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. The nurse is changing the colostomy bag for a client who is complaining of leakage of diarrheal stool under the disposable ostomy bag. What action should the nurse implement to prevent leakage?

• A. Place a 4x4 wick in the stoma opening
• B. Apply a layer of zinc oxide ointment to the perimeter of the stoma
• C. Cut the bag opening to the measurement of the stoma size
• D. Administer a PRN antidiarrheal agent

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To prevent leakage of stool under the disposable ostomy bag, the nurse should cut the bag opening to the measurement of the stoma size. This action ensures a proper fit, which is crucial in preventing leaks that can lead to skin irritation and compromise stoma care. Placing a 4x4 wick in the stoma opening or applying zinc oxide ointment may not address the issue of leakage effectively. Administering a PRN antidiarrheal agent is not directly related to preventing leakage caused by an ill-fitting ostomy bag.

3. The client with hypertension is being taught about lifestyle modifications. What topic is most important?

• A. Stress management
• B. Salt intake reduction
• C. Regular physical activity
• D. Weight loss

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Reducing salt intake is crucial for managing hypertension. Excessive salt consumption can lead to fluid retention, increasing blood pressure. While stress management, regular physical activity, and weight loss are beneficial for overall health, reducing salt intake is the most important lifestyle modification for controlling hypertension. Stress management may help reduce overall stress levels but does not directly impact blood pressure as salt intake does. Regular physical activity and weight loss can also benefit blood pressure control, but the immediate impact of reducing salt intake is more significant.

4. A client with heart failure is prescribed a low-sodium diet. The nurse notices the client's meal tray contains high-sodium foods. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Educate the client about the importance of a low-sodium diet
• B. Replace the meal with a low-sodium option
• C. Report the error to the dietary department
• D. Encourage the client to avoid eating the high-sodium foods

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to replace the high-sodium meal with a low-sodium option. This immediate intervention ensures that the client adheres to the prescribed low-sodium diet, crucial for managing heart failure and preventing fluid retention. Educating the client (Choice A) about the diet is important but not as urgent as ensuring they receive the correct meal. Reporting the error to the dietary department (Choice C) can be done after addressing the immediate issue. Encouraging the client to avoid high-sodium foods (Choice D) is not as effective as replacing the current meal with a suitable alternative.

5. A client with type 1 diabetes is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Administer glucagon intramuscularly
• B. Provide a complex carbohydrate snack
• C. Administer 50% dextrose intravenously
• D. Give 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority intervention for a client with type 1 diabetes experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia is to give 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate. In a hypoglycemic state, the priority is to quickly raise the blood glucose level. Administering glucagon intramuscularly (Choice A) is reserved for severe hypoglycemia when the client is unable to take oral carbohydrates. Providing a complex carbohydrate snack (Choice B) is beneficial after the initial treatment of hypoglycemia to prevent recurrence. Administering 50% dextrose intravenously (Choice C) is a more invasive intervention typically done in a hospital setting for severe cases.

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