Nursing Elites

1. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed prednisone. What information should the LPN/LVN include when teaching the client about this medication?

• A. Take the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
• B. Avoid exposure to sunlight while taking this medication.
• C. Do not discontinue the medication abruptly.
• D. Increase fluid intake while taking this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Do not discontinue the medication abruptly.' It is crucial for clients prescribed prednisone to not stop the medication suddenly to prevent adrenal insufficiency, as this medication suppresses the body's natural production of cortisol. Choice A is incorrect because prednisone should be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, not necessarily to prevent stomach upset. Choice B is incorrect as there is no specific need to avoid sunlight while taking prednisone. Choice D is not directly related to prednisone use; while adequate fluid intake is generally beneficial, it is not a specific instruction for prednisone administration.

2. The nurse is assessing a 17-year-old female client with bulimia. Which of the following laboratory reports would the nurse anticipate?

• A. Increased serum glucose
• B. Decreased albumin
• C. Decreased potassium
• D. Increased sodium retention

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Decreased potassium.' Clients with bulimia often have decreased potassium levels due to frequent vomiting, which causes a loss of this essential electrolyte. This loss can lead to various complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Option A, 'Increased serum glucose,' is not typically associated with bulimia. Option B, 'Decreased albumin,' is more related to malnutrition or liver disease rather than bulimia. Option D, 'Increased sodium retention,' is not a common finding in clients with bulimia; instead, they may experience electrolyte imbalances like hyponatremia due to purging behaviors.

3. An adult client is found to be unresponsive during morning rounds. After checking for responsiveness and calling for help, what should the nurse do next?

• A. Check the carotid pulse
• B. Deliver 5 abdominal thrusts
• C. Give 2 rescue breaths
• D. Open the client's airway

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After confirming unresponsiveness and calling for help, the next step in basic life support is to open the client's airway. This ensures that the airway is clear and allows for effective ventilation. Checking the carotid pulse is not necessary at this stage as airway management takes precedence. Delivering abdominal thrusts is not indicated for an unresponsive client as it is for conscious choking individuals. Giving rescue breaths should only be done after ensuring the airway is open to allow for effective ventilation.

4. A client diagnosed with a terminal illness asks the nurse about the nurse’s religious beliefs related to death and dying. An appropriate nursing response is to:

• A. Share personal beliefs
• B. Encourage the client to express their thoughts about death and dying
• C. Redirect the conversation to medical treatment
• D. Inform the client that the nurse’s beliefs are not relevant

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the client to express their own thoughts about death and dying is an appropriate nursing response in this situation. It allows the client to explore and express their feelings, fears, and beliefs, facilitating a therapeutic conversation. Sharing personal beliefs (choice A) may not be appropriate as it could impose the nurse's beliefs on the client and hinder open discussion. Redirecting the conversation to medical treatment (choice C) may avoid addressing the client's emotional and spiritual needs. Informing the client that the nurse’s beliefs are not relevant (choice D) dismisses the client's concerns and does not encourage open communication.

5. To use the nursing process correctly, what must the nurse do first?

• A. Obtain information about the client
• B. Develop a care plan
• C. Implement interventions
• D. Evaluate the client's outcomes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The first step in the nursing process is to obtain information about the client. This step involves gathering data through assessment to understand the client's needs, health status, and preferences. Developing a care plan (Choice B) comes after the assessment phase. Implementing interventions (Choice C) and evaluating client outcomes (Choice D) occur in subsequent stages of the nursing process. Therefore, the correct initial step is to gather information about the client to form a foundation for providing individualized care.

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