Nursing Elites

1. A client with hypokalemia is commonly expected to present with which of the following findings?

• A. Muscle weakness
• B. Nausea
• C. Tingling sensation
• D. Increased thirst

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscle weakness. Hypokalemia is characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to muscle weakness. This occurs because potassium is essential for proper muscle function, and a deficiency can impair muscle strength. Nausea (choice B) is not a typical finding associated with hypokalemia. Tingling sensation (choice C) is more commonly linked to issues like nerve damage or poor blood circulation, rather than hypokalemia. Increased thirst (choice D) is not a direct symptom of hypokalemia; it is more commonly seen in conditions like diabetes or dehydration.

2. What are the potential complications of a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?

• A. Infection and electrolyte imbalance
• B. Hyperglycemia and sepsis
• C. Kidney failure and hypovolemia
• D. Fluid overload and liver damage

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Infection and electrolyte imbalance are common complications of TPN. Infection can occur due to the invasive nature of TPN, which provides a direct route for pathogens. Electrolyte imbalances can arise from the composition of the TPN solution or improper monitoring. Hyperglycemia and sepsis (Choice B) are potential complications but are not as directly associated with TPN as infection and electrolyte imbalance. Kidney failure and hypovolemia (Choice C) are less common complications of TPN. Fluid overload and liver damage (Choice D) are potential complications but are not as frequently observed as infection and electrolyte imbalance.

3. A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to assess first?

• A. A client who has sinus arrhythmia and is receiving cardiac monitoring.
• B. A client who has diabetes mellitus and a hemoglobin A1C of 6.8%.
• C. A client who has epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities.
• D. A client who has a hip fracture and a new onset of tachypnea.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. New onset of tachypnea indicates a potential respiratory complication that requires immediate attention. Assessing the client with a hip fracture and tachypnea first is crucial to address the respiratory issue and prevent further deterioration. Choices A, B, and C do not present immediate life-threatening complications that require urgent assessment compared to a new onset of tachypnea.

4. What is the appropriate intervention for fluid overload?

• A. Restrict fluid intake
• B. Administer diuretics
• C. Monitor vital signs
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The appropriate intervention for fluid overload involves a combination of measures, including restricting fluid intake to prevent further fluid accumulation, administering diuretics to help the body eliminate excess fluids, and closely monitoring vital signs to assess the patient's response to treatment. Therefore, all of the above options are correct. Restricting fluid intake alone may not be sufficient to address existing fluid overload without additional measures like diuretic therapy. Monitoring vital signs is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and the patient's overall condition.

5. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with chest pain?

• A. Assess the severity of pain and monitor ECG
• B. Administer nitroglycerin and provide oxygen
• C. Administer aspirin and provide pain relief
• D. Monitor for nausea and administer IV fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with chest pain, the initial step is to assess the severity of pain and monitor the electrocardiogram (ECG) to look for signs of cardiac issues. Administering nitroglycerin and oxygen (Choice B) is a treatment option for suspected cardiac chest pain but should not precede a thorough assessment. Administering aspirin and providing pain relief (Choice C) may be indicated later, but the priority is to assess the situation first. Monitoring for nausea and administering IV fluids (Choice D) is not the initial assessment for chest pain unless there are specific indications present.

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