Nursing Elites

1. In a client with asthma who develops respiratory acidosis, what should the nurse expect the client’s serum potassium level to be?

• A. normal
• B. elevated
• C. low
• D. unrelated to the pH

Correct answer: elevated

Rationale: In respiratory acidosis, the serum potassium level is expected to be elevated. This occurs because potassium shifts from cells into the bloodstream as a compensatory mechanism to maintain acid-base balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A normal potassium level is not expected in respiratory acidosis. A low potassium level is more commonly associated with alkalosis, not acidosis. The potassium level is indeed related to pH changes in respiratory acidosis, leading to the expected elevation.

2. How can the nurse promote relief of muscle pain, spasms, and tension?

• A. Encouraging the client to continue their activities as usual.
• B. Immobilizing the client.
• C. Applying heat, cold, pressure, or vibration to the painful area.
• D. Administering pain medication as needed to ease the muscle.

Correct answer: Applying heat, cold, pressure, or vibration to the painful area.

Rationale: To promote relief of muscle pain, spasms, and tension, the nurse should consider applying heat, cold, pressure, or vibration to the painful area. These interventions can help alleviate pain associated with muscle tension, pain, or spasms. Choice A is incorrect because encouraging the client to continue their activities as usual may exacerbate the pain. Choice B is incorrect as immobilizing the client may not address the underlying issue and could potentially lead to further complications. Choice D is also incorrect because while pain medication can be used, it is not the first-line treatment for muscle pain, spasms, and tension.

3. What essential assessment must be performed for clients with implanted dialysis access devices?

• A. Color and capillary refill
• B. Patency and pulse
• C. Thrill and bruit
• D. Trousseau’s and temperature

Correct answer: C: Thrill and bruit

Rationale: Correct! When assessing clients with implanted dialysis access devices, it is crucial to palpate for the thrill, which indicates blood flow, and auscultate for the bruit, a humming sound, to ensure the patency of the access device. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not specific assessments related to dialysis access devices. Checking color and capillary refill, pulse, Trousseau's sign, and temperature are important assessments in other contexts but not specifically for monitoring implanted dialysis access devices.

4. What type of cells create exocrine secretions?

• A. alpha cells
• B. beta cells
• C. acinar cells
• D. plasma cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Acinar cells are responsible for creating exocrine secretions, such as enzymes and digestive juices. Alpha cells are found in the pancreas and are responsible for producing glucagon, beta cells produce insulin, and plasma cells are a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses. Therefore, the correct answer is acinar cells, as they specifically produce exocrine secretions.

5. The nurse is caring for a 44-year-old client diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. Which electrolyte imbalance is closely associated with hypoparathyroidism?

• A. Hypocalcemia.
• B. Hyponatremia.
• C. Hyperkalemia.
• D. Hypophosphatemia.

Correct answer: Hypocalcemia.

Rationale: The correct answer is Hypocalcemia. In hypoparathyroidism, where the parathyroid glands are not producing sufficient parathyroid hormone, calcium levels become inadequate. This leads to hypocalcemia, characterized by symptoms such as muscle spasms, anxiety, seizures, hypotension, and congestive heart failure. Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia are not typically associated with hypoparathyroidism. While hyperphosphatemia can be seen in hypoparathyroidism due to decreasing calcium levels, the question specifically asks about the primary electrolyte imbalance closely related to hypoparathyroidism, which is hypocalcemia.

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