Nursing Elites

1. A client has hypertension and a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Suggest that the client use a salt substitute
• B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
• C. Obtain a blood sample for a serum sodium level
• D. Advise the client to add citrus juices and bananas to their diet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is crucial in this situation to assess cardiac function due to the elevated potassium level. High potassium levels can lead to dangerous arrhythmias, and an ECG helps in detecting any cardiac abnormalities. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Suggesting a salt substitute can further elevate the client's potassium levels. Checking serum sodium levels is not the priority when dealing with high potassium levels. Advising the client to add citrus juices and bananas, which are high in potassium, would worsen the situation.

2. What is the primary focus of secondary prevention in community mental health care?

• A. Teaching stress-reduction techniques
• B. Early detection of mental illness
• C. Leading support groups for clients with substance use disorder
• D. Rehabilitation and prevention of further issues

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Early detection of mental illness. Secondary prevention in community mental health care focuses on identifying mental health issues at an early stage to provide timely interventions. Choice A, teaching stress-reduction techniques, is more aligned with primary prevention aimed at preventing the onset of mental health problems. Choice C, leading support groups for clients with substance use disorder, pertains more to providing specific interventions for individuals with substance use issues rather than the general focus of secondary prevention. Choice D, rehabilitation and prevention of further issues, is more related to tertiary prevention, which involves addressing existing mental health conditions and preventing complications or recurrence.

3. What is the most appropriate method for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?

• A. Insert a urinary catheter using clean gloves.
• B. Limit the duration of catheter use.
• C. Use a smaller size catheter to prevent trauma.
• D. Change the catheter tubing every 24 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Limit the duration of catheter use. Limiting the duration of catheterization is a crucial method for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Prolonged catheter use increases the risk of introducing pathogens into the urinary tract, leading to infections. Using clean gloves for insertion (choice A) is important for preventing contamination but does not address the main cause of CAUTIs. Using a smaller size catheter (choice C) may help reduce trauma but does not directly prevent infections. Changing the catheter tubing every 24 hours (choice D) is not necessary unless clinically indicated, and it is not the most effective method for preventing CAUTIs.

4. A nurse is assigned to care for a client with unstable blood pressure. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Monitor the client every two hours.
• B. Continuously monitor the client's vital signs.
• C. Wait for the healthcare provider to provide instructions.
• D. Ask the healthcare provider for specific instructions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the case of a client with unstable blood pressure, the priority action for the nurse is to continuously monitor the client's vital signs. This allows for immediate detection of any fluctuations in blood pressure and timely intervention if necessary. Choice A, monitoring every two hours, may not provide real-time information needed for prompt intervention. Choices C and D suggest waiting for instructions from the healthcare provider, which could cause a delay in addressing the unstable blood pressure, potentially leading to adverse outcomes. Therefore, the most appropriate initial action is to continuously monitor the client's vital signs.

5. Which of the following best describes a somatic symptom disorder?

• A. Client experiences sudden onset of symptoms due to stress
• B. Physical manifestations occur due to underlying medical conditions
• C. Client has excessive preoccupation with physical symptoms without a medical cause
• D. Client avoids medical care due to fear of receiving a diagnosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by individuals having excessive preoccupation with physical symptoms that may or may not have an identifiable medical cause. Choice A is incorrect because the sudden onset of symptoms due to stress is more indicative of acute stress reaction. Choice B is incorrect as it describes physical manifestations related to known medical conditions, not somatic symptom disorder. Choice D is incorrect as it relates to health anxiety or illness anxiety disorder, where individuals avoid seeking medical care due to fear of receiving a diagnosis.

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