Nursing Elites

1. Which electrolyte imbalance is a potential side effect of diuretics?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypercalcemia
• C. Hypomagnesemia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Hypokalemia. Diuretics commonly lead to hypokalemia, which is low potassium levels in the body. Hyperkalemia (choice A) is the opposite, indicating high potassium levels. Hypercalcemia (choice B) refers to elevated calcium levels, not typically associated with diuretics. Hypomagnesemia (choice C) is low magnesium levels and can also be a consequence of diuretic use, but potassium imbalance is more common.

2. The nurse administers 2 units of salt-poor albumin to a client with portal hypertension and ascites. The nurse explains to the client that this is administered to:

• A. Provide nutrients
• B. Increase protein stores
• C. Elevate the circulating blood volume
• D. Divert blood flow away from the liver temporarily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Elevate the circulating blood volume. Albumin increases the circulating blood volume, which helps to reduce ascites and improve hemodynamics in clients with portal hypertension. Choice A is incorrect because salt-poor albumin is not primarily administered to provide nutrients. Choice B is incorrect because the main purpose of administering albumin is not to increase protein stores but to address fluid shifts. Choice D is incorrect because administering albumin does not divert blood flow away from the liver temporarily; instead, it helps improve blood volume and circulation.

3. What is the initial step in providing healthcare for a patient?

• A. Obtain and interpret vital signs
• B. Determine the needs of the patient
• C. Develop a plan of care
• D. Obtain lab work and x-rays

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The initial step in providing healthcare for a patient is to determine the needs of the patient. This step involves assessing the patient's condition, listening to their concerns, and understanding what care or treatment they require. Obtaining and interpreting vital signs (Choice A) is a crucial step but typically follows the assessment of the patient's needs. Developing a plan of care (Choice C) and obtaining lab work and x-rays (Choice D) come after understanding the patient's needs and assessing their condition.

4. A healthcare provider is caring for a client who takes an antidepressant and oral contraceptives. Which herbal supplement should the healthcare provider educate the client about due to a drug-herb interaction?

• A. Iron supplement
• B. Garlic
• C. Green tea
• D. St. John’s Wort

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, St. John’s Wort. St. John’s Wort can interact with antidepressants and oral contraceptives, potentially reducing their efficacy. Iron supplement, garlic, and green tea are not typically known to have significant interactions with antidepressants or oral contraceptives, making them less likely to impact the client's treatment.

5. The nurse is caring for the client one day postoperative sigmoid colostomy operation. Which independent nursing intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Change the infusion rate of the intravenous fluid
• B. Encourage the client to discuss his or her feelings
• C. Administer opioid narcotic medications for pain management
• D. Assist the client out of bed to sit in the chair twice daily

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assisting the client to sit in a chair is an essential nursing intervention postoperatively as it helps promote circulation, prevent complications like blood clots, and aids in the recovery process. Changing the infusion rate of intravenous fluid (Choice A) requires a physician's order and is not an independent nursing intervention. Encouraging the client to discuss feelings (Choice B) is important for emotional support but not as crucial as physical care immediately postoperatively. Administering opioid narcotic medications (Choice C) for pain management should be based on a prescribed schedule and assessment rather than being an independent nursing action.

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