Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client with hypokalemia and notes that the client's handgrip strength has diminished since the previous assessment 1 hour ago. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Assess the client's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth.
• B. Measure the client's pulse and blood pressure.
• C. Document findings and monitor the client.
• D. Call the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with hypokalemia experiencing diminished handgrip strength, the priority action for the nurse is to assess the client's respiratory rate, rhythm, and depth. Hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness, including respiratory muscles, potentially causing respiratory distress. Assessing the respiratory status is crucial to determine if immediate interventions are needed to maintain adequate oxygenation. Measuring the client's pulse and blood pressure (Choice B) is important but should come after assessing the respiratory status. Simply documenting findings and monitoring the client (Choice C) may delay necessary interventions. Calling the healthcare provider (Choice D) is not the first action indicated in this situation; assessing the client's respiratory status takes precedence.

2. A patient admitted with a gastrointestinal bleed and anemia is receiving a blood transfusion. Based on the patient's hypotensive blood pressure, the nurse anticipates an order for IV fluids from the physician. Which of the following IV solutions may be administered with blood products?

• A. D5 and 0.45% Normal Saline
• B. Lactated Ringer's
• C. 5% dextrose in water
• D. 0.9% NaCl

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 0.9% NaCl. The only IV solution that can be administered with blood products is normal saline (0.9% NaCl). This solution is compatible with most blood products and is commonly used during transfusions to maintain hemodynamic stability. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A, D5 and 0.45% Normal Saline, contains dextrose and is not recommended to be given simultaneously with blood products. Choice B, Lactated Ringer's, contains calcium, which can cause coagulation and should not be mixed with blood. Choice C, 5% dextrose in water, is hypotonic and not suitable to be administered with blood products.

3. A nurse evaluates the following arterial blood gas values in a client: pH 7.48, PaO2 98 mm Hg, PaCO2 28 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which client condition should the nurse correlate with these results?

• A. Diarrhea and vomiting for 36 hours
• B. . Anxiety-induced hyperventilation
• C. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• D. Diabetic ketoacidosis and emphysema

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

4. While assessing clients on a medical-surgical unit, which client is at risk for hypokalemia?

• A. Client with pancreatitis who has continuous nasogastric suctioning
• B. Client who is prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
• C. Client in a motor vehicle crash who is receiving 6 units of packed red blood cells
• D. Client with uncontrolled diabetes and a serum pH level of 7.33

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous nasogastric suctioning can lead to hypokalemia due to the loss of gastric contents rich in potassium. Therefore, a client with pancreatitis who has continuous nasogastric suctioning is at risk for hypokalemia. Option B is incorrect because ACE inhibitors may lead to hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. Option C is incorrect as receiving packed red blood cells can lead to hyperkalemia due to the potassium content in the blood product. Option D is incorrect because a serum pH level of 7.33 indicates acidosis, which is not directly associated with hypokalemia.

5. A nurse evaluates a clients arterial blood gas values (ABGs): pH 7.30, PaO2 86 mm Hg, PaCO2 55 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Assess the airway.
• B. Administer prescribed bronchodilators.
• C. Provide oxygen.
• D. Administer prescribed mucolytics

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

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