Nursing Elites

1. A client is being treated for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory value would be most concerning?

• A. Blood glucose of 350 mg/dL
• B. Serum bicarbonate of 18 mEq/L
• C. Arterial pH of 7.20
• D. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the most concerning laboratory value is an arterial pH of 7.20. An arterial pH of 7.20 indicates severe acidosis, which is a critical condition requiring immediate intervention. This pH level reflects a significant imbalance in the body's acid-base status, potentially leading to serious complications. High blood glucose levels (choice A) are expected in DKA but do not directly indicate the severity of acidosis. A serum bicarbonate level of 18 mEq/L (choice B) is low but not as immediately critical as a pH of 7.20. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L (choice D) is elevated, which can occur in DKA due to insulin deficiency, but it is not the most concerning value in this scenario.

2. To ensure client safety, a nurse manager is planning to observe a newly licensed nurse perform a straight catheterization on a client. In which of the following roles is a nurse manager functioning?

• A. Case manager - responsible for overseeing a case load of clients but does not provide direct client care
• B. Client educator
• C. Client advocate
• D. Supervisor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Supervisor. In this scenario, the nurse manager is acting as a supervisor to oversee and ensure the newly licensed nurse performs the straight catheterization correctly, following protocols, and maintaining client safety. A supervisor role involves monitoring and guiding staff in their duties to ensure quality care. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. A case manager typically manages a case load of clients but does not provide direct care like in this situation. Client educator and client advocate roles do not directly relate to supervising or overseeing a procedure being performed by another nurse.

3. A client is on bed rest following an abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings indicates the need to increase the frequency of position changes?

• A. Flat rash on the client's ankle
• B. Non-blanching red area over the client's trochanter
• C. Ecchymosis on the client's left shoulder
• D. Petechiae on the client's right anterior thigh

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presence of a non-blanching red area over the client's trochanter is a concerning finding as it indicates possible pressure ulcer formation. This finding necessitates an increase in the frequency of position changes to prevent skin breakdown. Choices A, C, and D do not directly correlate with the need for increased position changes. A flat rash, ecchymosis, and petechiae may have different causes and would not be addressed by changing the client's position more frequently.

4. A client has pharyngeal diphtheria. What transmission precautions are necessary?

• A. Droplet
• B. Contact
• C. Airborne
• D. Standard

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pharyngeal diphtheria is primarily spread through droplet transmission, which occurs when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing respiratory droplets containing the bacteria. Therefore, the correct precaution for caring for a client with pharyngeal diphtheria is droplet precautions. Droplet precautions help prevent the transmission of respiratory pathogens over short distances via respiratory droplets. Contact precautions are used for diseases spread through direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment. Airborne precautions are used for diseases that spread through small droplets suspended in the air. Standard precautions are basic infection prevention practices applying to all patient care.

5. A nurse enters a client's room and finds her on the floor. The client's roommate reports that the client fell out of bed. Which of the following statements should the nurse document?

• A. “Client found lying on the floor.”
• B. “Client fell out of bed and was found on the floor.”
• C. “Client experienced a fall from the bed.”
• D. “Client was discovered on the floor following a fall from the bed.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The documentation should be clear and precise, providing details about the context of the fall. Choice A is vague and does not specify the cause of the client being on the floor. Choice C is less specific and does not directly state that the client fell from the bed. Choice D is wordy and less direct compared to option B, which clearly states that the client fell out of bed and was found on the floor.

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