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. A healthcare professional is admitting a client who has decreased circulation in his left leg. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take first?

• A. Evaluate pedal pulses
• B. Assess skin temperature
• C. Check for capillary refill
• D. Measure the leg circumference

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Evaluating pedal pulses should be the first action taken as it provides immediate information about circulation. This assessment helps in determining the adequacy of blood flow in the client's leg. Assessing skin temperature, checking for capillary refill, and measuring leg circumference are important assessments; however, evaluating pedal pulses is the most crucial initial step in this scenario. Skin temperature assessment and capillary refill check can provide additional valuable information about perfusion, while measuring leg circumference is useful in monitoring for edema. Therefore, for a client with decreased circulation in the left leg, evaluating pedal pulses takes precedence over the other assessments.

3. A client who is receiving chemotherapy for cancer treatment is experiencing nausea and vomiting. What is the best intervention for the LPN/LVN to implement?

• A. Offer the client small, frequent meals.
• B. Provide antiemetic medication as prescribed.
• C. Encourage the client to drink clear liquids.
• D. Assist the client with oral care.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best intervention for a client experiencing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting is to provide antiemetic medication as prescribed. This medication helps in managing and reducing nausea and vomiting, providing relief to the client. Offering small, frequent meals (Choice A) may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms. Encouraging clear liquid intake (Choice C) may not be effective in controlling nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Assisting with oral care (Choice D) is important for overall comfort but may not directly address the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

4. The patient refuses to bathe in the morning, stating a preference for evening baths. What is the best action for the nurse?

• A. Defer the bath until evening and pass on the information to the next shift.
• B. Tell the patient that daily morning baths are part of the 'normal' routine.
• C. Explain the importance of maintaining morning hygiene practices.
• D. Cancel hygiene for the day and attempt again in the morning.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best action by the nurse is to respect the patient's preference and autonomy. Defer the bath until evening to allow the patient to follow their usual hygiene routine. Passing on the information to the next shift ensures continuity of care. Choice B is incorrect because it disregards the patient's preference and autonomy. Choice C, while important, does not address the patient's immediate concern. Choice D is incorrect as it does not respect the patient's wishes and may lead to further resistance to bathing.

5. Before administering the prescribed morphine sulfate to a client post-op following laparotomy who reports pain and dry mouth, what should the nurse do first?

• A. Measure the client's vital signs.
• B. Assess the client's pain level.
• C. Verify the morphine order with another nurse.
• D. Check the client's last dose of morphine.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before administering morphine sulfate, it is crucial to measure the client's vital signs to ensure that the client is stable and safe to receive the medication. This step helps identify any contraindications or abnormalities that could affect the administration of morphine. Assessing the client's pain level (choice B) is important, but ensuring the client's physiological stability takes precedence. Verifying the morphine order with another nurse (choice C) and checking the client's last dose of morphine (choice D) are important steps but are not the priority before administering the medication.

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