Nursing Elites

1. A client who is in hospice care complains of increasing amounts of pain. The healthcare provider prescribes an analgesic every four hours as needed. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Give analgesics on an around-the-clock schedule for pain management.
• B. Administer analgesic medication only when the pain becomes severe.
• C. Provide medication to keep the client comfortable without inducing sedation.
• D. Allow brief medication-free periods to promote comfort during daily activities.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most effective pain management strategy in hospice care involves administering analgesics on an around-the-clock schedule (A) to maintain pain control. Waiting until pain is severe before administering medication (B) is not ideal as it may lead to inadequate pain relief. While providing comfort is crucial in hospice care, sedation that prevents the client from interacting and experiencing their remaining time should be minimized. Therefore, keeping the client comfortable without excessive sedation (C) is preferred. Allowing for some periods without medication (D) may be appropriate but should not compromise the client's comfort and pain control.

2. A client is to receive 10 mEq of KCl diluted in 250 ml of normal saline over 4 hours. At what rate should the nurse set the client's intravenous infusion pump?

• A. 13 ml/hour.
• B. 63 ml/hour.
• C. 80 ml/hour.
• D. 125 ml/hour.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct calculation involves dividing the total volume by the total time. In this case, 250 ml/4 hours = 63 ml/hour. The dose of KCl is not used in the calculation as the focus is on the rate of infusion over the specified time period. Choice A (13 ml/hour) is incorrect as it does not result from the correct calculation. Choice C (80 ml/hour) and Choice D (125 ml/hour) are also incorrect calculations and do not match the correct rate of infusion required.

3. A client with a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is being discharged. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Avoid foods high in iodine.
• B. Take your medication with meals.
• C. Monitor your weight daily.
• D. Decrease your daily fluid intake.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoid foods high in iodine.' Clients with hyperthyroidism should avoid foods high in iodine to prevent exacerbation of their condition. Iodine is an essential component in thyroid hormone production, and excessive iodine intake can worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms. Taking medication with meals (B) can interfere with the absorption of certain thyroid medications. Monitoring weight daily (C) is more relevant for conditions that may lead to weight changes like hypothyroidism. Decreasing fluid intake (D) is not a standard recommendation for hyperthyroidism unless specifically indicated by the healthcare provider.

4. A client with a diagnosis of renal failure is receiving hemodialysis. Which assessment finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. The client's blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg.
• B. The client gains 1 kg in 24 hours.
• C. The client's potassium level is 5.5 mEq/L.
• D. The client's weight decreases by 0.5 kg in 24 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L (C) is elevated and concerning in a client with renal failure receiving hemodialysis, as it can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring blood pressure (A), weight gain (B), and weight loss (D) are essential in clients on hemodialysis, but an elevated potassium level poses an immediate risk that requires prompt intervention.

5. The client reports still being unable to sleep a week after learning progressive muscle relaxation techniques. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Instruct the client to add regular exercise to the daily routine.
• B. Determine if the client has been keeping a sleep diary.
• C. Encourage the client to continue the routine until sleep is achieved.
• D. Ask the client to describe the routine currently followed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should first assess the client's adherence to the original instructions. By asking the client to describe the routine, the nurse can evaluate if the technique is being correctly implemented before considering further interventions. This choice is correct as it focuses on assessing the client's current practice. Option A is incorrect as adding regular exercise may not address the issue with the relaxation technique. Option B is incorrect as determining if the client has been keeping a sleep diary does not directly address the efficacy of the relaxation technique. Option C is incorrect as blindly encouraging the client to continue may not be the best approach without understanding how the technique is being practiced.

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