Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority intervention for a patient with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI)?

• A. Administering oxygen.
• B. Administering nitroglycerin.
• C. Administering aspirin.
• D. Administering morphine.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the priority intervention for a patient with a suspected myocardial infarction to improve oxygenation. Oxygen helps ensure an adequate oxygen supply to the heart muscle, reducing the workload on the heart. Nitroglycerin and aspirin are important interventions in the treatment of MI; however, oxygen administration takes precedence to ensure adequate oxygenation. Morphine may be considered for pain relief, but it is not the initial priority in the treatment of a suspected MI.

2. A client with chronic kidney disease missed dialysis yesterday to attend a funeral. The client's wife calls the home health nurse and reports that her husband is lethargic and hard to arouse. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?

• A. Apply the client's home oxygen.
• B. Check for a thrill and bruit at the client's dialysis access site.
• C. Ensure the client avoids salt intake for the rest of the day.
• D. Take the client to the emergency department (ED).

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the most crucial instruction for the nurse to provide is to take the client to the emergency department (ED). Missing dialysis can lead to severe complications in clients with chronic kidney disease, such as electrolyte imbalances and fluid overload. Lethargy and difficulty in arousing the client suggest a critical situation that requires immediate medical attention. Applying home oxygen, checking the dialysis access site, and ensuring salt intake avoidance, although important, are not as urgent as seeking emergency care to address the potential severe complications from missed dialysis.

3. Which of the following lab results is most indicative of dehydration?

• A. Low sodium levels.
• B. Elevated creatinine levels.
• C. Low potassium levels.
• D. High blood glucose levels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elevated creatinine levels are indicative of dehydration because when the body is dehydrated, the kidneys concentrate urine to preserve fluid, leading to higher levels of creatinine. Low sodium levels (Choice A) can be seen in conditions like hyponatremia but are not specific to dehydration. Low potassium levels (Choice C) are more commonly associated with conditions like hypokalemia. High blood glucose levels (Choice D) are typically seen in diabetes and are not specific indicators of dehydration.

4. When planning care for a client newly diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma, the nurse identifies a priority nursing problem of 'visual sensory/perceptual alterations.' This problem is based on which etiology?

• A. Blurred distance vision
• B. Limited eye movement
• C. Decreased peripheral vision
• D. Photosensitivity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: Decreased peripheral vision.' Open-angle glaucoma leads to a gradual loss of peripheral vision due to damage to the optic nerve. This loss of peripheral vision is a hallmark sign of the condition and a primary reason for the visual sensory/perceptual alterations experienced by the client. Blurred distance vision (choice A) may occur but is not the priority nursing problem. Limited eye movement (choice B) and photosensitivity (choice D) are not typically associated with the sensory/perceptual alterations seen in open-angle glaucoma.

5. The charge nurse of the medical-surgical unit is making staff assignments. Which staff member should be assigned to a client with chronic kidney disease who is exhibiting a low-grade fever and a pericardial friction rub?

• A. Registered nurse who just floated from the surgical unit
• B. Registered nurse who just floated from the dialysis unit
• C. Registered nurse who was assigned the same client yesterday
• D. Licensed practical nurse with 5 years of experience on this floor

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client is exhibiting symptoms of pericarditis, which can occur with chronic kidney disease. Continuity of care is crucial to assess subtle changes in clients' conditions. Therefore, the registered nurse (RN) who previously cared for this client should be assigned again. Float nurses may lack knowledge of the unit and its clients, potentially leading to oversight of critical details. The licensed practical nurse, while experienced, may not possess the advanced assessment skills and education level of an RN to effectively evaluate and manage pericarditis in this client.

Similar Questions