Nursing Elites

1. In acute pancreatitis, a client experiencing severe abdominal pain should have which enzyme level closely monitored?

• A. Serum amylase.
• B. Serum sodium.
• C. Serum calcium.
• D. Serum potassium.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In acute pancreatitis, serum amylase levels should be closely monitored. Elevated serum amylase levels are a key diagnostic marker for acute pancreatitis, aiding in the assessment and management of the patient's condition. Monitoring serum sodium, calcium, or potassium levels is not typically associated with acute pancreatitis and would not provide relevant information for this specific condition.

2. When should the charge nurse intervene based on the observed behavior?

• A. Two staff members are overheard talking about a cure for AIDS outside a client's room.
• B. A hospital transporter is reading a client's history and physical while waiting for an elevator.
• C. A UAP tells a client, 'It's hard to quit drinking but Alcoholics Anonymous helped me.'
• D. Two visitors are discussing a hospitalized client's history of drug abuse in the visitor's lounge.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The hospital transporter reading a client's history and physical without a legitimate need violates patient confidentiality. This behavior requires immediate intervention to protect the client's privacy and confidentiality rights.

3. The client with a history of heart failure is taking furosemide (Lasix). Which laboratory result should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. Serum sodium.
• B. Serum potassium.
• C. Serum calcium.
• D. Serum magnesium.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, causing hypokalemia. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias associated with low potassium levels.

4. The client has acute kidney injury (AKI). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Urine output of 50 ml in the last hour.
• B. Serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L.
• C. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg.
• D. Serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An elevated serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L in a client with AKI can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, necessitating immediate intervention. Hyperkalemia is a serious complication in AKI as impaired kidney function can result in the accumulation of potassium in the blood, posing a risk of cardiac arrest. Prompt treatment to lower potassium levels is crucial to prevent cardiac complications in this situation.

5. Which client's laboratory value requires immediate intervention by a nurse?

• A. A client with GI bleeding who is receiving a blood transfusion and has a hemoglobin of 7 grams.
• B. A client with pancreatitis who has a fasting glucose of 190 mg/dl today and had 160 mg/dl yesterday.
• C. A client with hepatitis who is jaundiced and has a bilirubin level that is 4 times the normal value.
• D. A client with cancer who has an absolute neutrophil count < 500 today and had 2,000 yesterday.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A sudden drop in neutrophil count to below 500 indicates severe neutropenia, putting the client at high risk for infections. Neutrophils are essential for fighting off infections, and a significant decrease in their count can compromise the client's immune response. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent the development of serious infections in the client with neutropenia.

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