Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic heart failure is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?

• A. Serum potassium of 3.0 mEq/L
• B. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L
• C. Serum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dl
• D. Blood glucose of 200 mg/dl

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L requires immediate intervention in a client receiving furosemide. Furosemide can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia, which can be dangerous, especially in patients with heart failure. Hypokalemia can predispose the client to cardiac dysrhythmias, weakness, and other complications. Therefore, prompt intervention is necessary to prevent these adverse effects. Choice B (Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L) is within the normal range and does not require immediate intervention. Choice C (Serum creatinine of 1.5 mg/dl) may indicate kidney dysfunction but does not pose an immediate threat to the client's safety. Choice D (Blood glucose of 200 mg/dl) may suggest hyperglycemia, which is important but not as urgent as addressing hypokalemia in a client with heart failure receiving furosemide.

2. The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) using an alcohol-based gel hand cleaner before performing catheter care. The UAP rubs both hands thoroughly for 2 minutes while standing at the bedside. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Encourage the UAP to remain in the client's room until the hand rub is completed.
• B. Explain that the hand rub can be completed in less than 2 minutes.
• C. Inform the UAP that handwashing helps to promote better asepsis.
• D. Determine why the UAP was not wearing gloves in the client's room.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective with a shorter rub time, typically around 20-30 seconds. Standing at the bedside for 2 minutes to rub hands thoroughly is unnecessary and can lead to wastage of resources. It's essential for the nurse to educate the UAP on proper hand hygiene techniques to ensure efficient and effective infection control practices. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because encouraging the UAP to remain in the client's room, discussing handwashing instead of hand rubs, and questioning glove use are not the most appropriate actions in this scenario.

3. A client with diabetes mellitus is admitted with a blood glucose level of 600 mg/dl and is unresponsive. Which laboratory value is most concerning?

• A. Serum potassium of 3.0 mEq/L
• B. Serum glucose of 200 mg/dl
• C. Serum pH of 7.30
• D. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS), a serum pH of 7.30 is the most concerning value as it indicates acidosis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. Choices A, B, and D are not the most concerning in this scenario. A low serum potassium level (Choice A) may be expected due to cellular shift in hyperglycemia, a serum glucose level of 200 mg/dl (Choice B) is not as concerning compared to the extremely high initial glucose level, and a serum sodium level of 135 mEq/L (Choice D) is within the normal range and not the immediate priority.

4. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which clinical finding is most concerning to the nurse?

• A. Kussmaul respirations
• B. Blood glucose level of 300 mg/dl
• C. Serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L
• D. Positive urine ketones

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L. A low serum potassium level in a client with DKA is concerning due to the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Kussmaul respirations (choice A) are a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis in DKA. A blood glucose level of 300 mg/dl (choice B) is elevated but expected in DKA. Positive urine ketones (choice D) are a classic finding in DKA and not as concerning as low serum potassium.

5. The nurse is preparing a community education program on osteoporosis. Which instruction is helpful in preventing bone loss and promoting bone formation?

• A. Recommend weight-bearing physical activity.
• B. Encourage a diet high in dairy products.
• C. Suggest vitamin D supplementation.
• D. Advise avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Recommend weight-bearing physical activity. Weight-bearing exercises are effective in maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis by promoting bone formation. Encouraging a diet high in dairy products (choice B) can provide calcium, but it's not as directly related to bone formation as physical activity. While vitamin D supplementation (choice C) is important for calcium absorption and bone health, it is not directly involved in promoting bone formation. Advising to avoid caffeine and alcohol (choice D) can be beneficial for bone health, but it is not as directly related to promoting bone formation as weight-bearing physical activity.

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