Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is taking lithium. What is the most important information the nurse should provide?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach
• B. Monitor sodium intake
• C. Report any signs of weight gain
• D. Avoid excessive caffeine intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Sodium levels can affect lithium levels in the body, so it is crucial to monitor sodium intake to prevent toxicity or subtherapeutic levels. Lithium is typically taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption, making choice A more accurate than the original 'Take the medication with food.' Reporting weight gain, as mentioned in choice C, is important for monitoring side effects but is not as critical as ensuring proper lithium levels through sodium intake monitoring. Choice D, avoiding excessive caffeine intake, is not a priority concern directly related to lithium therapy.

2. A client is admitted with Atrial Fibrillation and is administered amiodarone (Cordarone). What therapeutic response should the nurse anticipate?

• A. Conversion of irregular heart rate to regular heart rhythm
• B. Pulse oximetry readings within normal range during activity
• C. Peripheral pulse points with adequate capillary refill
• D. Increase in exercise tolerance without shortness of breath

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Conversion of irregular heart rate to regular heart rhythm. Amiodarone is a medication commonly used to restore and maintain normal heart rhythm in clients with atrial fibrillation. It works by slowing down the electrical signals in the heart, helping to regulate the heartbeat. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the therapeutic response expected from administering amiodarone in a client with atrial fibrillation. Pulse oximetry readings, peripheral pulses, capillary refill, and exercise tolerance are important assessments but are not the primary therapeutic goal of using amiodarone in this situation.

3. A client with a cast complains of numbness and tingling in the affected limb. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Check for tightness of the cast
• B. Elevate the limb
• C. Apply ice to the area
• D. Notify the physician

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first action for a client with a cast experiencing numbness and tingling in the affected limb is to check for tightness of the cast. Numbness and tingling can indicate compromised circulation, and a tight cast may be causing this. Checking the cast for tightness is essential to ensure it is not impeding circulation. Elevating the limb, applying ice, or notifying the physician can be subsequent actions depending on the assessment findings after checking the cast. Elevating the limb might help improve circulation, applying ice is not indicated for numbness and tingling, and notifying the physician can be done if the issue persists after addressing the immediate concern of cast tightness.

4. The nurse is assessing a client with an IV infusion of normal saline. The client reports pain and swelling at the IV site. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Slow the rate of infusion
• B. Apply a warm compress to the site
• C. Elevate the affected arm
• D. Discontinue the IV infusion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion. Pain and swelling at the IV site may indicate infiltration or phlebitis, which requires immediate discontinuation of the infusion to prevent further complications. Continuing the infusion can lead to tissue damage or infection. Slowing the rate of infusion, applying a warm compress, or elevating the affected arm would not address the underlying issue of infiltration or phlebitis and could potentially worsen the condition by allowing more fluid to infiltrate the tissues.

5. A client is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which instruction about insulin administration should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage
• B. Inject insulin into the same site to increase absorption
• C. Only use insulin pens
• D. Mix different types of insulin in the same syringe

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to only use insulin pens. This is because insulin pens provide a convenient and accurate way to administer insulin. Rotating injection sites is important to prevent tissue damage and promote consistent insulin absorption, making choice A incorrect. Injecting insulin into the same site can lead to lipodystrophy and is not recommended, making choice B incorrect. Mixing different types of insulin in the same syringe can alter their action profiles and is generally not recommended, making choice D incorrect.

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