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. A healthcare professional is collecting data from a client who is in the diagnostic center and is scheduled to undergo a colonoscopy. Based on the information provided in the client's chart, which of the following pieces of data places this client at risk for colorectal cancer?

• A. Family history of asthma
• B. Elevated BMI
• C. History of travel
• D. High cholesterol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elevated BMI is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer. Excess body weight, especially around the waist, increases the risk of developing this type of cancer. Family history of asthma (Choice A) is not directly related to colorectal cancer risk. History of travel (Choice C) and high cholesterol (Choice D) are also not established risk factors for colorectal cancer.

3. A client has a prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Place the tablet under the tongue and wait 10 minutes
• B. Take up to five tablets during an angina episode
• C. Take up to three tablets during a single angina episode
• D. Swallow the tablet with water

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Take up to three tablets during a single angina episode.' Nitroglycerin can be taken up to three times during an episode to relieve angina. Choice A is incorrect because the client should place the tablet under the tongue and wait for it to dissolve, not wait for 10 minutes. Choice B is incorrect because taking up to five tablets during an angina episode is excessive and not recommended. Choice D is incorrect because nitroglycerin tablets are meant to be taken sublingually, not swallowed.

4. How should a healthcare professional respond to a patient with hypokalemia?

• A. Administer potassium supplements and monitor ECG
• B. Restrict fluid intake and provide a high-sodium diet
• C. Monitor sodium levels and provide insulin therapy
• D. Provide calcium supplements and monitor for hyperkalemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypokalemia is managed by administering potassium supplements to correct the low potassium levels in the body. Monitoring the ECG is essential because low potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Choice B is incorrect as restricting fluid intake and providing a high-sodium diet are not appropriate for managing hypokalemia. Choice C is incorrect because hypokalemia involves low potassium levels, not sodium levels, and insulin therapy does not directly address this issue. Choice D is incorrect as calcium supplements are not indicated for hypokalemia, and monitoring for hyperkalemia is not relevant in this case.

5. 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.

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