what is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with hyperkalemia
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam

1. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with hyperkalemia?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer calcium gluconate. In hyperkalemia, the priority is to protect the heart from potential complications like arrhythmias. Calcium gluconate is the first-line treatment as it stabilizes the cardiac cell membrane. Insulin (Choice B) and sodium bicarbonate (Choice C) can be used in conjunction with other treatments to shift potassium into cells, but calcium gluconate is the priority. Administering a diuretic (Choice D) is not the primary intervention for hyperkalemia and can even worsen the condition by reducing potassium excretion.

2. What is the priority nursing action for a patient with respiratory distress?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action for a patient with respiratory distress is to administer oxygen. Oxygen therapy is crucial in improving oxygenation levels and relieving respiratory distress, making it the top priority intervention. Repositioning the patient, administering bronchodilators, or providing chest physiotherapy may be necessary interventions depending on the underlying cause, but ensuring adequate oxygen supply should take precedence in addressing respiratory distress.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has Raynaud's disease. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a client with Raynaud's disease is to provide information about stress management. Raynaud's disease is a condition where the blood vessels narrow in response to cold or stress, leading to reduced blood flow to certain areas of the body, usually the fingers and toes. Stress management helps reduce triggers for Raynaud's disease by minimizing emotional stress, which can trigger vasospasms. Choice B is incorrect as maintaining a warm temperature, rather than a cool one, is recommended for individuals with Raynaud's disease to prevent triggering vasospasms. Choice C is incorrect because epinephrine is not typically used to manage Raynaud's disease, as it can further constrict blood vessels. Choice D is incorrect as glucocorticoid steroids are not a first-line treatment for Raynaud's disease.

4. A client is being discharged two days after a mastectomy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to avoid lifting heavy objects for at least 6 weeks after a mastectomy. This is important to prevent complications and promote proper healing. Choice A is incorrect because tight-fitting bras can increase the risk of lymphedema and discomfort. Choice C is incorrect as sleeping on the affected side can cause discomfort and interfere with healing. Choice D is incorrect as initiating arm exercises too soon after surgery can strain the surgical site and hinder recovery.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inability to identify common objects. Clients with schizophrenia often experience cognitive deficits, such as difficulty in identifying common objects. This can be attributed to impairments in perception and cognition. Choices A, C, and D are not typically associated with schizophrenia. Decreased level of consciousness is more indicative of conditions like head injuries or metabolic disturbances. Preoccupation with somatic disturbances is commonly seen in somatic symptom disorders, not schizophrenia. Poor problem-solving ability is a characteristic of conditions affecting executive functioning like dementia, rather than schizophrenia.

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