Nursing Elites

1. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia and how should it be managed?

• A. Muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias; administer calcium gluconate
• B. Confusion and bradycardia; administer insulin and glucose
• C. Fatigue and irregular heart rate; administer diuretics
• D. Nausea and vomiting; administer sodium bicarbonate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias, making choice A correct. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac effects, and calcium gluconate is used to stabilize the heart by antagonizing the effects of potassium. Choices B, C, and D describe symptoms and interventions that are not typically associated with hyperkalemia. Confusion and bradycardia are not common in hyperkalemia, and insulin and glucose are used in hyperkalemia only under specific circumstances. Fatigue and irregular heart rate are vague symptoms, and diuretics are not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia. Nausea and vomiting are nonspecific symptoms and sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for the management of hyperkalemia.

2. Which symptom would indicate a complication after a subdural hematoma?

• A. Increased appetite
• B. Decreased level of consciousness
• C. High-pitched cry
• D. Bulging posterior fontanelle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A bulging posterior fontanelle is a sign of increased intracranial pressure in infants, not a common symptom after a subdural hematoma. In the context of a subdural hematoma, a decreased level of consciousness is more indicative of a complication as it can be a sign of worsening brain function due to increased pressure on the brain from the collection of blood in the subdural space. Increased appetite and high-pitched cry are not typically associated with complications of a subdural hematoma.

3. What are the key considerations for managing a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

• A. Airway Management
• B. Oxygen Therapy
• C. Smoking Cessation
• D. Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The key considerations for managing a patient with COPD include airway management, ensuring adequate oxygenation, promoting smoking cessation, and incorporating pulmonary rehabilitation. While airway management is crucial for maintaining patency and preventing exacerbations, oxygen therapy helps improve oxygen levels in the blood. Smoking cessation is essential to slow down disease progression and reduce exacerbation risk. Pulmonary rehabilitation plays a vital role in enhancing exercise tolerance and overall quality of life for COPD patients. Therefore, while all options are important in managing COPD, airway management is the most critical aspect.

4. When assessing a client with signs of delirium, which factor should be the nurse's priority in determining the cause?

• A. Medication history
• B. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
• C. Psychosocial stressors
• D. Environmental factors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse assesses a client with signs of delirium, the priority in determining the cause should be focusing on fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Delirium can often be linked to imbalances in these essential elements, making it crucial to address them promptly. While medication history, psychosocial stressors, and environmental factors can also contribute to delirium, they should be assessed after addressing fluid and electrolyte imbalances due to their immediate impact on cognitive function.

5. A client with left-leg weakness is learning to use a cane. Which teaching point is most appropriate?

• A. Use the cane on the weaker side of the body
• B. Maintain two points of support on the ground at all times
• C. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step
• D. Advance the cane and the strong leg simultaneously

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct teaching point is to maintain two points of support on the ground at all times when using a cane. This ensures stability and helps distribute weight evenly. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side of the body to provide support to the weaker leg. Choice C is incorrect as advancing the cane too far with each step can lead to imbalance. Choice D is incorrect as advancing the cane and the strong leg simultaneously may not provide adequate support for the weaker leg.

Similar Questions