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 client with a serum potassium of 7.5 mEq/L and cardiovascular changes needs immediate intervention. Which prescription should the nurse implement first?

• A. Prepare to administer sodium polystyrene sulfate (Kayexalate) 15 g by mouth.
• B. Provide a heart-healthy, low-potassium diet.
• C. Prepare to administer dextrose 20% and 10 units of regular insulin IV push.
• D. Prepare the client for hemodialysis treatment.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L and cardiovascular changes, the priority intervention is to lower the potassium level quickly to prevent life-threatening complications like arrhythmias. The correct answer is to prepare to administer dextrose 20% and 10 units of regular insulin IV push. This combination helps shift potassium from the extracellular to the intracellular space, reducing serum potassium levels rapidly. Administering sodium polystyrene sulfate (Kayexalate) by mouth may take several hours to work, making it a less effective immediate intervention. Providing a heart-healthy, low-potassium diet is important for long-term management but is not the most urgent action in this situation. While hemodialysis is a definitive treatment for hyperkalemia, it is not the first-line intervention for acute management of high potassium levels with cardiovascular manifestations.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who has an electrolyte imbalance related to renal failure. For which potential complications of this electrolyte imbalance should the nurse assess? (Select all that do mot apply.)

• A. Electrocardiogram changes
• B. Slow, shallow respirations
• C. Paralytic ileus
• D. Skeletal muscle weakness

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

4. A nurse sees a variety of patients in the community health clinic. Which of the following patients would be at the greatest risk of dehydration?

• A. An 18-year-old basketball player with a stress fracture of the right foot
• B. An infant with diarrhea
• C. A 45-year-old with stomach flu
• D. An elderly patient living alone

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Infants are particularly vulnerable to dehydration due to diarrhea because they have a higher fluid turnover and less reserve. Option A, the 18-year-old basketball player with a stress fracture, is less likely to be at the greatest risk of dehydration compared to an infant with diarrhea. Option C, the 45-year-old with stomach flu, may experience dehydration but is not at the same level of risk as an infant with diarrhea. Option D, the elderly patient living alone, could be at risk of dehydration, but infants with diarrhea are at the greatest risk due to their unique physiological characteristics.

5. Which positive ion is most prevalent in intracellular fluid?

• A. Calcium
• B. Potassium
• C. Sodium
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Potassium (K+). Potassium is the predominant cation found within cells, making it the most prevalent positive ion in intracellular fluid. Calcium, sodium, and magnesium are also essential ions in the body, but they are not as abundant in intracellular fluid. Calcium is vital for bone health and muscle function, sodium helps in maintaining fluid balance and nerve function, and magnesium is involved in numerous biochemical reactions.

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