Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client for signs of hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse look for?

• A. Muscle weakness
• B. Weight gain
• C. Elevated blood pressure
• D. Increased thirst

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Muscle weakness is a classic sign of hypokalemia. Potassium plays a crucial role in muscle function, and low potassium levels can lead to muscle weakness. Weight gain, elevated blood pressure, and increased thirst are not typically associated with hypokalemia. Weight gain can be seen in conditions like fluid retention, elevated blood pressure can result from various causes, and increased thirst may be a symptom of conditions like diabetes.

2. A nurse is teaching the parent of a newborn about car seat safety. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. You should keep the car seat rear-facing until your baby is at least 2 years old.
• B. Position the retainer clip over the upper part of your baby's abdomen.
• C. You should place your baby in the car seat with a slight recline.
• D. Place the shoulder harness straps in the slots at or below your baby's shoulders.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The car seat should remain rear-facing until the baby is at least 2 years old to ensure maximum safety in the event of a collision. This position helps protect the infant’s head, neck, and spine. Choice B is incorrect because the retainer clip should be positioned at armpit level on the baby, not over the upper part of the abdomen. Choice C is incorrect as the baby should be placed in the car seat with a slight recline, not at a 90-degree angle. Choice D is incorrect as the shoulder harness straps should be at or below the baby's shoulders, not above, to ensure proper fit and safety.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has acute pancreatitis. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased serum amylase
• B. Decreased serum lipase
• C. Elevated blood glucose
• D. Elevated calcium levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In acute pancreatitis, the nurse should expect elevated blood glucose levels. This is due to impaired insulin production by the inflamed pancreas. While serum amylase and lipase levels are typically elevated in acute pancreatitis, blood glucose levels are also affected due to the pancreatic dysfunction. Therefore, choices A and B are incorrect. Elevated calcium levels are not typically associated with acute pancreatitis, making choice D incorrect.

4. A nurse is assessing a client 2 hours after a vaginal delivery and notes that the client's uterus is boggy and displaced to the right. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform first?

• A. Assist the client to void
• B. Massage the uterus
• C. Administer oxytocin
• D. Encourage breastfeeding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A boggy and displaced uterus is often a sign of bladder distention, which can prevent the uterus from contracting effectively. The priority intervention is to assist the client to void. By emptying the bladder, the uterus can return to midline and become firm. Massaging the uterus or administering oxytocin may be necessary but should come after addressing the bladder distention. Encouraging breastfeeding is important for uterine contraction but is not the priority in this situation.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Encourage frequent ambulation
• B. Administer lorazepam
• C. Provide a low-calorie diet
• D. Administer insulin as prescribed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal is to administer lorazepam. Lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, is commonly used to manage the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal by preventing seizures and reducing agitation and anxiety. Encouraging frequent ambulation (choice A) may not be safe during alcohol withdrawal due to potential instability and confusion. Providing a low-calorie diet (choice C) is not a priority during alcohol withdrawal, as the focus is on managing withdrawal symptoms. Administering insulin as prescribed (choice D) is unrelated to managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

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