Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Hyperactive reflexes.
• B. Strong, bounding pulse.
• C. Decreased bowel sounds.
• D. Increased deep tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased bowel sounds. In hypokalemia, decreased bowel sounds are common due to slowed peristalsis. Hyperactive reflexes (choice A) and increased deep tendon reflexes (choice D) are more indicative of hyperkalemia. A strong, bounding pulse (choice B) is not typically associated with hypokalemia.

2. What is the primary intervention for a patient with a pneumothorax?

• A. Insert a chest tube
• B. Administer oxygen
• C. Monitor respiratory rate
• D. Administer analgesics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to insert a chest tube. This intervention is considered the definitive treatment for a pneumothorax as it helps remove air or fluid from the pleural space, re-expanding the lung. Administering oxygen (Choice B) can be supportive but is not the primary intervention to treat a pneumothorax. Monitoring respiratory rate (Choice C) is important but does not address the underlying issue of air in the pleural space. Administering analgesics (Choice D) may help manage pain but does not treat the pneumothorax itself.

3. A client with heart failure is on a fluid restriction. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Encourage the client to drink more water to stay hydrated
• B. Monitor the client's weight daily
• C. Avoid drinking water after 6 PM
• D. Monitor fluid intake only during meals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor the client's weight daily.' In clients with heart failure on fluid restriction, monitoring daily weight is crucial to track fluid balance. This allows healthcare providers to assess if the client is retaining excess fluid, a common issue in heart failure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Encouraging the client to drink more water contradicts the fluid restriction; avoiding drinking water after 6 PM is not specific to managing fluid restriction; and monitoring fluid intake only during meals does not provide a comprehensive assessment of fluid balance throughout the day.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who is prescribed spironolactone. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor for this client?

• A. Total bilirubin.
• B. Urine ketones.
• C. Serum potassium.
• D. Platelet count.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serum potassium. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning it helps the body retain potassium. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client's serum potassium levels to prevent hyperkalemia, which can be a potential side effect of spironolactone. Monitoring total bilirubin levels (A) is not specifically required for clients taking spironolactone. Urine ketones (B) are not directly influenced by spironolactone use. Platelet count (D) is not typically monitored in clients taking spironolactone.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is in severe pain. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?

• A. How severe is your pain on a scale of 1 to 10?
• B. Where is your pain located?
• C. What medication are you taking for the pain?
• D. When did the pain start?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Where is your pain located?' When a client is experiencing severe pain, determining the location of the pain is crucial as it helps the nurse identify potential causes and select appropriate interventions. Option A may be important but assessing the location of pain takes precedence as it can provide valuable information for immediate management. Option C focuses on the current treatment, which is important but not the first priority. Option D, knowing when the pain started, is relevant but does not help in immediate pain management.

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