Nursing Elites

1. When selecting a site on the hand or arm for insertion of an IV catheter, the nurse should:

• A. Choose a proximal site.
• B. Choose a distal site.
• C. Have the patient hold their arm in a dependent position.
• D. Leave the tourniquet on for no longer than 2 minutes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When selecting a site for insertion of an IV catheter, the nurse should choose a distal site, not a proximal site. Opting for a distal site ensures that upper veins remain available for future cannulations. Instructing the patient to hold their arm in a dependent position can enhance blood flow, aiding in the procedure. It is crucial never to leave a tourniquet on for more than 2 minutes as prolonged restriction can lead to complications. Choice A is incorrect because a proximal site is not preferred for IV insertion. Choice C is incorrect as having the patient hold their arm over their head is not necessary and may impede proper blood flow. Choice D is incorrect as leaving the tourniquet on for at least 5 minutes is excessive and can be harmful.

2. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is admitted with moderate dehydration. Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent injury while in the hospital?

• A. Ask family members to speak quietly to keep the client calm.
• B. Assess urine color, amount, and specific gravity each day.
• C. Encourage the client to drink at least 1 liter of fluids each shift.
• D. Dangle the client on the bedside before ambulating.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'dangle the client on the bedside before ambulating.' This intervention helps prevent orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when changing positions, which is crucial in preventing falls and related injuries in older adult clients. Asking family members to speak quietly (Choice A) may help keep the client calm but does not directly address the risk of injury. Assessing urine parameters (Choice B) is important for monitoring hydration status but does not specifically prevent injury. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice C) is essential for managing dehydration but does not directly address the risk of injury during ambulation.

3. You are caring for a patient admitted with a diagnosis of acute kidney injury. When you review your patient's most recent laboratory reports, you note that the patient's magnesium levels are high. You should prioritize assessment for which of the following health problems?

• A. Diminished deep tendon reflexes
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Cool, clammy skin
• D. Acute flank pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: To assess a patient's magnesium status, the nurse should check deep tendon reflexes. Diminished deep tendon reflexes may indicate high serum magnesium levels, as hypermagnesemia can lead to neuromuscular effects. Tachycardia, cool clammy skin, and acute flank pain are not typically associated with high magnesium levels and are not priority assessments in this situation.

4. While assessing clients on a medical-surgical unit, which client is at risk for hypokalemia?

• A. Client with pancreatitis who has continuous nasogastric suctioning
• B. Client who is prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
• C. Client in a motor vehicle crash who is receiving 6 units of packed red blood cells
• D. Client with uncontrolled diabetes and a serum pH level of 7.33

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous nasogastric suctioning can lead to hypokalemia due to the loss of gastric contents rich in potassium. Therefore, a client with pancreatitis who has continuous nasogastric suctioning is at risk for hypokalemia. Option B is incorrect because ACE inhibitors may lead to hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. Option C is incorrect as receiving packed red blood cells can lead to hyperkalemia due to the potassium content in the blood product. Option D is incorrect because a serum pH level of 7.33 indicates acidosis, which is not directly associated with hypokalemia.

5. Third spacing occurs when fluid moves out of the intravascular space but not into the intracellular space. Based on this fluid shift, the nurse will expect the patient to demonstrate:

• A. Hypertension
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hypervolemia
• D. Hypovolemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the scenario of third-spacing fluid shift, where fluid moves out of the intravascular space but not into the intracellular space, the patient is expected to demonstrate hypovolemia. Hypertension (Choice A) is unlikely as hypovolemia typically leads to decreased blood pressure. Bradycardia (Choice B) is not a common manifestation of hypovolemia, as the body often tries to compensate by increasing heart rate. Hypervolemia (Choice C) indicates an excess of fluid, which is the opposite of what occurs in third spacing.

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