Nursing Elites

1. What is the most concerning electrolyte imbalance for a patient receiving digoxin?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is the most concerning electrolyte imbalance for a patient receiving digoxin because it can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Low potassium levels can potentiate the effects of digoxin on the heart, leading to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Hyperkalemia (Choice A) is not typically associated with digoxin use. Hyponatremia (Choice C) and Hypercalcemia (Choice D) are not directly related to digoxin therapy and do not pose the same risk of toxicity.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Oxygen saturation of 92%
• B. Use of pursed-lip breathing
• C. Increased anterior-posterior chest diameter
• D. Productive cough with green sputum

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A productive cough with green sputum can indicate a bacterial infection, which is a concern for clients with COPD. Reporting this finding to the provider is important for further evaluation and management. Choices A, B, and C are not as concerning in the context of COPD management. An oxygen saturation of 92% is within an acceptable range for COPD patients, pursed-lip breathing is a helpful technique for managing breathing difficulties in COPD, and an increased anterior-posterior chest diameter is a common finding in clients with COPD due to chronic air trapping.

3. A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client who is in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse expect to include?

• A. Encourage group activities to promote socialization.
• B. Encourage the client to take frequent naps throughout the day.
• C. Provide the client with frequent high-calorie snacks.
• D. Promote physical activity during mealtimes to stimulate appetite.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Providing high-calorie snacks is essential when caring for a client in the manic phase of bipolar disorder because they often have increased energy expenditure and may not eat adequately due to their heightened activity levels. Encouraging group activities (Choice A) may overwhelm the client further during this phase. Encouraging frequent naps (Choice B) contradicts the need to manage increased energy levels. Promoting physical activity during mealtimes (Choice D) may not be appropriate as it can distract the client from eating, which is crucial in meeting their nutritional needs.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a prescription for digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate of 60/min
• B. Respiratory rate of 16/min
• C. Sodium level of 138 mEq/L
• D. Weight gain of 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) in 24 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A weight gain of 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) in 24 hours can indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure in clients taking digoxin. This rapid weight gain could be due to fluid accumulation, a common sign of heart failure exacerbation. Reporting this finding to the provider is crucial for prompt intervention. Choices A, B, and C are within normal ranges and not directly indicative of worsening heart failure in this context, making them less urgent to report compared to the significant weight gain.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has end-stage kidney disease. The client's adult child asks the nurse about becoming a living kidney donor for her father. Which of the following conditions in the child's medical history should the nurse identify as a contraindication to the procedure?

• A. Amputation.
• B. Osteoarthritis.
• C. Hypertension.
• D. Primary glaucoma.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hypertension is a contraindication for kidney donation because it can negatively impact the donor's health in the long term. Hypertension poses risks during and after the donation procedure, such as affecting kidney function and potentially leading to complications for both the donor and the recipient. Amputation, osteoarthritis, and primary glaucoma are not direct contraindications for kidney donation and would not typically prevent someone from being a living kidney donor.

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