Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure and is receiving furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is developing hypokalemia?

• A. Positive Trousseau's sign.
• B. Hyperactive reflexes.
• C. Hypoactive bowel sounds.
• D. Decreased deep-tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Positive Trousseau's sign. When a patient receiving furosemide is developing hypokalemia, they may exhibit a positive Trousseau's sign, an indication of low potassium levels. This sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure for a few minutes, resulting in carpal spasm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Hyperactive reflexes are associated with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. Hypoactive bowel sounds are not specifically related to hypokalemia. Decreased deep-tendon reflexes are not typically seen in hypokalemia.

2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. You should avoid consuming foods high in vitamin K.
• B. Take this medication at the same time each day.
• C. Monitor for signs of bruising and bleeding.
• D. Have your INR checked every 4 weeks.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to advise the client to avoid consuming foods high in vitamin K. Foods rich in vitamin K, such as leafy greens, can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin, an anticoagulant medication. Therefore, it is important for clients on warfarin therapy to maintain consistent vitamin K intake to keep their INR levels stable. The other options are also important but not the priority in the context of warfarin therapy. Ingesting foods high in vitamin K can affect the medication's efficacy, making it crucial to highlight this dietary consideration during client education.

3. A nurse is planning to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which of the following should the nurse do to prevent an adverse transfusion reaction?

• A. Verify the client's blood type with the provider's prescription
• B. Ensure the client's consent for the transfusion is on file
• C. Administer a diuretic prior to starting the transfusion
• D. Check the client's temperature prior to the transfusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to verify the client's blood type with the provider's prescription. This is crucial to prevent an adverse transfusion reaction due to incompatibility. Ensuring the blood type matches before starting the transfusion is a standard safety practice. Option B, ensuring client consent, is important but not directly related to preventing a transfusion reaction. Option C, administering a diuretic, is unnecessary and can be harmful in this context. Option D, checking the client's temperature, is important for general assessment but not specifically focused on preventing a transfusion reaction.

4. A client who is at 38 weeks gestation, is in active labor, and has ruptured membranes. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
• B. Apply fetal heart rate monitor
• C. Initiate fundal massage
• D. Initiate an oxytocin IV infusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Applying a fetal heart rate monitor is the priority action in this scenario as it helps assess the well-being of the fetus during labor. This monitoring is crucial to detect any signs of fetal distress and guide interventions. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter (Choice A) is not a priority at this time unless there are specific indications. Initiating fundal massage (Choice C) is not necessary in this situation as the focus should be on fetal assessment. Initiating an oxytocin IV infusion (Choice D) is not indicated until the stage of labor and the progress of labor are determined.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Apply heat to the incision site.
• B. Keep the client's knee flexed while in bed.
• C. Place a pillow under the client's knee while in bed.
• D. Place a pillow under the client's lower legs.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Placing a pillow under the client's lower legs is the correct intervention because it helps prevent pressure on the incision site and promotes circulation. Elevating the lower legs also aids in reducing swelling and improving blood flow. Applying heat to the incision site (Choice A) is contraindicated in the early postoperative period as it can increase inflammation and the risk of infection. Keeping the client's knee flexed while in bed (Choice B) may lead to contractures or limited extension of the knee joint. Placing a pillow under the client's knee (Choice C) may cause hyperextension of the knee, which is also not recommended post knee arthroplasty.

Similar Questions