A. Inspect feet daily
• B. Wear cotton socks
• C. Use lukewarm water to wash feet
• D. Cut nails straight across

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Inspecting feet daily is crucial for diabetic clients as it can help prevent complications like infections and ulcers. This practice allows for early detection of any foot issues, enabling timely intervention. While wearing cotton socks (choice B) is beneficial as they absorb moisture and reduce the risk of fungal infections, it is not as critical as daily foot inspection. Using lukewarm water to wash feet (choice C) is important to prevent burns or skin damage in diabetic clients with decreased sensation, but it is not as crucial as daily foot inspection. Cutting nails straight across (choice D) is essential to prevent ingrown nails, but it is not the most important information when educating diabetic clients about foot care.

4. 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.

5. A client with hypothyroidism is taking levothyroxine (Synthroid). Which symptom should prompt the nurse to notify the healthcare provider?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Nervousness and tremors
• D. Fatigue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nervousness and tremors. These symptoms may indicate hyperthyroidism resulting from excessive dosing of levothyroxine. Weight gain (Choice A) is a common symptom of hypothyroidism and may indicate undertreatment or inadequate dosing. Bradycardia (Choice B) is a symptom of hypothyroidism and may improve with levothyroxine therapy; it does not typically indicate an urgent need for healthcare provider notification. Fatigue (Choice D) is a symptom of hypothyroidism and can persist even with levothyroxine treatment, so it is not a symptom that would require immediate notification of the healthcare provider.

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