Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Numbness of the extremities.
• B. Abdominal cramping.
• C. Bradycardia.
• D. Positive Chvostek's sign.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Abdominal cramping is a common manifestation of hyponatremia, as the sodium imbalance affects muscle function. Numbness of the extremities (Choice A) is more commonly associated with electrolyte imbalances such as hypocalcemia. Bradycardia (Choice C) is not typically a direct manifestation of hyponatremia. Positive Chvostek's sign (Choice D) is related to hypocalcemia, not hyponatremia.

2. What are the key interventions in managing a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

• A. Administer insulin and fluids
• B. Administer oral hypoglycemics
• C. Administer glucagon
• D. Administer insulin and monitor blood glucose

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention in managing a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is to administer insulin and fluids. Insulin is crucial to correct hyperglycemia, while fluids are important to address dehydration. Administering oral hypoglycemics (Choice B) is not appropriate in the management of DKA as the patient may not be able to absorb oral medications due to gastrointestinal issues. Glucagon (Choice C) is not indicated in the treatment of DKA. Although monitoring blood glucose (Choice D) is important, it is not the sole key intervention for managing DKA; administering insulin and fluids are the primary interventions.

3. A client with hypokalemia is commonly expected to present with which of the following findings?

• A. Muscle weakness
• B. Nausea
• C. Tingling sensation
• D. Increased thirst

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscle weakness. Hypokalemia is characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to muscle weakness. This occurs because potassium is essential for proper muscle function, and a deficiency can impair muscle strength. Nausea (choice B) is not a typical finding associated with hypokalemia. Tingling sensation (choice C) is more commonly linked to issues like nerve damage or poor blood circulation, rather than hypokalemia. Increased thirst (choice D) is not a direct symptom of hypokalemia; it is more commonly seen in conditions like diabetes or dehydration.

4. What are the risk factors for developing pneumonia in older adults?

• A. Immobility and decreased lung function
• B. Poor hygiene and aspiration
• C. Use of respiratory equipment and medications
• D. Poor nutritional status and compromised immune system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Immobility and decreased lung function. Older adults with immobility and decreased lung function are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia. Immobility can lead to decreased lung expansion and impaired clearance of secretions, predisposing to pneumonia. While poor hygiene, aspiration, use of respiratory equipment, medications, poor nutritional status, and compromised immune system can also contribute to pneumonia risk, they are not as directly associated with pneumonia in older adults as immobility and decreased lung function.

5. A patient took an overdose of acetaminophen. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer to the patient?

• A. Naloxone
• B. Acetylcysteine
• C. Flumazenil
• D. Activated charcoal

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose. It works by replenishing glutathione, a key component in detoxifying acetaminophen metabolites, thus preventing liver damage. Naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdose, not acetaminophen. Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antidote. Activated charcoal is used to limit absorption in cases of poisoning, but it is not the antidote for acetaminophen overdose.

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