Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) is being treated. Which laboratory value would be most concerning?

• A. Troponin level of 0.5 ng/mL
• B. Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) of 5.0 ng/mL
• C. Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L
• D. Blood glucose of 180 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A troponin level of 0.5 ng/mL is elevated, indicating myocardial damage, making it the most concerning finding in a client with a myocardial infarction (MI). Troponin is a highly specific marker for cardiac muscle damage, and elevated levels suggest ongoing injury to the heart muscle. While Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) is also a cardiac enzyme, troponin is more specific and sensitive for myocardial damage. Serum potassium and blood glucose levels are important parameters to monitor in MI patients, but in this scenario, the elevated troponin level takes precedence as it directly reflects cardiac injury.

2. A nurse in a provider's office is obtaining the health and medication history of a client who has a respiratory infection. The client tells the nurse that she is not aware of any allergies, but that she did develop a rash the last time she was taking an antibiotic. Which of the following information should the nurse give the client?

• A. "Rashes are very common, especially if you have dry skin. Did it go away on its own?"
• B. "Virtually all medications have adverse effects. It sounds like this could have been an adverse effect of the antibiotic."
• C. "It's unlikely that your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic for what seems to be a minor viral infection, so we shouldn't be concerned about that rash."
• D. "We need to document the exact medication you were taking because you might be allergic to it."

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. If a client reports developing a rash when taking a specific medication, even if they are not aware of any allergies, it is crucial to document this information. This is necessary to prevent future allergic reactions. Identifying the exact medication that caused the rash is essential as the client could have an allergy to it. Providing this information allows healthcare providers to avoid prescribing the same medication again, which could potentially lead to more severe allergic reactions or life-threatening situations. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the importance of documenting the specific medication that caused the adverse reaction or the potential risks of repeating the medication. Simply attributing the rash to common occurrences, adverse effects of medications in general, or assuming the rash is insignificant in the current context can overlook the critical aspect of identifying and avoiding allergens.

3. A nurse is caring for a group of clients on a medical-surgical unit. In which of the following situations does the nurse demonstrate the ethical principle of veracity?

• A. A client unaware of her recent cancer diagnosis asks the nurse if she has cancer, and the nurse responds affirmatively.
• B. The nurse avoids discussing the client's diagnosis to prevent emotional distress.
• C. The nurse provides a vague answer about the client's condition.
• D. The nurse promises to provide information only if it is requested by the client.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Veracity involves telling the truth, a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare. In this scenario, the nurse demonstrates veracity by responding honestly when the client directly asks about her cancer diagnosis. Choice B is incorrect as avoiding discussing the diagnosis to prevent emotional distress does not align with veracity and transparency. Choice C is incorrect as providing a vague answer does not uphold the principle of truthfulness. Choice D is incorrect because promising to provide information only upon client request does not address the immediate question about the cancer diagnosis and lacks transparency.

4. A client tells the nurse, “I have to check with my partner and see if they think I am ready to go home.” The nurse responds, “How do you feel about going home today?” Which clarifying technique is the nurse using to enhance communication with the client?

• A. Pacing
• B. Reflecting
• C. Paraphrasing
• D. Restating

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Reflecting is the correct answer as it involves echoing back the client’s feelings and concerns, helping them explore their thoughts. In this scenario, the nurse mirrors the client's statement to encourage the client to delve deeper into their emotions. Pacing involves matching the rate and flow of communication, paraphrasing is restating in different words, and restating is repeating what the client said without adding new information. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are not the appropriate clarifying technique demonstrated in the situation described.

5. Which statement by the nurse indicates culturally responsive care for a client following Islamic practices?

• A. “I will make sure the menu includes halal options.”
• B. “I will ask the client if they want to schedule prayer times during the day.”
• C. “I will avoid discussing care when the client’s family is around.”
• D. “I will make sure daily communion is available for this client.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Asking the client if they want to schedule prayer times during the day demonstrates respect and consideration for Islamic practices. Providing halal options (choice A) is important for dietary requirements in Islam, but it may not address the client's spiritual needs. Avoiding discussing care in front of the client's family (choice C) is not directly linked to Islamic practices and may not necessarily enhance cultural responsiveness. Offering daily communion (choice D) is associated with Christian religious practices, not Islamic practices, and may not meet the client's religious needs.

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