Nursing Elites

1. A 38-year-old male client collapsed at his outside construction job in Texas in July. His admitting vital signs to ICU are, BP 82/70, heart rate 140 beats/minute, urine output 10 ml/hr, skin cool to the touch. Pulmonary artery (PA) pressures are, PAWP 1, PAP 8/2, RAP -1, SVR 1600. What nursing action has the highest priority?

• A. Apply a hypothermia unit to stabilize core temperature.
• B. Increase the client's IV fluid rate to 200 ml/hr.
• C. Call the hospital chaplain to counsel the family.
• D. Draw blood cultures x3 to detect infection.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase the client's IV fluid rate to 200 ml/hr. The client's vital signs indicate signs of shock and hypovolemia, making fluid resuscitation the priority to address these conditions. Improving intravascular volume is crucial to stabilize the client's blood pressure, heart rate, and urine output, ultimately improving organ perfusion and addressing the underlying issue of hypovolemia.

2. What is the primary action of amlodipine when prescribed to a patient with hypertension?

• A. Increase heart rate
• B. Reduce blood pressure
• C. Lower cholesterol levels
• D. Decrease blood sugar levels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing the blood vessels, leading to a reduction in blood pressure. This medication does not increase heart rate, lower cholesterol levels, or decrease blood sugar levels.

3. A client who is acutely ill has vigilant oral care included in their plan of care. What factor increases this client's risk for dental caries?

• A. Hormonal changes induced by the stress response leading to an acidic oral environment
• B. Systemic infections commonly affecting the teeth
• C. Intravenous hydration lacking fluoride
• D. Inadequate nutrition and reduced saliva production contributing to cavities

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Inadequate nutrition and decreased saliva production can lead to a conducive environment for the development of dental caries. Without proper nutrition and sufficient saliva, the protective mechanisms against cavities are compromised, making the individual more susceptible to tooth decay.

4. A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Administer regular insulin intravenously.
• B. Give oral hypoglycemic agents.
• C. Administer sodium bicarbonate.
• D. Provide a high-calorie diet.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action for a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is to administer regular insulin intravenously. Insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels and correct acidosis, which are critical in managing DKA. Administering oral hypoglycemic agents is not appropriate in the acute setting of DKA as they may not work quickly enough compared to intravenous insulin. While sodium bicarbonate may be used to correct acidosis, insulin administration is the priority to address both hyperglycemia and acidosis simultaneously. Providing a high-calorie diet is not suitable initially in DKA management; the main focus is on stabilizing the patient's condition through insulin therapy and fluid/electrolyte correction.

5. A client diagnosed with dementia is disoriented, wandering, has a decreased appetite, and is having trouble sleeping. What is the priority nursing problem for this client?

• A. Disturbed thought processes.
• B. Altered sleep pattern.
• C. Imbalanced nutrition: less than.
• D. Risk for injury.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Risk for injury.' In a client with dementia who is disoriented, wandering, and experiencing sleep disturbances, the priority nursing problem is the risk for injury. Disorientation and wandering behavior can lead to accidents, falls, or other harmful situations, making it crucial for the nurse to address the safety concerns first to prevent any potential harm to the client.

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