Nursing Elites

1. A nurse caring for a group of clients reviews the electrolyte laboratory results and notes a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L on one client's laboratory report. The nurse understands that which client is at highest risk for the development of a potassium value at this level?

• A. The client with colitis
• B. The client with Cushing's syndrome
• C. The client who has been overusing laxatives
• D. The client who has sustained a traumatic burn

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clients who have sustained traumatic burns are at a higher risk of developing hyperkalemia due to cell lysis. When cells are damaged in a traumatic burn, potassium can leak out from the intracellular space into the bloodstream, leading to elevated serum potassium levels. Colitis, Cushing's syndrome, and overuse of laxatives are not typically associated with the same degree of cell damage or potassium shifts seen in traumatic burns, making them less likely to result in such high potassium levels.

2. Which of these signs suggests that a male client with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion is experiencing complications?

• A. Tetanic contractions
• B. Neck vein distention
• C. Weight loss
• D. Polyuria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neck vein distention is a sign of fluid overload, a complication of SIADH due to water retention. Tetanic contractions (Choice A) are not typically associated with SIADH. Weight loss (Choice C) is not a common complication of SIADH, as patients often experience fluid retention and weight gain. Polyuria (Choice D) is also not a typical sign of SIADH, as the condition is characterized by water retention and decreased urine output.

3. Which of the following is true about nursing ethics?

• A. Nursing ethics focus on the organizational level at the workplace.
• B. Nursing ethics focus on the moral character of nurses.
• C. Nursing ethics focus on the experiences and needs of patients.
• D. Nursing ethics focus on the ethical principles governing healthcare organizations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Nursing ethics primarily focus on the moral character of nurses, emphasizing principles, values, and virtues that guide their professional conduct. Choice A is incorrect as nursing ethics are more about individual moral decision-making than organizational practices. Choice C is incorrect because while nurses consider patients' experiences and needs, nursing ethics primarily revolve around the nurses themselves. Choice D is incorrect as nursing ethics are centered on the moral obligations and responsibilities of nurses, not specifically on the ethical principles governing healthcare organizations.

4. Which of the following is true about effective leadership?

• A. Leadership traits can be learned through experience and reflection.
• B. Nurses can learn to become good leaders by acting as good leaders and reflecting on leadership qualities they have and those they can improve upon.
• C. Focus on leadership activities required for the day is essential for effective leadership.
• D. Taking advantage of every opportunity to be a leader is crucial, creating those opportunities as often as possible, especially after gaining experience as a nurse.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is correct because nurses can develop effective leadership skills by actively engaging as good leaders and reflecting on their existing leadership qualities and areas for improvement. This process of self-assessment and continuous improvement is crucial in becoming a successful leader. Choice A is incorrect as leadership traits can be learned through experience and reflection rather than being impossible to acquire from a book. Choice C is incorrect as effective leadership involves focusing on long-term goals and strategies, not just daily activities. Choice D is incorrect because while seizing leadership opportunities is important, it should be done strategically and with a solid foundation of experience in nursing to ensure successful leadership outcomes.

5. Nurse Ronn is assessing a client with possible Cushing's syndrome. In a client with Cushing's syndrome, the nurse would expect to find:

• A. Hypotension.
• B. Thick, coarse skin.
• C. Deposits of adipose tissue in the trunk and dorsocervical area.
• D. Weight gain in arms and legs.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In Cushing's syndrome, the characteristic features include central obesity with deposits of adipose tissue in the trunk and dorsocervical area, often referred to as a 'buffalo hump.' Hypotension (Choice A) is not typically associated with Cushing's syndrome; instead, hypertension is more common. Thick, coarse skin (Choice B) is seen in conditions like hypothyroidism, not specifically in Cushing's syndrome. Weight gain in the arms and legs (Choice D) is not a typical finding in Cushing's syndrome; rather, weight gain is more prominent in the central areas of the body.

Similar Questions