Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider orders a medication dose three times higher than usual. What is the nurse's first step?

• A. Administer the medication but monitor the patient closely.
• B. Verify the dosage with the prescribing provider.
• C. Administer a lower dose to minimize the risk.
• D. Hold the medication and wait for further clarification.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Verify the dosage with the prescribing provider. When faced with an unusual medication dose, the nurse's initial action should be to confirm the order with the healthcare provider who prescribed it. This step is crucial to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because administering the medication without clarification, administering a lower dose without approval, or holding the medication without consulting the provider can all pose risks to the patient's well-being.

2. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client following a gastrectomy. Which of the following strategies should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Drink fluids between meals
• B. Eat three large meals each day
• C. Lie down for 30 minutes after meals
• D. Avoid drinking liquids with meals

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct strategy to include in the teaching after a gastrectomy is to avoid drinking liquids with meals. This helps prevent dumping syndrome, a condition characterized by rapid emptying of undigested food and fluids from the stomach into the small intestine. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Drinking fluids between meals is appropriate to maintain hydration, eating three large meals can exacerbate dumping syndrome, and lying down after meals is not recommended as it can increase the risk of reflux.

3. Which goal is most appropriate for a patient who has had a total hip replacement?

• A. The nurse will assist the patient in ambulating in the hall 2 times a day.
• B. The patient will walk 100 feet using a walker by the time of discharge.
• C. The patient will ambulate briskly on the treadmill by the time of discharge.
• D. The patient will ambulate independently by the time of discharge.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the most appropriate goal for a patient who has had a total hip replacement because it is specific, measurable, and achievable. Walking 100 feet using a walker is a realistic and individualized target for a patient in the recovery phase following hip surgery. Choices A, C, and D are not as suitable: Choice A does not specify a measurable distance or objective, Choice C sets a potentially unrealistic expectation for brisk ambulation on a treadmill, and Choice D lacks the specificity of the distance to be walked.

4. What is the priority action when a patient is experiencing an allergic reaction to a medication?

• A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure every 15 minutes.
• B. Discontinue the medication and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Administer an antihistamine to reduce symptoms.
• D. Monitor the patient's urine output closely.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the medication and notify the healthcare provider when a patient is experiencing an allergic reaction to a medication. This action is crucial to prevent further harm to the patient. Monitoring blood pressure (choice A) or urine output (choice D) may be important but is not the priority when managing an allergic reaction. Administering an antihistamine (choice C) should only be done after discontinuing the medication and consulting with the healthcare provider.

5. A healthcare provider is reviewing a client's lab results. Which of the following lab values should the provider report?

• A. Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L
• B. Potassium 3.6 mEq/L
• C. Sodium 126 mEq/L
• D. Chloride 99 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sodium 126 mEq/L. A sodium level of 126 mEq/L is below the normal range, indicating hyponatremia, which can have serious health implications and should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention. Choices A, B, and D are within or close to the normal ranges for magnesium, potassium, and chloride, respectively, and do not require immediate reporting as they are not significantly abnormal.

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