Nursing Elites

1. A client with myasthenia gravis (MG) is receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Review of recent laboratory test results shows that the client’s serum magnesium level has decreased below the normal range. In addition to contacting the healthcare provider, what nursing action is most important?

• A. Check the visual difficulties
• B. Note the most recent hemoglobin level
• C. Assess for hand and joint pain
• D. Observe rhythm on telemetry monitor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to observe the rhythm on the telemetry monitor. Decreased magnesium levels can lead to cardiac issues, such as arrhythmias. Monitoring the heart rhythm is crucial in this situation. Checking visual difficulties (choice A) is not directly related to the potential cardiac effects of low magnesium levels. Noting the hemoglobin level (choice B) and assessing for hand and joint pain (choice C) are not the priority when dealing with low magnesium levels and possible cardiac complications.

2. A client with diabetes mellitus tells the nurse that she uses cranberry juice to help prevent urinary tract infection. What instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Ensure to drink sugar-free cranberry juice
• B. Drinking cranberry juice does not prevent infection
• C. Cranberries do not affect insulin levels
• D. Excessive cranberry juice consumption can lead to constipation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Drinking cranberry juice does not prevent urinary tract infections and should not be relied upon as a preventive measure. While cranberry juice is often associated with preventing UTIs, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim. Choice A is incorrect because the sugar content in cranberry juice is not the main concern when discussing its role in preventing UTIs. Choice C is incorrect as there is no significant evidence to suggest cranberries affecting insulin levels. Choice D is incorrect as constipation is not a typical side effect of consuming cranberry juice; however, excessive consumption may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

3. The nurse is assessing a client with Addison's disease who is weak, dizzy, disoriented, and has dry oral mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, and sunken eyes. Vital signs are blood pressure 94/44, heart rate 123 beats/minute, respiration 22 breaths/minute. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Assess extremity strength and resistance
• B. Report a sodium level of 132 mEq/L or mmol/L (SI units)
• C. Measure and record the cardiac QRS complex
• D. Check current finger stick glucose

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client’s symptoms suggest possible adrenal crisis or hypoglycemia. Checking glucose is a priority to rule out hypoglycemia, which requires immediate intervention. The client is presenting with symptoms indicative of hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Assessing extremity strength, reporting sodium levels, or measuring the cardiac QRS complex are not the most urgent actions in this scenario.

4. A client who sustained a pellet gun injury with a resulting comminuted skull fracture is admitted overnight for observation. Which assessment finding obtained two hours after admission necessitates immediate intervention?

• A. The client complains of a throbbing headache rated 10 (on a scale of 1 to 10)
• B. The client repeatedly falls asleep while talking with the nurse
• C. The entry site has a slow trickle of bright red blood
• D. The entry site appears reddened and edematous

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with a pellet gun injury and a comminuted skull fracture, repeatedly falling asleep while talking with the nurse is a concerning sign. It can indicate increased intracranial pressure or a deteriorating condition, requiring immediate intervention. The other options, such as a throbbing headache (choice A), slow trickle of bright red blood at the entry site (choice C), or reddened and edematous entry site (choice D), while important to monitor, do not directly indicate a need for immediate intervention as much as the client falling asleep repeatedly while talking does.

5. When the client asks the nurse if they have ever been with someone when they died, what is the nurse’s best response?

• A. “Yes, I have. Do you have some questions about dying?”
• B. “Several times. Now, let’s get your dressing changed.”
• C. “A few times. It was peaceful and there was no pain.”
• D. “Yes, but you’re doing great. Are you concerned about dying?”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the best response as it acknowledges the client's question and opens the door for further discussion about dying if the client wishes to. It shows empathy and encourages the client to express any concerns they may have. Choices B and C do not directly address the client's question or offer an opportunity for him to explore his concerns. Choice D acknowledges the experience but fails to address the client's question directly and does not encourage further discussion.

Similar Questions