Nursing Elites

1. Which lab value should be monitored in a patient on digoxin?

• A. Monitor potassium levels
• B. Monitor calcium levels
• C. Monitor digoxin levels
• D. Monitor sodium levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor digoxin levels in a patient on digoxin. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, and monitoring its levels in the blood is crucial to ensure that the patient is within the therapeutic range and to prevent toxicity. Monitoring potassium levels (Choice A) is important due to the potential of digoxin-induced hypokalemia, but the primary focus should be on monitoring digoxin levels. Monitoring calcium levels (Choice B) and sodium levels (Choice D) are not directly related to digoxin therapy and are not the primary lab values of concern when administering digoxin.

2. A client with asthma is prescribed a corticosteroid inhaler. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use the inhaler as needed for acute symptoms.
• B. Rinse the mouth after each use.
• C. Take the medication only during asthma attacks.
• D. Administer a bronchodilator after using the corticosteroid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction is to rinse the mouth after each use of a corticosteroid inhaler to prevent oral candidiasis (thrush). Choice A is incorrect because corticosteroid inhalers are usually used on a regular schedule to control asthma symptoms, not just for acute symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as corticosteroid inhalers are typically used for long-term management, not just during asthma attacks. Choice D is incorrect as administering a bronchodilator after using a corticosteroid is not a standard practice and is not necessary for the effectiveness of the corticosteroid inhaler.

3. What is the most important nursing action when a patient has a central line?

• A. Monitor for infection
• B. Monitor the central line dressing
• C. Monitor for redness
• D. Monitor for swelling

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important nursing action when a patient has a central line is to monitor for infection. Central line-associated bloodstream infections are a serious complication that can lead to severe outcomes. Monitoring for infection involves assessing the patient for signs and symptoms such as fever, chills, and hypotension. While monitoring the central line dressing, redness, and swelling are also important aspects of care, they are secondary to monitoring for infection as the primary focus should be on preventing serious complications.

4. A client is recovering from an acute myocardial infarction that occurred 3 days ago. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Perform an ECG every 12 hours
• B. Place the client in a supine position while resting
• C. Draw a troponin level every 4 hours
• D. Obtain a cardiac rehabilitation consultation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After an acute myocardial infarction, it is important to involve the client in cardiac rehabilitation to help them recover and manage their condition effectively. Performing an ECG every 12 hours is not necessary unless there are specific indications for it. Placing the client in a supine position may not be ideal as it can increase venous return, potentially worsening cardiac workload. Drawing troponin levels every 4 hours is excessive and not recommended as troponin levels usually peak within 24-48 hours post-MI and then gradually decline.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Insert a tongue depressor into the client's mouth.
• B. Restrain the client's arms and legs.
• C. Turn the client onto their side.
• D. Place the client in a prone position.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the nurse should turn the client onto their side. This action helps maintain an open airway by allowing saliva or any vomitus to drain out of the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration. Inserting a tongue depressor (choice A) is incorrect as it can cause injury to the client's mouth and is not recommended during a seizure. Restraining the client's arms and legs (choice B) can lead to physical harm and should be avoided. Placing the client in a prone position (choice D) is dangerous as it can obstruct the airway and hinder breathing, which is not suitable for a client experiencing a seizure.

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