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 nurse sees a variety of patients in the community health clinic. Which of the following patients would be at the greatest risk of dehydration?

• A. An 18-year-old basketball player with a stress fracture of the right foot
• B. An infant with diarrhea
• C. A 45-year-old with stomach flu
• D. An elderly patient living alone

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Infants are particularly vulnerable to dehydration due to diarrhea because they have a higher fluid turnover and less reserve. Option A, the 18-year-old basketball player with a stress fracture, is less likely to be at the greatest risk of dehydration compared to an infant with diarrhea. Option C, the 45-year-old with stomach flu, may experience dehydration but is not at the same level of risk as an infant with diarrhea. Option D, the elderly patient living alone, could be at risk of dehydration, but infants with diarrhea are at the greatest risk due to their unique physiological characteristics.

3. What fluid is found in spaces between the cells?

• A. Intracellular fluid
• B. Interstitial fluid
• C. Plasma
• D. Electrolyte

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Interstitial fluid. Interstitial fluid is the fluid that surrounds and occupies the spaces between cells, providing them with nutrients and removing waste. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because intracellular fluid refers to fluid inside cells, plasma refers to the liquid component of blood, and electrolyte refers to substances that dissociate into ions in solution, affecting fluid balance but not specifically found in spaces between cells.

4. You are working on a burns unit, and one of your acutely ill patients is exhibiting signs and symptoms of third spacing. Based on this change in status, you should expect the patient to exhibit signs and symptoms of what imbalance?

• A. Metabolic alkalosis
• B. Hypermagnesemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hypovolemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Third spacing refers to the loss of fluid from the intravascular space into the interstitial or third space, leading to a decrease in circulating blood volume. This condition results in hypovolemia, which is characterized by decreased blood volume. Metabolic alkalosis, hypermagnesemia, and hypercalcemia are not directly associated with third spacing. Metabolic alkalosis is an acid-base imbalance, hypermagnesemia is an excess of magnesium in the blood, and hypercalcemia is an excess of calcium in the blood, none of which are the primary concerns in cases of third spacing.

5. A client at risk for developing hyperkalemia states, 'I love fruit and usually eat it every day, but now I can't because of my high potassium level.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. Potatoes and avocados can be substituted for fruit.
• B. If you cook the fruit, the amount of potassium will be lower.
• C. Berries, cherries, apples, and peaches are low in potassium.
• D. You are correct. Fruit is very high in potassium.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Berries, cherries, apples, and peaches are indeed low in potassium, making them suitable choices for someone at risk for hyperkalemia. Choice A is incorrect because potatoes and avocados are high in potassium and should be avoided in this situation. Choice B is incorrect because cooking fruit does not significantly lower its potassium content. Choice D is incorrect as it provides incorrect information, as not all fruits are very high in potassium.

Similar Questions