Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic kidney disease. The nurse should identify which of the following laboratory values as an indication for hemodialysis?

• A. Glomerular filtration rate of 14 mL/min
• B. BUN 16 mg/dL
• C. Serum magnesium 1.8 mg/dL
• D. Serum phosphorus 4.0 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 14 mL/min is significantly low, indicating poor kidney function and the need for hemodialysis to remove waste products effectively. BUN, serum magnesium, and serum phosphorus levels are important in assessing kidney function and electrolyte balance but are not direct indicators for the initiation of hemodialysis. BUN (blood urea nitrogen) reflects the kidney's ability to filter waste products, serum magnesium levels are important for muscle and nerve function, and serum phosphorus levels are vital for bone health.

2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with hyperkalemia?

• A. Administer calcium gluconate
• B. Administer insulin
• C. Administer sodium bicarbonate
• D. Administer a diuretic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer calcium gluconate. In hyperkalemia, the priority is to protect the heart from potential complications like arrhythmias. Calcium gluconate is the first-line treatment as it stabilizes the cardiac cell membrane. Insulin (Choice B) and sodium bicarbonate (Choice C) can be used in conjunction with other treatments to shift potassium into cells, but calcium gluconate is the priority. Administering a diuretic (Choice D) is not the primary intervention for hyperkalemia and can even worsen the condition by reducing potassium excretion.

3. A nurse is providing teaching to a client with asthma. Which of the following client statements indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I should use my albuterol inhaler before I exercise.
• B. I should avoid using my inhaler more than twice a week.
• C. I should take my inhaler only when I feel short of breath.
• D. I should rinse my mouth after using my corticosteroid inhaler.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the client stating they should only take the inhaler when feeling short of breath indicates a need for further teaching. Clients with asthma should use their inhaler as prescribed, not just when short of breath. Choices A, B, and D demonstrate good asthma management practices. Choice A indicates understanding of using the albuterol inhaler before exercise to prevent exercise-induced symptoms. Choice B mentions the importance of not overusing the inhaler, which can indicate poor asthma control. Choice D shows awareness of rinsing the mouth after using a corticosteroid inhaler to prevent oral thrush.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure and is receiving furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is developing hypokalemia?

• A. Positive Trousseau's sign.
• B. Hyperactive reflexes.
• C. Hypoactive bowel sounds.
• D. Decreased deep-tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Positive Trousseau's sign. When a patient receiving furosemide is developing hypokalemia, they may exhibit a positive Trousseau's sign, an indication of low potassium levels. This sign is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic pressure for a few minutes, resulting in carpal spasm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Hyperactive reflexes are associated with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. Hypoactive bowel sounds are not specifically related to hypokalemia. Decreased deep-tendon reflexes are not typically seen in hypokalemia.

5. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing delusions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Tell the client that their delusions are not real
• B. Encourage the client to explore the meaning behind their delusions
• C. Focus on the client's feelings rather than the delusions
• D. Challenge the client's delusions directly

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In caring for a client with schizophrenia experiencing delusions, it is essential to focus on the client's feelings rather than directly addressing or challenging the delusions. By focusing on the client's emotions, the nurse can build trust and rapport without reinforcing the delusions. Choice A is incorrect because directly telling the client that their delusions are not real may lead to confrontation or mistrust. Choice B is incorrect as encouraging exploration of the delusions may further validate them. Choice D is incorrect because challenging the client's delusions can escalate the situation and damage the therapeutic relationship.

Similar Questions