Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hypernatremia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyponatremia. Lithium can affect sodium levels in the body, potentially leading to hyponatremia, which is a condition characterized by low sodium levels. This imbalance requires close monitoring as it can lead to symptoms such as confusion, weakness, and even seizures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because lithium is not primarily associated with causing hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, or hypernatremia. While these imbalances can occur in certain conditions or with other medications, the main electrolyte imbalance to monitor when a client is prescribed lithium is hyponatremia.

2. The nurse plans to evaluate the effectiveness of several drugs administered by different routes. Arrange the routes of administration from fastest to slowest rate of absorption. 1. Intravenous 2. Sublingual 3. Intramuscular 4. Subcutaneous

• A. 1,2,3,4
• B. 4,3,2,1
• C. 2,4,3,1
• D. 3,4,1,2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct order of routes of administration from fastest to slowest rate of absorption is 1. Intravenous, 2. Sublingual, 3. Intramuscular, 4. Subcutaneous. Intravenous administration provides the fastest absorption as the drug is directly injected into the bloodstream. Sublingual administration allows for rapid absorption through the mucous membranes under the tongue. Intramuscular administration has a slower absorption rate as the drug is injected into the muscle tissue. Subcutaneous administration is the slowest as the drug is injected into the fatty tissue under the skin, leading to a slower absorption compared to the other routes.

3. A client with a history of hypertension is admitted to the hospital for a suspected myocardial infarction. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

• A. Administer oxygen as prescribed
• B. Perform an ECG
• C. Obtain a detailed health history
• D. Monitor vital signs regularly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing action in this scenario is to perform an ECG. An ECG is crucial in confirming myocardial infarction promptly and guiding immediate treatment decisions. Administering oxygen as prescribed is important but not the priority over confirming the diagnosis. Obtaining a detailed health history is relevant but does not take precedence over immediate diagnostic confirmation. While monitoring vital signs regularly is essential, performing an ECG is the priority action in this scenario to guide timely management.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder who has been prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac). What is the most important teaching point?

• A. Take the medication with or without food.
• B. Report any increase in suicidal thoughts.
• C. Avoid foods high in tyramine.
• D. Expect improvement within 24 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct teaching point is to instruct the client to report any increase in suicidal thoughts. This is crucial because SSRIs like fluoxetine can initially increase suicidal ideation, especially at the beginning of treatment. Choice A is corrected to emphasize that fluoxetine can be taken with or without food. Choice C is unrelated as it pertains more to MAOIs than SSRIs like fluoxetine. Choice D is inaccurate as antidepressants like fluoxetine may take weeks to show significant improvement in symptoms, not within 24 hours.

5. A client with chronic kidney disease is being evaluated for dialysis. Which laboratory value would be most concerning to the nurse?

• A. Hemoglobin 9.5 g/dL
• B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
• C. Creatinine 3.5 mg/dL
• D. BUN 50 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium 6.2 mEq/L. In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys struggle to regulate potassium levels, leading to hyperkalemia. A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is dangerously high and can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Hemoglobin of 9.5 g/dL may indicate anemia, which is common in chronic kidney disease but is not immediately life-threatening. Creatinine and BUN levels are markers of kidney function; although elevated levels indicate kidney impairment, they are not acutely life-threatening like severe hyperkalemia.

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