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 are the differences between viral and bacterial infections?

• A. Viral infections often cause fatigue and body aches
• B. Bacterial infections often cause high fever and localized pain
• C. Viral infections are treated with antibiotics
• D. Bacterial infections are usually self-limiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Viral infections often cause fatigue and body aches, while bacterial infections are more likely to cause high fever and localized pain. Choice A is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the symptoms commonly associated with viral infections. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, typically present with fever and localized pain, as stated in choice B. Choice C is incorrect as viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, while choice D is inaccurate because bacterial infections may require antibiotic treatment and are not always self-limiting.

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 intervention is essential for a client with dehydration?

• A. Monitor electrolyte levels regularly
• B. Administer oral rehydration solutions
• C. Increase fluid intake to maintain hydration
• D. Administer intravenous fluids to treat dehydration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering oral rehydration solutions is essential for a client with dehydration as it helps replenish lost fluids and electrolytes directly through the oral route. Monitoring electrolyte levels regularly (Choice A) is important but not as essential as providing immediate rehydration. Increasing fluid intake to maintain hydration (Choice C) may not be sufficient for a client already dehydrated and needing rapid replenishment. Administering intravenous fluids (Choice D) is a more invasive intervention typically reserved for severe cases of dehydration or when the client cannot tolerate oral fluids.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who has right-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Elevated blood glucose.
• B. Decreased urine output.
• C. Dependent edema.
• D. Jaundice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dependent edema. In right-sided heart failure, the heart is unable to effectively pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation, leading to fluid accumulation in the systemic circulation. This fluid backs up in the venous system, causing increased pressure in the veins of the body, resulting in dependent edema, usually starting in the lower extremities. Elevated blood glucose (choice A) is not directly related to right-sided heart failure. Decreased urine output (choice B) may occur in conditions like acute kidney injury but is not a specific finding of right-sided heart failure. Jaundice (choice D) is more commonly associated with liver dysfunction, not typically seen in right-sided heart failure.

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