Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic kidney disease and a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer sodium bicarbonate
• B. Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• C. Administer calcium gluconate
• D. Administer calcium carbonate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate. This medication promotes potassium excretion and helps lower serum potassium levels in clients with hyperkalemia, which is indicated by a high potassium level. Sodium bicarbonate (choice A) is not used to treat hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate (choice C) and calcium carbonate (choice D) are used to manage hyperkalemia by stabilizing cell membranes but are not the initial treatment choice for lowering potassium levels.

2. A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative following a laminectomy. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Elevate the client's legs while in bed.
• B. Reposition the client every 2 hours.
• C. Maintain bed rest for the first 24 hours postoperatively.
• D. Ambulate the client on the first postoperative day.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ambulating the client on the first postoperative day is crucial to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and aid in the recovery process. Elevating the legs while in bed can help with circulation but is not as effective in preventing complications related to immobility post-surgery. Repositioning every 2 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers but does not directly address postoperative care. Maintaining bed rest for the first 24 hours postoperatively can increase the risk of complications associated with immobility, making early ambulation a more appropriate intervention.

3. A client who has a new diagnosis of hypertension is being taught about dietary modifications by a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Limit fluid intake to 2 liters per day.
• B. Increase your intake of whole grains.
• C. Eat 3 large meals daily.
• D. Consume foods high in potassium.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Increase your intake of whole grains.' Whole grains are beneficial for individuals with hypertension as they can help promote heart health. Whole grains are high in fiber, which can help lower blood pressure. Option A is incorrect as fluid intake should be adequate but not restricted to 2 liters per day. Option C is incorrect as it is recommended to have smaller, more frequent meals rather than 3 large meals to help manage hypertension. Option D is incorrect; although foods high in potassium can be beneficial for hypertension, the most appropriate dietary modification to include in this scenario is increasing whole grain intake.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of digoxin to a client who has heart failure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take prior to administering the medication?

• A. Monitor the client's respiratory rate.
• B. Assess the client's apical pulse.
• C. Review the client's potassium level.
• D. Monitor the client's fluid intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take prior to administering digoxin is to assess the client's apical pulse. Digoxin is known to affect the heart rate, potentially causing bradycardia. Monitoring the client's respiratory rate (Choice A) is not directly related to administering digoxin. Reviewing the client's potassium level (Choice C) is important but not a direct prerequisite for administering digoxin. Monitoring the client's fluid intake (Choice D) is also important but not a specific action to take just before administering digoxin.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is recovering from a myocardial infarction. Which of the following client statements indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will take a daily aspirin to prevent another heart attack.
• B. I should expect to experience chest pain when I exercise.
• C. I will increase my intake of saturated fats.
• D. I will participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Increasing the intake of saturated fats can raise cholesterol levels, which is not recommended after a myocardial infarction. Choices A, B, and D are all appropriate statements indicating a good understanding of post-myocardial infarction care. Taking a daily aspirin can help prevent another heart attack, experiencing chest pain with exercise is a common expectation post-myocardial infarction, and participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program is important for recovery and improving heart health.

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