Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Blood glucose 120 mg/dL
• B. pH 7.32
• C. HCO3 25 mEq/L
• D. PaCO2 48 mm Hg

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A pH of 7.32 indicates metabolic acidosis, which is a hallmark of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). In DKA, blood glucose levels are typically elevated, bicarbonate levels are often low, and there is a compensatory respiratory response leading to a decrease in PaCO2. Option A is incorrect because a blood glucose level of 120 mg/dL is within the normal range and not indicative of DKA. Option C is incorrect because an HCO3 level of 25 mEq/L is not typically seen in DKA where bicarbonate levels are usually lower. Option D is incorrect because a PaCO2 of 48 mm Hg would not be expected in DKA; it would typically be lower due to compensatory respiratory alkalosis.

2. During a change-of-shift assessment, a nurse is evaluating four clients. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider first?

• A. A client with cystic fibrosis who has a productive cough and reports thirst
• B. A client with gastroenteritis who is lethargic and confused
• C. A client with diabetes mellitus whose blood glucose is 185 mg/dL
• D. A client with sickle cell anemia who reports pain 15 minutes after receiving analgesics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lethargy and confusion in a client with gastroenteritis are concerning findings that may indicate severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, requiring immediate intervention. While the other options are important, they do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to the altered mental status in a client with gastroenteritis.

3. A nurse is caring for an older adult who has a non-palpable skin lesion that is less than 0.5 cm in diameter. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?

• A. Vesicle
• B. Macule
• C. Papule
• D. Nodule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Macule. A macule is a non-palpable skin lesion smaller than 1 cm in diameter. In this case, the skin lesion described is less than 0.5 cm, making it consistent with a macule. Vesicle (choice A) is a small blister filled with clear fluid, papule (choice C) is a solid, raised skin lesion less than 0.5 cm in diameter, and nodule (choice D) is a palpable, solid lesion larger than 0.5 cm in diameter. Therefore, choices A, C, and D describe skin lesions that do not match the characteristics of the lesion presented in the question.

4. A nurse is caring for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client with the affected extremity lower than the heart
• B. Administer acetaminophen for pain
• C. Massage the affected extremity every 4 hours
• D. Withhold heparin IV infusion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Withholding heparin IV infusion is the priority if there is a risk of complications such as bleeding, which must be evaluated before continuing treatment.

5. A nurse on a pediatric care unit is delegating client care. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel?

• A. Initiate a dietary consult for a toddler
• B. Administer a glycerin suppository to a preschool-age child
• C. Evaluate gastric residual following intermittent feeding of an adolescent
• D. Transport a school-age child to x-ray

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because transporting a stable child to x-ray is a task that can be safely delegated to an assistive personnel. This task does not require clinical judgment or specialized skills. Choices A, B, and C involve assessments and interventions that require nursing judgment and should be performed by a qualified nurse. Initiating a dietary consult for a toddler involves assessing the child's nutritional needs and must be done by a nurse. Administering a glycerin suppository to a preschool-age child requires medication administration skills and knowledge of appropriate dosages, which are within the nurse's scope of practice. Evaluating gastric residual following intermittent feeding of an adolescent is a clinical assessment that requires interpretation and decision-making based on the findings, making it a nursing responsibility.

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