Nursing Elites

1. What are the expected ECG findings in hypokalemia?

• A. Flattened T waves
• B. Prominent U waves
• C. Elevated ST segments
• D. Wide QRS complex

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Flattened T waves are the classic ECG finding in hypokalemia. Hypokalemia primarily affects the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential, leading to T wave abnormalities. While prominent U waves are typically associated with hypokalemia as well, flattened T waves are the most specific and sensitive ECG abnormality seen in hypokalemia. Elevated ST segments and wide QRS complexes are not typically seen in hypokalemia and are more indicative of other electrolyte imbalances or cardiac conditions.

2. What is the first-line treatment for a patient experiencing wheezing and coughing due to an allergic reaction?

• A. Albuterol via nebulizer
• B. Methylprednisolone 100 mg IV
• C. Cromolyn 20 mg via nebulizer
• D. Aminophylline 500 mg IV

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Albuterol via nebulizer. Albuterol is the first-line treatment for wheezing caused by an allergic reaction as it quickly opens the airways, providing rapid relief. Choice B, Methylprednisolone 100 mg IV, is a systemic corticosteroid that may be used in severe cases to reduce inflammation but is not the initial treatment for acute wheezing. Choice C, Cromolyn 20 mg via nebulizer, is a mast cell stabilizer that is more commonly used for prophylaxis rather than acute relief in allergic conditions. Choice D, Aminophylline 500 mg IV, is a bronchodilator that is less commonly used now due to its narrow therapeutic window and potential for toxicity, making it less preferred than Albuterol for initial treatment of wheezing.

3. What should the nurse do when a patient experiences abdominal cramping during enema administration?

• A. Lower the height of the enema solution container
• B. Stop the procedure and remove the tubing
• C. Continue the enema at a slower rate
• D. Increase the flow of the enema solution

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient experiences abdominal cramping during enema administration, the nurse should lower the height of the enema solution container. Lowering the height helps relieve cramping by slowing down the flow of the enema, reducing discomfort for the patient. Choice B, stopping the procedure and removing the tubing, is incorrect as it does not directly address the cramping issue. Choice C, continuing the enema at a slower rate, could potentially worsen the cramping by prolonging the discomfort. Choice D, increasing the flow of the enema solution, is also incorrect as it may intensify the cramping and cause more discomfort to the patient.

4. What should be the priority action when a patient is admitted with chest pain from acute coronary syndrome?

• A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
• B. Obtain IV access
• C. Check cardiac enzymes
• D. Administer aspirin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer sublingual nitroglycerin. This is the priority action in treating chest pain associated with acute coronary syndrome as it helps to dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow to the heart, and reduce cardiac tissue damage. Administering nitroglycerin is crucial in managing the symptoms and potential complications of acute coronary syndrome. Obtaining IV access (Choice B) is important for administering medications and fluids but does not address the immediate symptom of chest pain. Checking cardiac enzymes (Choice C) and administering aspirin (Choice D) are essential steps in the management of acute coronary syndrome, but they should follow the administration of nitroglycerin to address the immediate symptom and improve blood flow to the heart.

5. A nurse administers insulin for a misread glucose level. What should the nurse monitor for?

• A. Monitor for hypoglycemia
• B. Monitor for hyperglycemia
• C. Monitor for hyperkalemia
• D. Document the incident

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a nurse administers insulin for a misread glucose level, they should monitor for hypoglycemia. Insulin lowers blood sugar levels, so the patient may experience hypoglycemia if given insulin unnecessarily. Monitoring for hypoglycemia involves observing for symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, and palpitations. Choices B and C are incorrect because administering insulin for a misread glucose level would lower blood sugar levels, resulting in hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia or hyperkalemia. Choice D is not the immediate priority; the focus should be on patient safety and monitoring for potential adverse effects of the unnecessary insulin.

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