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. A client has a new prescription for clopidogrel. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with food
• B. Take this medication three times daily
• C. You might have to stop taking this medication 5 days before any planned surgeries
• D. Expect to have black-colored stools while taking this medication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When instructing a client who is prescribed clopidogrel, the nurse should include information about stopping the medication 5 days before any planned surgeries to reduce the risk of bleeding. This is crucial to prevent excessive bleeding during surgical procedures. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because taking the medication with food, the frequency of administration, and the possibility of black-colored stools are not specific instructions related to clopidogrel use.

3. Which intervention is essential when caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube?

• A. Suction the NG tube every 4 hours.
• B. Check the placement of the NG tube before each feeding.
• C. Flush the NG tube with water before and after each medication administration.
• D. Remove the NG tube once the patient feels comfortable.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Checking the placement of the NG tube before each feeding is crucial to ensure it is correctly positioned and safe to use. Option A is incorrect as routine suctioning can lead to complications and should only be done as needed. Option C is not necessary unless there are specific instructions for flushing. Option D is incorrect as the NG tube should only be removed by healthcare professionals based on medical criteria, not solely based on the patient's comfort.

4. A client who has a new prescription for ferrous sulfate is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should expect dark tarry stools.
• B. I should expect increased bruising.
• C. I will not get as many infections.
• D. I will expect the color of my urine to be amber.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. When taking ferrous sulfate, dark tarry stools can occur as a common side effect due to the iron content in the medication. This is a normal response to the medication and not a cause for concern. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increased bruising, reduced infections, and amber-colored urine are not expected side effects of ferrous sulfate.

5. The nurse is caring for a patient in the hospital. The nurse observes the nursing assistive personnel (NAP) turning off the handle faucet with bare hands. Which professional practice principle supports the need for follow-up with the NAP?

• A. The nurse is responsible for providing a safe environment for the patient.
• B. This step is crucial in the process of handwashing.
• C. Different scopes of practice allow for procedure modifications.
• D. Leaving the water running wastes resources and money.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The nurse is responsible for providing a safe environment for the patient. In this situation, the nurse should follow up with the nursing assistive personnel (NAP) who turned off the handle faucet with bare hands to ensure infection control practices are maintained. This action is crucial to prevent the spread of infections in the hospital setting. Choice B is incorrect because the question is not specifically about handwashing procedures but about infection control practices. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the potential risk of infection transmission. Choice D is incorrect as it is unrelated to the main concern of infection control in this scenario.

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