Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority nursing action for a patient with an acute asthma attack?

• A. Administer a bronchodilator
• B. Monitor oxygen saturation
• C. Position the patient in a high Fowler's position
• D. Call for assistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a bronchodilator. During an acute asthma attack, the priority is to open the airways and improve breathing. Bronchodilators are the first-line treatment for asthma attacks as they help dilate the bronchioles, allowing for better airflow. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important but not the priority when the patient is in distress. Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position can help with breathing but is not the initial priority. Calling for assistance can be done after initiating the appropriate treatment.

2. 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.

3. How should a healthcare professional assess and manage a patient with acute renal failure?

• A. Monitor urine output and administer diuretics
• B. Administer IV fluids and restrict potassium intake
• C. Monitor electrolyte levels and provide dietary education
• D. Administer potassium and restrict fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In acute renal failure, it is crucial to monitor urine output to assess kidney function and fluid balance. Administering diuretics helps manage fluid levels by promoting urine production. Choice B is incorrect because administering IV fluids can worsen fluid overload in renal failure patients, and restricting potassium intake is not typically the initial approach. Choice C is not the primary intervention but is important for long-term management. Choice D is incorrect as administering potassium can be dangerous in renal failure, and restricting fluids can lead to dehydration.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intermittent enteral tube feedings. Which of the following places the client at risk for aspiration?

• A. A history of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
• B. Receiving a formula with high osmolarity.
• C. Sitting in a high-Fowler's position during the feeding.
• D. A residual of 65 mL 1 hour postprandial.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A history of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Clients with gastroesophageal reflux disease have a higher risk of aspiration during tube feeding due to the potential for reflux of stomach contents into the lungs. This increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. High osmolarity formulas may cause diarrhea but do not directly increase the risk of aspiration. Sitting in a high-Fowler's position actually reduces the risk of aspiration by promoting proper digestion and reducing the chance of regurgitation. A residual of 65 mL 1 hour postprandial is within an acceptable range and does not directly indicate a risk for aspiration.

5. A client reports difficulty having a bowel movement. What is the most appropriate intervention?

• A. Administer a laxative to relieve constipation
• B. Encourage the client to increase fiber intake
• C. Advise the client to rest in bed to avoid straining
• D. Encourage the client to exercise to stimulate bowel movement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the client to increase fiber intake. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements by adding bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass. Administering a laxative (Choice A) should not be the first-line intervention as it can lead to dependency and may not address the underlying cause of constipation. Advising the client to rest in bed (Choice C) may worsen constipation as physical activity helps stimulate bowel movements. Encouraging the client to exercise (Choice D) is beneficial, but increasing fiber intake is more directly related to improving bowel movements in this scenario.

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