Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client with diabetes mellitus experiencing DKA, which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Tremors
• B. Urine retention
• C. Kussmaul respirations
• D. Bradypnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are a type of deep and labored breathing pattern associated with severe metabolic acidosis, commonly observed in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate, resulting in Kussmaul respirations. This helps eliminate excess carbon dioxide and reduce the acidity of the blood. Tremors (Choice A) are not typically associated with DKA. Urine retention (Choice B) is not a common finding in DKA; in fact, clients with DKA often have polyuria due to the osmotic diuresis caused by high blood glucose levels. Bradypnea (Choice D), which is abnormally slow breathing rate, is not a characteristic finding in DKA where the respiratory rate is usually increased to compensate for metabolic acidosis.

2. Which of the following techniques should be used to insert an indwelling urinary catheter for a female client?

• A. Use sterile technique.
• B. Insert the catheter 2-3 inches into the urethra.
• C. Inflate the balloon after insertion.
• D. Lubricate the catheter tip before insertion.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lubricating the catheter tip before insertion is crucial for female urinary catheterization. This step helps reduce discomfort for the patient and facilitates smooth catheter insertion into the urethra. Using sterile technique maintains asepsis during the procedure, inserting the catheter 2-3 inches ensures proper placement, and inflating the balloon after insertion secures the catheter in place without causing trauma. Proper technique is fundamental for patient comfort, preventing infection, and ensuring the success of the catheterization procedure.

3. During postoperative teaching following a hip arthroplasty, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid lying on your operative side.
• B. Cross your legs at the ankles only.
• C. Place a pillow between your legs when turning.
• D. Avoid bending your hip more than 120 degrees.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include during postoperative teaching following a hip arthroplasty is to 'Place a pillow between your legs when turning.' Placing a pillow between the legs when turning is crucial as it helps prevent dislocation of the hip prosthesis. This position aids in maintaining proper alignment and stability, thereby reducing the risk of complications after hip arthroplasty surgery. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the specific action needed to protect the hip prosthesis and prevent complications.

4. A healthcare provider is planning to administer medications to a client who is receiving enteral feedings through an NG tube. Which of the following actions should the healthcare provider plan to take?

• A. Dissolve each medication in 5 mL of sterile water.
• B. Administer medications through a secondary infusion.
• C. Mix medications with the enteral feeding.
• D. Flush the NG tube with 30 mL of water before and after administering medications.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Flushing the NG tube with water before and after administering medications is essential to prevent clogging of the tube and ensure proper delivery of medication. This practice helps maintain tube patency and decreases the risk of obstruction, which could compromise the client's treatment and nutrition. By flushing the tube, the healthcare provider ensures that the medication is completely delivered and that there are no residual drug particles left in the tube, which could lead to blockages or inconsistent dosing. Therefore, flushing the NG tube is a crucial step in the safe administration of medications to clients receiving enteral feedings. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Dissolving medications in sterile water (Choice A) may not be suitable for all drugs, as some medications may require specific diluents. Administering medications through a secondary infusion (Choice B) is not the standard practice for enteral medication administration. Mixing medications with the enteral feeding (Choice C) can cause interactions between medications and the feeding formula, affecting their absorption and effectiveness.

5. A client has a new diagnosis of hyperkalemia and is receiving teaching from a healthcare provider on dietary management. Which of the following statements should the healthcare provider include in the teaching?

• A. You should increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.
• B. You should decrease your intake of potassium-rich foods.
• C. You should avoid foods that contain lactose.
• D. You should increase your intake of dairy products.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'You should decrease your intake of potassium-rich foods.' Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by excess potassium in the blood. To manage hyperkalemia effectively, it is crucial to reduce the intake of potassium-rich foods. This helps in lowering the overall potassium levels in the body and prevents complications associated with hyperkalemia. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing the intake of potassium-rich foods (Choice A) would exacerbate hyperkalemia. Avoiding foods that contain lactose (Choice C) is not directly related to managing hyperkalemia. Increasing the intake of dairy products (Choice D) is not recommended as they can be a significant source of dietary potassium.

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