Nursing Elites

1. A client with osteoporosis related to long-term corticosteroid therapy receives a prescription for calcium carbonate. Which client’s serum laboratory value requires intervention by the nurse?

• A. Total calcium 9 mg/dl (2.25 mmol/L SI)
• B. Creatinine 4 mg/dl (354 micromol/L SI)
• C. Phosphate 4 mg/dl (1.293 mmol/L SI)
• D. Fasting glucose 95 mg/dl (5.3 mmol/L SI)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An elevated creatinine level indicates possible renal impairment, which requires intervention. High creatinine levels are associated with decreased kidney function, and in this case, it suggests potential renal issues due to long-term corticosteroid therapy. Monitoring renal function is crucial in clients with osteoporosis on corticosteroid therapy to prevent further complications. Total calcium levels within the normal range are suitable for a client with osteoporosis receiving calcium carbonate. Phosphate and fasting glucose levels do not directly indicate renal impairment in this scenario.

2. While teaching a young male adult to use an inhaler for his newly diagnosed asthma, the client stares into the distance and appears to be concentrating on something other than the lesson the nurse is presenting. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Remind the client of the importance of using a rescue inhaler for asthma management
• B. Leave the client alone to process his thoughts about the inhaler
• C. Ask the client what he is thinking about at that moment
• D. Pause and inquire if the client has any questions or needs clarification

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take is to ask the client what he is thinking about at that moment. By doing so, the nurse can understand the client's concerns or distractions, which can then be addressed effectively during the teaching session. Option A is incorrect as it assumes the client is not paying attention due to forgetfulness about the importance of the inhaler, which may not be the case. Option B is incorrect because leaving the client alone without addressing the issue does not facilitate effective learning. Option D, although closer, does not directly address the client's distraction and may not uncover the underlying issue causing the lack of focus.

3. A 20-year-old male client is diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma following an examination for a knee injury. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide the client?

• A. Take analgesics regularly to manage pain
• B. Notify the healthcare provider if the swelling worsens
• C. Avoid weight-bearing on the affected knee until the injury heals
• D. Seek treatment for the sarcoma immediately

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most crucial instruction for the nurse to provide the client is to seek treatment for the sarcoma immediately. Ewing's sarcoma is a type of cancer that necessitates prompt and aggressive treatment for the best possible outcome. While managing pain (Choice A) and monitoring swelling (Choice B) are important, addressing the underlying sarcoma is the priority. Instructing the client to avoid weight-bearing (Choice C) is not directly related to the treatment of Ewing's sarcoma and may not be the most critical instruction at this point.

4. The nurse plans to collect a 24-hour urine specimen for a creatinine clearance test. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the adult male client?

• A. Urinate at the specified time, discard this urine, and collect all subsequent urine over the next 24 hours.
• B. Cleanse around the meatus, discard the first portion of voiding, and collect the rest in a sterile bottle.
• C. For the next 24 hours, notify the nurse when the bladder is full, and the nurse will collect catheterized specimens.
• D. Urinate immediately into a urinal, and the lab will collect the specimen every 6 hours for the next 24 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for the adult male client to follow when collecting a 24-hour urine specimen for a creatinine clearance test is to urinate at the specified time, discard this urine, and collect all subsequent urine over the next 24 hours. This method ensures proper collection for an accurate creatinine clearance measurement. Choice B is incorrect as it describes a different procedure for a clean-catch urine sample, not suitable for creatinine clearance. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests catheterization, which is not typically done for a creatinine clearance test, and it is not necessary for this procedure. Choice D is incorrect as it does not follow the standard procedure for a 24-hour urine collection for creatinine clearance; the urine should be collected continuously over 24 hours, not at specified intervals.

5. An adult male was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer three weeks ago. His wife approaches the nurse and asks how she will know that her husband's death is imminent because their two adult children want to be there when he dies. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. Explain that the client will start to lose consciousness and his body systems will slow down
• B. Reassure the spouse that the healthcare provider will let her know when to call the children
• C. Offer to discuss the client’s health status with each of the adult children
• D. Gather information on how long it will take for the children to arrive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best response for the nurse is to explain that the client will start to lose consciousness and his body systems will slow down. Providing information on the signs of impending death helps the family prepare emotionally and allows them to be present at the appropriate time. Choice B is incorrect because it does not empower the family with the knowledge they seek. Choice C is incorrect as discussing the client’s health status individually with the adult children may not address the wife's immediate concern. Choice D is incorrect as the priority should be on preparing the family for the signs of imminent death rather than focusing on logistical details.

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