Nursing Elites

1. A client with hyperkalemia may exhibit peaked T waves on an electrocardiogram. This manifestation is an early sign of high potassium levels, but the diagnosis should not be based on this aspect alone. Untreated, hyperkalemia can lead to progressively worsening cardiac instability.

• A. A lumbar puncture takes a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the back, which will be analyzed by the lab.
• B. The physician will insert a needle at the level of L4-L5 in the spinal cord.
• C. The client should lie flat on their back for a specific period following the procedure.
• D. The risks of the procedure include headache, back pain, and infection.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A lumbar puncture is performed to obtain cerebrospinal fluid for analysis to investigate various conditions affecting the client. During the procedure, the client is typically positioned on their side or sitting leaning over a table with their back rounded. The physician inserts a needle into the back around the L4-L5 vertebrae to collect the sample. Option A is incorrect because a lumbar puncture does not draw blood but instead collects cerebrospinal fluid. Option C is incorrect as the client should not necessarily lie flat for 24 hours post-procedure. Option D is incorrect as the common risks of a lumbar puncture include headache, back pain, and potential infection, not nausea, rash, or hypotension.

2. In which of the following examples would informed consent not be required?

• A. A patient is apprehensive about an upcoming surgery and chooses not to learn of the risks involved with the procedure.
• B. A child is rushed to the Emergency Room after falling from a third-story window.
• C. An adult in a coma in a mental health institution with no listed next of kin.
• D. Informed consent is not required in any of the above examples.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In emergency situations where immediate treatment is necessary to prevent further harm or save a life, such as in option B where a child is rushed to the Emergency Room after a fall, informed consent may be waived to provide prompt care. In option A, though the patient is apprehensive about surgery and chooses not to learn the risks, informed consent is not required as it is the patient's right to refuse information. In option C, when an adult is in a coma with no next of kin listed, decisions may be made in the patient's best interest following legal and ethical guidelines. Therefore, informed consent is not needed in any of the scenarios presented.

3. A nurse is performing an end-of-shift count of narcotics kept in the locked cabinet. The narcotic log states there should be 26 oxycodone pills left, but there are only 24 in the drawer. What is the first action of the nurse?

• A. Perform the count again
• B. Contact the pharmacy to determine if the narcotic log is incorrect
• C. Check with the last nurse to sign out narcotics from the system
• D. Notify the house supervisor that narcotic medications are missing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The first action the nurse should take in this situation is to perform the count again. This step is crucial to ensure there was no miscount during the initial check. By verifying the count, the nurse can confirm if there is indeed a discrepancy in the number of oxycodone pills. Contacting the pharmacy, checking with the last nurse, or notifying the house supervisor should only be considered after ensuring the count is accurate. It's important to rule out any human error before escalating the issue to others.

4. An occupational health nurse works at a manufacturing plant where there is potential exposure to inhaled dust. Which action, if recommended by the nurse, will be most helpful in reducing the incidence of lung disease?

• A. Treat workers with pulmonary fibrosis.
• B. Teach about symptoms of lung disease.
• C. Require the use of protective equipment.
• D. Monitor workers for coughing and wheezing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Prevention of lung disease requires the use of appropriate protective equipment such as masks to reduce exposure to inhaled dust, which is a significant risk factor for lung disease. Teaching about symptoms of lung disease, treating workers with pulmonary fibrosis, and monitoring for coughing and wheezing are important actions for early recognition and treatment of lung disease. However, the most effective strategy to prevent lung damage in this scenario is to require the use of protective equipment to minimize exposure to harmful substances.

5. After Brandon is stabilized following his second myocardial infarction due to cocaine use, what collaborative process should begin to connect him with additional resources?

• A. Law enforcement for further prevention
• B. Social services for rehab
• C. Narcotics Anonymous
• D. Financial counselor to apply for assistance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Following stabilization, it is essential to connect Brandon with additional resources to address his addiction. Social services are a crucial collaborative partner in this situation because they have access to community resources that can support Brandon's rehabilitation needs. While law enforcement may be involved in certain situations, their primary role is not to provide rehabilitation services. Narcotics Anonymous is a valuable support group but does not offer the comprehensive services that social services for rehab can provide. A financial counselor may be beneficial for addressing financial concerns, but the priority at this stage is to address Brandon's addiction through appropriate rehabilitation services.

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