Nursing Elites

1. The nurse in the medical ICU is caring for a patient who is in respiratory acidosis due to inadequate ventilation. What diagnosis could the patient have that could cause inadequate ventilation?

• A. Endocarditis
• B. Multiple myeloma
• C. Guillain-Barr syndrome
• D. Overdose of amphetamines

Correct answer: C

Rationale:

2. A client at risk for developing hyperkalemia states, 'I love fruit and usually eat it every day, but now I can't because of my high potassium level.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. Potatoes and avocados can be substituted for fruit.
• B. If you cook the fruit, the amount of potassium will be lower.
• C. Berries, cherries, apples, and peaches are low in potassium.
• D. You are correct. Fruit is very high in potassium.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Berries, cherries, apples, and peaches are indeed low in potassium, making them suitable choices for someone at risk for hyperkalemia. Choice A is incorrect because potatoes and avocados are high in potassium and should be avoided in this situation. Choice B is incorrect because cooking fruit does not significantly lower its potassium content. Choice D is incorrect as it provides incorrect information, as not all fruits are very high in potassium.

3. The nurse is caring for a patient who is diaphoretic from a fever. The amount of sodium excreted in the urine will:

• A. Decrease
• B. Increase
• C. Remain unchanged
• D. Fluctuate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Increased sweating (diaphoresis) causes the loss of sodium and other electrolytes from the body. As a result, the body tries to conserve sodium, leading to a decrease in the amount of sodium excreted in the urine. Choice B is incorrect because increased sweating results in sodium loss, not retention. Choice C is incorrect because with increased sweating, there is a need to conserve sodium, leading to a decrease in its excretion. Choice D is incorrect as there is a clear physiological response to sweating that results in a more consistent decrease in sodium excretion.

4. You are caring for a patient admitted with a diagnosis of acute kidney injury. When you review your patient's most recent laboratory reports, you note that the patient's magnesium levels are high. You should prioritize assessment for which of the following health problems?

• A. Diminished deep tendon reflexes
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Cool, clammy skin
• D. Acute flank pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: To assess a patient's magnesium status, the nurse should check deep tendon reflexes. Diminished deep tendon reflexes may indicate high serum magnesium levels, as hypermagnesemia can lead to neuromuscular effects. Tachycardia, cool clammy skin, and acute flank pain are not typically associated with high magnesium levels and are not priority assessments in this situation.

5. A nurse preparing to start an IV on a newly admitted patient teaches the patient about the procedure and begins to prepare the site. The nurse should always start by:

• A. Leaving one hand ungloved to assess the site
• B. Preparing the skin with an iodine solution
• C. Asking the patient if they are allergic to latex or iodine
• D. Removing excessive hair at the selected site

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Before preparing the skin, the nurse should ask the patient if they are allergic to latex or iodine, which are commonly used in IV therapy setup. This is crucial to prevent potential allergic reactions at the IV site or even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Leaving one hand ungloved (choice A) is not a recommended practice as both hands should be gloved for infection control. While preparing the skin with an iodine solution (choice B) is a step in the process, ensuring the patient's safety by checking for allergies comes first. Removing excessive hair at the selected site (choice D) is not necessary and can lead to skin irritation.

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