Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving opioid analgesics for pain management. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Respiratory rate of 20/min
• B. Blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg
• C. Heart rate of 88/min
• D. Oxygen saturation of 94%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A heart rate of 88/min is a normal finding; therefore, it does not require immediate reporting to the provider. The respiratory rate of 20/min, blood pressure of 118/76 mm Hg, and oxygen saturation of 94% are also within normal ranges and do not indicate any immediate concerns. However, a serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can be a serious issue and should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and management.

2. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with fluid overload in heart failure?

• A. Monitor daily weight
• B. Check for edema
• C. Monitor intake and output
• D. Administer diuretics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring daily weight is crucial in managing a patient with fluid overload in heart failure. Weight fluctuations can indicate fluid retention or loss, guiding healthcare professionals in adjusting treatment. While checking for edema (Choice B) and monitoring intake and output (Choice C) are important aspects of patient care, they are not as direct in assessing fluid overload as daily weight monitoring. Administering diuretics (Choice D) is a treatment option based on the assessment of fluid overload, making it a secondary intervention compared to monitoring weight.

3. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has mild persistent asthma and has been prescribed montelukast. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. This medication can be used to help you during an acute asthma attack.
• B. This medication helps decrease swelling and mucus production.
• C. This medication should be taken before exercise.
• D. This medication should be taken daily in the evening.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Montelukast should be taken daily in the evening for long-term control of asthma, rather than for immediate relief. Choice A is incorrect because montelukast is not used for acute asthma attacks. Choice B is incorrect as montelukast works by blocking leukotrienes, not by decreasing swelling and mucus production. Choice C is incorrect as montelukast is not specifically taken before exercise.

4. A client is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of hypocalcemia?

• A. Constipation
• B. Numbness and tingling of the fingers
• C. Increased thirst
• D. Frequent urination

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Numbness and tingling of the fingers are classic signs of hypocalcemia, a condition that may result from inadvertent damage to the parathyroid glands during a thyroidectomy. These symptoms occur due to decreased levels of calcium in the bloodstream affecting nerve function. Choices A, C, and D are not typical manifestations of hypocalcemia. Constipation is more associated with hypercalcemia, increased thirst can be seen in diabetes or dehydration, and frequent urination is a symptom more commonly linked to conditions like diabetes or urinary tract issues.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for lisinopril. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I may experience a persistent cough while taking this medication.
• B. I should take this medication with food.
• C. I should increase my intake of potassium-rich foods.
• D. I should stop taking this medication if I develop a headache.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'I may experience a persistent cough while taking this medication.' Lisinopril is known to cause a persistent cough as a common side effect. This statement indicates that the client understands the potential side effect associated with the medication. Choice B is incorrect because lisinopril is typically taken on an empty stomach. Choice C is incorrect as increasing potassium-rich foods without healthcare provider guidance can lead to hyperkalemia. Choice D is incorrect because a headache is not a common reason to stop taking lisinopril.

Similar Questions