Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has an altered mental status and has become aggressive. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse clarify with the provider prior to administration?

• A. Haloperidol
• B. Zolpidem
• C. Morphine
• D. Lorazepam

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Zolpidem. Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medication that can worsen altered mental status, especially in clients who are already aggressive. Therefore, the nurse should clarify this prescription with the provider before administration to ensure it is safe for the client. Choice A, Haloperidol, is an antipsychotic commonly used to manage aggression in clients with altered mental status, making it an appropriate choice in this scenario. Choice C, Morphine, is an opioid analgesic and would not directly impact the client's altered mental status or aggression. Choice D, Lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine used to manage anxiety and agitation, which could be beneficial in this situation but does not have the same potential to exacerbate altered mental status as Zolpidem.

2. What is the nurse's priority when caring for a client with a tracheostomy who is showing signs of respiratory distress?

• A. Administer a bronchodilator
• B. Suction the tracheostomy
• C. Notify the physician immediately
• D. Increase the oxygen flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy. When a client with a tracheostomy is experiencing respiratory distress, the priority intervention is to clear the airway by suctioning the tracheostomy to remove secretions that may be obstructing the air passage. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice A) may be considered if bronchospasm is present, but the immediate focus should be on clearing the airway. Notifying the physician (Choice C) is important but should not delay the immediate intervention of suctioning. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice D) may provide temporary relief, but addressing the root cause of the distress by suctioning is the priority.

3. A client is having difficulty voiding after removal of an indwelling urinary catheter. What should the nurse do?

• A. Assess for bladder distention after 6 hours
• B. Encourage the client to use a bedpan in the supine position
• C. Restrict the client's intake of oral fluids
• D. Pour warm water over the client's perineum

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to pour warm water over the client's perineum. This action helps stimulate voiding post-catheterization by promoting relaxation and providing sensory input. Assessing for bladder distention after 6 hours (Choice A) is important but not the immediate intervention needed for difficulty voiding. Encouraging the client to use a bedpan in the supine position (Choice B) may not effectively address the issue of post-catheterization voiding difficulty. Restricting the client's intake of oral fluids (Choice C) is not appropriate and can lead to dehydration, which is not helpful in promoting voiding.

4. What are the key nursing interventions for a patient receiving diuretic therapy?

• A. Monitor electrolyte levels and administer potassium as needed
• B. Restrict fluid intake and provide a low-sodium diet
• C. Encourage oral fluids and increase dietary potassium
• D. Provide high-sodium foods to improve electrolyte balance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor electrolyte levels and administer potassium as needed. Patients on diuretic therapy are at risk of electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium levels. Monitoring electrolytes and administering potassium as needed are crucial nursing interventions to prevent imbalances. Choice B is incorrect because restricting fluid intake and providing a low-sodium diet are not typically indicated for patients on diuretic therapy. Choice C is incorrect as encouraging oral fluids and increasing dietary potassium can exacerbate electrolyte imbalances in patients on diuretics. Choice D is incorrect as providing high-sodium foods would worsen electrolyte balance issues in patients on diuretic therapy.

5. A nurse is teaching a client who is to undergo total knee arthroplasty about postoperative care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Apply heat to the affected knee
• B. Avoid placing pillows under the knee
• C. Avoid moving the knee for 2-3 days
• D. Apply ice to the affected knee for 24-48 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to apply ice to the affected knee for 24-48 hours. Applying ice helps to reduce inflammation and pain after knee surgery, promoting healing. Choice A is incorrect because heat is not recommended postoperatively, as it can increase swelling. Choice B is incorrect because pillows should be placed under the knee to keep it elevated. Choice C is incorrect because early mobilization is essential for preventing complications such as blood clots.

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