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 nurse is providing teaching to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus about foot care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Soak your feet in warm water daily.
• B. Wear cotton socks.
• C. Trim your toenails straight across.
• D. Apply lotion to your feet after bathing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Trim your toenails straight across.' Trimming toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown toenails, which is important for clients with diabetes to prevent infections. Choice A is incorrect because soaking feet in warm water can lead to skin breakdown and infections. Choice B is incorrect as cotton socks can retain moisture, increasing the risk of fungal infections. Choice D is also incorrect as applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment, increasing the risk of infections.

3. A healthcare provider is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of hypertension about dietary management. Which of the following foods should the healthcare provider instruct the client to avoid?

• A. Bananas
• B. Carrots
• C. Bacon
• D. Chicken breast

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Bacon is high in sodium, which can elevate blood pressure levels. Clients with hypertension should avoid high-sodium foods like bacon to help manage their blood pressure. Choices A, B, and D are healthier options compared to bacon and can be included in a balanced diet for someone with hypertension. Bananas are a good source of potassium, which can help in managing blood pressure. Carrots are low in sodium and high in fiber, making them a heart-healthy choice. Chicken breast is a lean protein option that is beneficial for individuals with hypertension.

4. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Serum potassium 5.4 mEq/L
• B. Flat T waves
• C. Elevated ST segments
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Flat T waves are a characteristic ECG finding in hypokalemia. Hypokalemia causes a decrease in serum potassium levels, leading to altered cardiac conduction. Flat T waves are associated with hypokalemia-induced cardiac dysrhythmias. Elevated ST segments are typically seen in conditions like myocardial infarction, not in hypokalemia. Bradycardia is not a typical manifestation of hypokalemia; instead, tachycardia may occur due to potassium imbalances affecting the heart's electrical activity.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Hypotension.
• B. Weight loss.
• C. Hyperkalemia.
• D. Hypercalcemia.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In clients with Cushing's syndrome, the nurse should expect hyperkalemia. Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol levels, which can lead to potassium retention and result in hyperkalemia. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Hypotension is not typically associated with Cushing's syndrome; instead, hypertension is more common due to the effects of cortisol. Weight gain, rather than weight loss, is a common symptom of Cushing's syndrome. Hypercalcemia is not a typical finding in Cushing's syndrome; instead, hypocalcemia may occur due to increased urinary calcium excretion.

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