Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse expect to be elevated?

• A. Serum albumin.
• B. Ammonia.
• C. Bilirubin.
• D. Prothrombin time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ammonia. In clients with cirrhosis, impaired liver function can lead to elevated levels of ammonia in the blood. Elevated ammonia levels can result in hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by altered mental status. Serum albumin (Choice A) is typically decreased in cirrhosis due to the liver's reduced synthetic function. Bilirubin (Choice C) levels can be elevated in liver disease but may not always be the most specific marker for cirrhosis. Prothrombin time (Choice D) is prolonged in cirrhosis due to impaired liver synthesis of clotting factors.

2. A client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty is at risk for hip dislocation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent this complication?

• A. Position the client supine with a pillow between the legs
• B. Place a pillow under the client's knees
• C. Place an abduction pillow between the client's legs
• D. Place a trochanter roll under the client's legs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After a total hip arthroplasty, it is crucial to prevent hip dislocation. Placing an abduction pillow between the client's legs helps maintain proper alignment and prevents the hip from dislocating. This position aids in keeping the hip in a neutral or slightly outwardly rotated position, reducing the risk of dislocation. Placing the client supine with a pillow between the legs (Choice A) or using a trochanter roll (Choice D) may not provide the same level of abduction and support needed to prevent hip dislocation. Placing a pillow under the client's knees (Choice B) does not provide the necessary support to maintain proper hip alignment in this situation.

3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most concerning in a patient on furosemide?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion by increasing its excretion in the urine. Hypokalemia is a common and concerning side effect of furosemide therapy. Hyperkalemia (Choice A) is less likely as furosemide tends to lower potassium levels. Hyponatremia (Choice C) is more commonly seen with thiazide diuretics. Hypercalcemia (Choice D) is not directly associated with furosemide use.

4. A client in active labor has ruptured membranes. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Apply a fetal heart rate monitor.
• B. Initiate fundal massage.
• C. Administer oxytocin IV.
• D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client in active labor has ruptured membranes, the priority action for the nurse is to apply a fetal heart rate monitor. This is crucial for continuous monitoring of the baby's heart rate and ensuring fetal well-being. Initiating fundal massage may be indicated for uterine atony after delivery, not for ruptured membranes during labor. Administering oxytocin IV could be appropriate in some cases to augment labor, but it is not the immediate priority after ruptured membranes. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not necessary solely based on ruptured membranes; it may be indicated for specific situations like epidural anesthesia where the client cannot void.

5. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who has Cushing's disease. Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider expect?

• A. Decreased serum glucose level
• B. Increased lymphocyte count
• C. Increased serum potassium level
• D. Decreased serum sodium level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In Cushing's disease, there is increased cortisol production, which can lead to various metabolic disturbances. One of the common findings is an increased serum potassium level. The other options are incorrect because Cushing's disease typically causes hyperglycemia, not decreased serum glucose levels (A), lymphocytopenia, not increased lymphocyte count (B), and hyponatremia, not decreased serum sodium level (D).

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