Nursing Elites

1. A nurse assesses a client who has a radial artery catheter. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?

• A. . Amount of pressure in fluid container
• B. Date of catheter tubing change
• C. Percent of heparin in infusion container
• D. . Presence of an ulnar pulse

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

2. You are the surgical nurse caring for a 65-year-old female patient who is postoperative day 1 following a thyroidectomy. During your shift assessment, the patient complains of tingling in her lips and fingers. She tells you that she has an intermittent spasm in her wrist and hand, and she exhibits increased muscle tone. What electrolyte imbalance should you first suspect?

• A. Hypophosphatemia
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Hypermagnesemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The symptoms described, including tingling in the lips and fingers, intermittent spasms, and increased muscle tone, are indicative of tetany, which is a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can lead to neuromuscular irritability, causing symptoms such as paresthesias and muscle spasms. Hypophosphatemia primarily affects the central nervous system, resulting in seizures and coma. Hypermagnesemia typically presents with hypoactive reflexes and somnolence. Hyperkalemia can cause paresthesias and anxiety, but in this case, the patient's symptoms are more suggestive of hypocalcemia.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who has an electrolyte imbalance related to renal failure. For which potential complications of this electrolyte imbalance should the nurse assess? (Select all that do mot apply.)

• A. Electrocardiogram changes
• B. Slow, shallow respirations
• C. Paralytic ileus
• D. Skeletal muscle weakness

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

4. Which hormone reduces the amount of water in the body?

• A. ADH
• B. aldosterone
• C. ANH
• D. ADH and aldosterone

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'aldosterone.' Aldosterone is the hormone that reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the reabsorption of sodium and water from the kidney tubules. ANH (atrial natriuretic hormone) actually works to increase the excretion of sodium and water by the kidneys, leading to a reduction in blood volume and pressure. ADH (antidiuretic hormone) works to increase water reabsorption by the kidneys, thereby increasing blood volume. Therefore, choices A (ADH) and D (ADH and aldosterone) are incorrect in the context of reducing the amount of water in the body.

5. What happens first in dehydration?

• A. Intercellular fluid volume drops first.
• B. Plasma volume drops first.
• C. Interstitial fluid drops first.
• D. Neither interstitial nor intracellular fluid volume are affected.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In dehydration, the body first draws fluid from the interstitial space to maintain blood volume, leading to a decrease in interstitial fluid volume. This is why choice C is correct. Choice A is incorrect because intracellular fluid is not the first to be affected. Choice B is also incorrect as plasma volume reduction typically occurs after interstitial fluid loss. Choice D is incorrect as dehydration impacts both interstitial and intracellular fluid volumes.

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