Nursing Elites

1. A client has generalized petechiae and ecchymoses. The nurse should expect a prescription for which of the following laboratory tests?

• A. Platelet count
• B. Potassium level
• C. Creatinine clearance
• D. Prealbumin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Generalized petechiae and ecchymoses can indicate a potential issue with platelet function or count. Therefore, the most relevant laboratory test to evaluate this condition would be a platelet count. Platelet count helps assess the number of platelets in the blood, which are crucial for clotting and preventing bleeding. Monitoring platelet levels can provide important information about a client's bleeding risk and overall hematologic health.

2. A client complains of difficulty swallowing when the nurse tries to administer capsule medication. Which of the following measures should the nurse take?

• A. Dissolve the capsule in a glass of water
• B. Break the capsule and give the contents with applesauce
• C. Check the availability of a liquid preparation
• D. Crush the capsule and place it under the tongue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client has difficulty swallowing capsule medication, the nurse should check the availability of a liquid preparation. This is a safer approach and ensures that the medication's integrity is maintained, providing an alternative form that is easier for the client to take. Dissolving the capsule in water (choice A) may alter the medication's effectiveness, breaking the capsule and mixing the contents with applesauce (choice B) is not recommended as it may cause an unpleasant taste, and crushing the capsule and placing it under the tongue (choice D) can be unsafe and affect the medication's absorption.

3. A client is being educated by a healthcare provider on the purpose of taking a bronchodilator. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. ''This medication can decrease my immune response.''
• B. ''I take this medication to prevent asthma attacks.''
• C. ''I need to take this medication with food.''
• D. ''This medication has a slow onset to treat my symptoms.''

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'I take this medication to prevent asthma attacks.' Bronchodilators are commonly used to relieve bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma. This medication helps to dilate the airways, making it easier to breathe and preventing asthma attacks. The other options are incorrect: option A is inaccurate as bronchodilators do not decrease immune responses, option C is incorrect as bronchodilators are typically taken on an empty stomach for better absorption, and option D is false as bronchodilators have a rapid onset to provide quick relief of symptoms.

4. Which of the following vascular system changes result from aging?

• A. Increased peripheral resistance of the blood vessels
• B. Decreased blood flow
• C. Increased workload of the left ventricle
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: As individuals age, various changes occur in the vascular system. These changes include increased peripheral resistance of the blood vessels, decreased blood flow, and an increased workload of the left ventricle. Therefore, all the listed changes result from aging, making option D, 'All of the above,' the correct answer.

5. Which of the following scenarios represents nursing malpractice?

• A. The nurse administers penicillin to a patient with a documented history of allergy to the drug. The patient experiences an allergic reaction and suffers cerebral damage due to anoxia.
• B. The nurse applies a hot water bottle or a heating pad to the abdomen of a patient with abdominal cramping.
• C. The nurse assists a patient out of bed with the bed locked in position; the patient slips and fractures his right humerus.
• D. The nurse administers the wrong medication to a patient, resulting in vomiting. This error is documented and reported to the physician and the nursing supervisor.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Administering a drug to a patient with a known allergy, leading to severe harm such as an allergic reaction causing cerebral damage due to anoxia, constitutes nursing malpractice. In this scenario, the nurse failed to adhere to the standard of care by administering a medication that the patient was allergic to, resulting in serious harm, which is a clear example of malpractice in nursing.

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