Nursing Elites

1. Which lab value should be monitored in patients receiving furosemide?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor potassium levels in patients receiving furosemide. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss in the urine, potentially causing hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications associated with low potassium levels, such as cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring sodium levels (choice B) is not typically necessary with furosemide use, as it primarily affects potassium levels. Calcium levels (choice C) and glucose levels (choice D) are not directly impacted by furosemide and require monitoring for other conditions or medications.

2. What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with confusion post-surgery?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Reposition the patient
• C. Administer IV fluids
• D. Perform a neurological assessment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with confusion post-surgery because it helps alleviate confusion caused by potential hypoxia. In a post-surgical setting, confusion can be a sign of decreased oxygen levels in the blood due to various reasons such as respiratory depression, decreased lung function, or other complications. Administering oxygen can quickly address hypoxia, improving oxygenation to the brain and reducing confusion. Repositioning the patient, administering IV fluids, or performing a neurological assessment are not the primary interventions for confusion related to hypoxia post-surgery.

3. A patient is being cared for by a nurse who has a history of angina and is experiencing chest pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.
• B. Administer nitroglycerin sublingually.
• C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a patient with a history of angina experiencing chest pain, the priority action for the nurse is to obtain a 12-lead ECG. This helps in assessing for myocardial infarction, a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Administering oxygen, nitroglycerin, or notifying the healthcare provider can be important interventions but obtaining the ECG comes first to determine the presence of myocardial infarction and guide further management.

4. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. "You can take this medication with a full glass of water."
• B. "You should store this medication in the refrigerator."
• C. "Take one tablet every 5 minutes until the pain is relieved, up to three doses."
• D. "You should avoid eating foods high in sodium while taking this medication."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement the nurse should include is to take one nitroglycerin sublingual tablet every 5 minutes until the pain is relieved, up to three doses. This dosing regimen is important to manage angina attacks effectively. Option A is incorrect because nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be taken with water. Option B is incorrect as nitroglycerin tablets should be stored in their original container at room temperature. Option D is incorrect because there is no specific instruction to avoid foods high in sodium while taking nitroglycerin sublingual tablets.

5. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has acute kidney injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 15 mg/dL
• B. Urine output of 45 mL/hr
• C. Serum creatinine 3.5 mg/dL
• D. Calcium 9 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Serum creatinine 3.5 mg/dL.' An elevated serum creatinine level indicates worsening kidney function and impaired renal clearance, which should be reported to the provider promptly. Choice A, 'Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 15 mg/dL,' is within the normal range (7-20 mg/dL) and does not indicate acute kidney injury. Choice B, 'Urine output of 45 mL/hr,' is a low urine output but does not directly reflect kidney function decline. Choice D, 'Calcium 9 mg/dL,' is within the normal calcium range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and is not specifically indicative of acute kidney injury.

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