Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A client with pancreatitis reports severe pain after eating fatty foods. What intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Encourage the client to eat small, low-fat meals.
• B. Administer antispasmodic medication as prescribed.
• C. Instruct the client to avoid eating until the pain subsides.
• D. Increase the client’s intake of high-protein foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In pancreatitis, pain after consuming fatty foods is common due to increased pancreatic stimulation. Administering antispasmodics is the appropriate intervention as it can help reduce the pain by decreasing pancreatic enzyme secretion. Encouraging the client to eat small, low-fat meals (Choice A) is beneficial in managing pancreatitis symptoms but does not directly address the acute pain. Instructing the client to avoid eating until the pain subsides (Choice C) may lead to nutritional deficiencies and is not the best approach. Increasing high-protein foods intake (Choice D) is not recommended as it can put additional strain on the pancreas.

3. A client scheduled for a bronchoscopy in the morning is anxious and asking the nurse numerous questions about the procedure. Which intervention has the highest priority in preparing the client for the procedure?

• A. Provide detailed education about the procedure
• B. Administer prescribed anti-anxiety medication
• C. Instruct client to write down the questions
• D. Reassure the client about the safety of the procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the client to write down questions is the highest priority as it allows the nurse to address concerns systematically, reducing anxiety. This approach empowers the client and ensures that all concerns are covered before the procedure, reducing the risk of miscommunication or unaddressed fears. Providing detailed education about the procedure (choice A) is important but may not address the client's immediate anxiety. Administering anti-anxiety medication (choice B) should only be done if other interventions are ineffective or if prescribed by the healthcare provider. Reassuring the client about the safety of the procedure (choice D) is essential but may not address the specific questions and concerns causing anxiety.

4. The nurse is providing care for a client with a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications associated with the tube?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed to 15 degrees during feedings
• B. Aspirate gastric contents before administering medications
• C. Clamp the tube between feedings
• D. Flush the tube with water before and after feedings

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Flushing the PEG tube with water before and after feedings helps prevent clogging and maintains tube patency. Proper flushing is essential for avoiding complications related to tube blockages. Elevating the head of the bed is important for preventing aspiration during and after feedings, not specifically related to PEG tube complications. Aspirating gastric contents before administering medications is not routinely recommended for PEG tube care. Clamping the tube between feedings can lead to tube occlusion and is not a standard practice in PEG tube care.

5. After a lumbar puncture, a client reports a severe headache. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Administer a dose of acetaminophen.
• B. Elevate the head of the bed.
• C. Encourage the client to rest in a dark room.
• D. Administer caffeine to relieve the headache.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a lumbar puncture, a severe headache is often caused by cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Elevating the head of the bed or having the client lie flat can reduce cerebrospinal fluid pressure and alleviate the headache. These positions help prevent further fluid loss and relieve discomfort. While acetaminophen or caffeine may help in relieving the headache, changing the client's position is the priority to address the underlying cause. Resting in a dark room may be beneficial for headache relief but is not the priority intervention compared to adjusting the position to manage cerebrospinal fluid pressure.

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