Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is preparing to administer 10 mL of liquid potassium chloride through a feeding tube, followed by 10 mL of liquid acetaminophen. Which action should the nurse include in this procedure?

• A. Dilute each of the medications with sterile water prior to administration.
• B. Mix the medications in one syringe before opening the feeding tube.
• C. Administer water between the doses of the two liquid medications.
• D. Withdraw any fluid from the tube before instilling each medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water should be instilled into the feeding tube between administering the two medications to maintain the patency of the feeding tube and ensure that the total dose of medication enters the stomach and does not remain in the tube. These liquid medications do not need to be diluted when administered via a feeding tube. Mixing the medications in one syringe can lead to interactions or alterations in the medications' properties. Withdrawing any fluid from the tube before instilling each medication can cause inaccurate dosing and incomplete administration. Therefore, the correct action is to administer water between the doses of the two liquid medications to ensure proper delivery and avoid any complications.

2. A new mother with class II heart disease tells the nurse that she is afraid her heart condition will prevent her from caring for her baby at home when she is discharged. How would the nurse respond?

• A. Suggest that the client arrange for help at home
• B. Ask the client to describe her concerns more fully
• C. Tell the client to speak to her primary health care provider about her concerns
• D. Recommend that the client schedule times when family members can assist her

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client expresses fear or concern, it is essential for the nurse to first explore and understand the client's feelings and worries. Asking the client to describe her concerns more fully allows the nurse to gather more information, which is crucial in providing appropriate support and guidance. Suggesting that the client arrange for help at home is presumptuous and may not align with the client's preferences or resources. Telling the client to speak to her primary health care provider shifts the responsibility and does not directly address the client's immediate fears. Recommending that she schedule times when family members can assist her assumes the availability and willingness of family members without addressing the client's emotional needs and fears directly.

3. The healthcare provider is aware that malnutrition is a common problem among clients served by a community health clinic for the homeless. Which laboratory value is the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition?

• A. Low serum albumin level
• B. Low serum transferrin level
• C. High hemoglobin level
• D. High cholesterol level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Long-term protein deficiency significantly lowers serum albumin levels. Albumin, derived from protein breakdown, is produced by the liver when adequate amino acids are available. Due to its long half-life, acute protein loss minimally affects serum albumin levels. In contrast, serum transferrin, with a shorter half-life of 8 to 10 days, decreases with acute protein deficiency and is not a reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. Elevated hemoglobin levels may occur in conditions like dehydration or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, making it an unreliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. High cholesterol levels are not directly linked to protein malnutrition and do not serve as a reliable indicator. Therefore, the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition among the options provided is a low serum albumin level.

4. Nursing behaviors associated with the implementation phase of the nursing process are concerned with:

• A. participating in the mutual identification of patient outcomes.
• B. gathering accurate and sufficient patient-centered data.
• C. comparing patient responses and expected outcomes.
• D. carrying out interventions and coordinating care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the implementation phase of the nursing process, nurses focus on executing interventions and coordinating care. This involves utilizing available resources, performing necessary interventions, exploring alternatives when needed, and collaborating with other healthcare team members to ensure comprehensive care delivery. Choice A is incorrect as it pertains more to the planning phase where patient outcomes are identified. Choice B is incorrect as it relates to data collection, which is primarily a part of the assessment phase. Choice C is incorrect as it involves evaluating patient responses against expected outcomes, which is part of the evaluation phase.

5. Your patient has been confused for years. Your patient can be best described as having a chronic ___________ disorder.

• A. physical
• B. psychotic
• C. thinking
• D. palliative

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patients who experience long-term confusion often have a chronic thinking, or cognitive, disorder. Alzheimer's disease is a prime example of a disorder that results in prolonged confusion and memory loss. Choice A, 'physical', is incorrect as the issue described is related to cognitive functioning, not physical health. Choice B, 'psychotic', refers to a severe mental disorder characterized by a loss of contact with reality, which is not the primary issue presented in the scenario. Choice D, 'palliative', is not relevant as it pertains to specialized medical care for individuals with serious illnesses, focusing on providing relief from symptoms and stress rather than managing chronic confusion.

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