Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is administering 1 L of 0.9% sodium chloride to a client who is postoperative and has fluid volume deficit. Which of the following changes should the healthcare professional identify as an indication that the treatment was successful?

• A. Increase in hematocrit
• B. Increase in respiratory rate
• C. Decrease in heart rate
• D. Decrease in capillary refill time

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decrease in capillary refill time. In a client with fluid volume deficit, improving capillary refill time indicates that the perfusion status is improving due to the increase in fluid volume. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. An increase in hematocrit may indicate hemoconcentration due to fluid loss, an increase in respiratory rate may suggest respiratory distress, and a decrease in heart rate may not be directly related to fluid volume status.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has diarrhea due to shigella. Which of the following precautions should the nurse implement for this client?

• A. Have the client wear a mask when receiving visitors.
• B. Limit the client's time with visitors to no more than 30 minutes per day.
• C. Assign the client to a room with negative-pressure airflow exchange.
• D. Wear a gown when caring for the client.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because limiting the client's time with visitors helps prevent the spread of shigella infection to others. Shigella is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, so minimizing contact time reduces the risk of transmission. Choice A is incorrect as there is no need for the client to wear a mask in this situation. Choice C is also incorrect as negative-pressure airflow exchange rooms are typically used for clients with airborne infections. Choice D is incorrect as wearing a gown is not the primary precaution needed for shigella infection.

3. Under which category does a violation of the nurse practice act fall?

• A. Juvenile
• B. Felony
• C. Misdemeanor
• D. Tort

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A violation of the nurse practice act falls under the category of a felony. Felony offenses are the most serious and can include acts like homicide and violations of professional practice regulations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because violations of the nurse practice act are considered more severe than misdemeanors, torts, or related to juvenile cases.

4. A few weeks after an 82-year-old with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes has been placed on metformin (Glucophage) therapy and taught about appropriate diet and exercise, the home health nurse makes a visit. Which finding by the nurse is most important to discuss with the healthcare provider?

• A. Hemoglobin A1C level is 7.9%.
• B. Last eye exam was 18 months ago.
• C. Glomerular filtration rate is decreased.
• D. Patient has questions about the prescribed diet.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important finding to discuss with the healthcare provider is the decreased glomerular filtration rate. In patients on metformin therapy, monitoring kidney function is crucial as metformin is primarily excreted through the kidneys. A decreased glomerular filtration rate can lead to metformin accumulation in the body, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious adverse effect. The hemoglobin A1C level being 7.9% indicates poor diabetes control but can be addressed through medication adjustments and lifestyle modifications. The patient needing an eye exam after 18 months is important but not as urgent as discussing the decreased glomerular filtration rate. Patient questions about the prescribed diet can be addressed during the visit without the need for immediate healthcare provider intervention.

5. A 27-year-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• B. Administer IV potassium supplements
• C. Obtain urine glucose and ketone levels
• D. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial priority is to assess for any cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. Since the patient has a low serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is crucial to monitor for any potential cardiac complications. Administering IV potassium supplements (Choice B) may be needed, but it is not the first action to take. Obtaining urine glucose and ketone levels (Choice C) and starting an insulin infusion (Choice D) are important interventions in managing DKA, but ensuring patient safety by monitoring for arrhythmias takes precedence.

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