Nursing Elites

1. A client with acute kidney injury (AKI) is experiencing hyperkalemia. What intervention should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Administer IV calcium gluconate.
• B. Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate).
• C. Administer insulin with dextrose.
• D. Restrict potassium intake in the client's diet.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with acute kidney injury (AKI) experiencing hyperkalemia is to administer IV calcium gluconate. Calcium gluconate helps stabilize the myocardium and prevent life-threatening arrhythmias in hyperkalemia by antagonizing the cardiac effects of high potassium levels. Choice B, administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), is used to lower potassium levels in the gastrointestinal tract but is not the priority in acute severe hyperkalemia. Choice C, administering insulin with dextrose, helps drive potassium into cells but is not the priority in a client at risk for arrhythmias due to hyperkalemia. Choice D, restricting potassium intake in the client's diet, is a long-term strategy but is not the immediate priority in managing acute hyperkalemia.

2. A client with Alzheimer’s disease is becoming increasingly confused. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Reorient the client to time and place.
• B. Monitor the client’s vital signs.
• C. Provide the client with calming activities to reduce confusion.
• D. Consult with the healthcare provider about adjusting the client’s medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a client with Alzheimer’s disease is becoming increasingly confused is to monitor the client’s vital signs (Choice B). Increased confusion in Alzheimer’s disease patients may indicate underlying issues like infection, dehydration, or medication side effects. Monitoring vital signs is crucial in identifying any potential causes of the confusion. Choices A, C, and D are not the priority in this situation. Reorienting the client to time and place (Choice A) can be helpful but is not the first priority. Providing calming activities (Choice C) and consulting with the healthcare provider about medication adjustments (Choice D) may be necessary but should come after assessing the client's vital signs to rule out immediate physical causes of confusion.

3. A client with hypertension is prescribed a beta-blocker. What teaching should the nurse provide about this medication?

• A. Instruct the client to avoid high-potassium foods.
• B. Monitor the client’s heart rate and report any bradycardia.
• C. Advise the client to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.
• D. Instruct the client to avoid sudden position changes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position. Beta-blockers can cause bradycardia and hypotension, so clients should be advised to rise slowly to prevent dizziness and falls. Monitoring the client's heart rate and blood pressure regularly is essential. Instructing the client to avoid high-potassium foods (Choice A) is not directly related to beta-blockers. While monitoring the client's heart rate (Choice B) is important, advising the client to rise slowly (Choice C) is more directly related to potential side effects of beta-blockers. Instructing the client to avoid sudden position changes (Choice D) is not as specific or essential as advising them to rise slowly to prevent adverse effects.

4. An S3 heart sound is auscultated in a client in her third trimester of pregnancy. What intervention should the nurse take?

• A. Perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram
• B. Document in the client's record
• C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
• D. Assess for signs of heart failure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An S3 heart sound is often a normal finding in pregnant women due to increased blood volume and cardiac output. The nurse should document the finding as part of the routine assessment unless accompanied by other abnormal symptoms. Performing a 12-lead electrocardiogram (Choice A) is unnecessary for a normal S3 heart sound in pregnancy. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately (Choice C) is premature and may lead to unnecessary interventions. Assessing for signs of heart failure (Choice D) is not indicated as an isolated S3 heart sound is typically benign in pregnancy.

5. A client with cirrhosis is prescribed spironolactone to manage ascites. Which serum laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor?

• A. Sodium
• B. Calcium
• C. Magnesium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which can lead to hyperkalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications like cardiac arrhythmias. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels are not directly affected by spironolactone use for managing ascites in cirrhosis.

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