Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has severe preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following findings as an indication of magnesium toxicity?

• A. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
• B. Elevated blood pressure
• C. Increased urinary output
• D. Hyperreflexia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased deep tendon reflexes. Magnesium sulfate toxicity can lead to diminished deep tendon reflexes, respiratory depression, and decreased urine output. Diminished deep tendon reflexes are an early sign of magnesium toxicity and indicate the need to discontinue the infusion. Elevated blood pressure (choice B) is not typically associated with magnesium toxicity. Increased urinary output (choice C) is also not a common finding in magnesium toxicity. Hyperreflexia (choice D) is not consistent with the expected findings of magnesium toxicity, which typically causes decreased reflexes.

2. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of insulin. Which of the following should the nurse do first?

• A. Check the expiration date
• B. Verify the client's blood glucose level
• C. Obtain the client's weight
• D. Assess for signs of hypoglycemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to verify the client's blood glucose level first before administering insulin. This step is crucial to determine the appropriate dose of insulin based on the client's current blood glucose level. Checking the expiration date (Choice A) is important but not the first step in this scenario. Obtaining the client's weight (Choice C) is not directly related to the immediate administration of insulin. Assessing for signs of hypoglycemia (Choice D) should be done after administering insulin to monitor for potential side effects or adverse reactions.

3. A nurse providing dietary teaching for a client who is at 29 weeks of gestation and has phenylketonuria. Which of the following suggested foods should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. A peanut butter sandwich on wheat bread
• B. A sliced apple and red grapes
• C. A chocolate chip cookie with a glass of skim milk
• D. A scrambled egg with cheddar cheese

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Clients with phenylketonuria (PKU) must adhere to a strict low-phenylalanine diet to prevent neurological damage. Foods high in phenylalanine such as peanut butter, wheat bread, chocolate chip cookies, milk, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese should be avoided. Sliced apples and red grapes are low in phenylalanine, making them safe choices for individuals with PKU. Choice A (peanut butter sandwich on wheat bread), Choice C (chocolate chip cookie with a glass of skim milk), and Choice D (scrambled egg with cheddar cheese) are all high in phenylalanine and should be avoided by individuals with PKU.

4. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of gabapentin. Which of the following should be included?

• A. It can cause drowsiness
• B. It has no side effects
• C. It is a pain reliever
• D. It can be taken with food

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'It can cause drowsiness.' Gabapentin is known to cause drowsiness, and clients should be warned about this side effect. Choice B is incorrect because gabapentin, like any medication, can have side effects. Choice C is incorrect because although gabapentin is used for pain management, it is not classified as a pain reliever. Choice D is incorrect because gabapentin should be taken as prescribed by the healthcare provider, and specific instructions regarding food intake should be provided based on individual needs.

5. A nurse is teaching a client with newly diagnosed hypertension about lifestyle changes. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make?

• A. Limit sodium intake to 3,000 mg per day.
• B. Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
• C. Drink no more than two alcoholic drinks per day.
• D. Increase fluid intake to at least 3 liters per day.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.' Regular exercise, especially aerobic activity, is known to help lower blood pressure and should be included in lifestyle changes for managing hypertension. Choice A is incorrect because the recommended sodium intake for individuals with hypertension is usually lower than 3,000 mg per day. Choice C is incorrect as it is advisable to limit alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Choice D is incorrect because increasing fluid intake to 3 liters per day may not be necessary and could be harmful in some cases, depending on the individual's health status.

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