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 nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?

• A. Place a pillow between the client's legs.
• B. Place the client in a high Fowler's position.
• C. Maintain the client in a side-lying position.
• D. Keep the client's legs elevated.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the client's legs is the correct action to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis after hip arthroplasty. This positioning helps maintain proper alignment and stability of the hip joint, reducing the risk of dislocation. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position (choice B) is not recommended after hip arthroplasty as it may strain the hip joint. Maintaining the client in a side-lying position (choice C) or keeping the client's legs elevated (choice D) does not provide the same level of support and alignment as placing a pillow between the legs.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer an IV medication to a client who has an allergy to latex. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Use latex gloves when administering the medication.
• B. Use latex-free syringes when administering the medication.
• C. Administer the medication through a latex-free IV port.
• D. Administer the medication with a latex-free syringe.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when preparing to administer IV medication to a client with a latex allergy is to administer the medication through a latex-free IV port. This is crucial as it prevents direct contact of the medication with latex, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction. Choice A is incorrect as using latex gloves can still expose the client to latex. Choice B is not the best option since the administration route is not specified, and using a latex-free syringe alone may not be sufficient to prevent exposure. Choice D is not the most appropriate because the IV tubing and ports should also be latex-free to ensure complete avoidance of latex contact.

4. A nurse working in a rehabilitation facility is developing a discharge plan for a client who has left-sided hemiplegia. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority?

• A. Consult with a case manager regarding insurance coverage.
• B. Counsel caregivers on respite care options.
• C. Ensure that the client has a referral for physical therapy.
• D. Refer the client to a local stroke support group.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Ensure that the client has a referral for physical therapy.' For a client with left-sided hemiplegia, physical therapy is crucial in restoring function and mobility. It is the nurse's priority to ensure the client receives the necessary rehabilitation services. Consulting with a case manager about insurance coverage (Choice A) is important but not the priority at this stage. Counseling caregivers on respite care options (Choice B) and referring the client to a local stroke support group (Choice D) are also valuable but not as essential as ensuring the client has access to physical therapy for rehabilitation.

5. A nurse is planning care for a client who has a new diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Massage the affected extremity every 4 hours.
• B. Encourage the client to remain on bed rest.
• C. Apply cold packs to the affected extremity.
• D. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to apply cold packs to the affected extremity. Cold packs help reduce swelling and pain by causing vasoconstriction. Massaging the affected extremity could dislodge a clot, leading to serious complications. Encouraging bed rest may increase the risk of clot propagation, while frequent ambulation is contraindicated as it can dislodge clots.

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