Nursing Elites

1. When evaluating the lab work of a client in hepatic coma, which of the following lab tests is most important?

• A. blood urea nitrogen
• B. serum calcium
• C. serum ammonia
• D. serum creatinine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is in hepatic coma due to liver failure, the liver cannot metabolize amino acids completely, leading to elevated ammonia levels. Increased ammonia can cause brain-tissue irritation, worsening the coma. Therefore, monitoring serum ammonia levels is crucial in assessing the severity of hepatic coma. Choices A, B, and D are less relevant in the context of hepatic coma. Blood urea nitrogen primarily assesses kidney function, serum calcium levels are not directly related to hepatic coma, and serum creatinine is more indicative of kidney function rather than liver function in this scenario.

2. A health care provider writes a medication prescription in a client's record. While transcribing the prescription, the nurse notes that the prescribed dose is three times higher than the recommended dose. The nurse calls the health care provider, who states that this is the dose that the client takes at home and that it is acceptable for this client's condition. What is the appropriate action for the nurse to take?

• A. Verifying the prescribed dose with the client before administering the medication
• B. Contacting the nursing supervisor
• C. Asking the nurse assigned to care for the client to administer the medication
• D. Continuing to transcribe the prescription

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse has identified a significant discrepancy between the prescribed dose and the recommended dose. While the health care provider has justified the higher dose based on the client's home regimen, the nurse's primary responsibility is to ensure patient safety. If a nurse has concerns about a prescription being incorrect or potentially harmful, they should seek further clarification from the health care provider. Since the nurse still believes the dose is inappropriate after discussing with the health care provider, the next appropriate action is to contact the nursing supervisor. Continuing to transcribe the prescription without addressing the concern could jeopardize the client's safety. Asking another nurse to administer the medication without proper resolution of the dosage concern would also pose a risk to the client. While verifying the prescribed dose with the client is important, in this situation, the nurse should first escalate the issue to the nursing supervisor to ensure appropriate actions are taken.

3. A client who is immobilized secondary to traction is complaining of constipation. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to be ordered?

• A. Advil
• B. Anasaid
• C. Clinocil
• D. Colace

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Colace is a stool softener that acts by pulling more water into the bowel lumen, making the stool soft and easier to evacuate. In the given scenario of constipation in an immobilized client, a stool softener like Colace is the appropriate choice to help facilitate bowel movements. Advil and Anasaid are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for pain relief, not for constipation. Clinocil is not a recognized medication for constipation relief.

4. A nurse is preparing for the admission of a client with pulmonary tuberculosis. Which action reflects the use of evidence-based practice in the care of the client?

• A. Keeping the door to the client's room closed
• B. Fitting the client for an N95 or HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) mask to be worn at all times
• C. Placing the client in a semiprivate room with a cohort client
• D. Using a surgical mask when entering the client's room

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Evidence-based practice is an approach to client care that integrates the client's preferences, clinical expertise, and the best research evidence to deliver quality care. In the case of pulmonary tuberculosis, which is transmitted through the airborne route, keeping the door to the client's room closed is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Placing the client in a semiprivate room with a cohort client is not recommended for airborne precautions; a private room is required to prevent transmission. Fitting the client for an N95 or HEPA mask is essential for the nurse's protection when entering the room, not for the client to wear at all times. Using a surgical mask when entering the client's room is not sufficient for airborne precautions; an N95 or HEPA mask is necessary.

5. Which of the following is true of advanced directives?

• A. They should be appropriately documented in the client's chart.
• B. They are only applicable if the client has a terminal illness.
• C. They are required if the client is unconscious.
• D. They are non-legal requests.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is that advanced directives should be appropriately documented in the client's chart. Advanced directives are legal requests regarding a client's healthcare that come into effect under specific circumstances, regardless of the severity of their illness or level of consciousness. Choice B is incorrect because advanced directives can cover various healthcare decisions, not just terminal illnesses. Choice C is incorrect as advanced directives can be established and documented while the client is conscious, not only if they are unconscious. Choice D is incorrect because advanced directives are indeed legal requests, not non-legal requests.

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