Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has the following laboratory results: potassium 3.4 mEq/L, magnesium 1.8 mEq/L, calcium 8.5 mEq/L, sodium 144 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?

• A. Assess the client's dietary intake of foods high in potassium.
• B. Assess the client's neuromuscular status.
• C. Assess the client's fluid intake and output.
• D. Read food labels to determine sodium content.

Correct answer: Read food labels to determine sodium content.

Rationale: The correct answer is to read food labels to determine sodium content. The client's sodium level is crucial to monitor as it is on the higher side (144 mEq/L), which can indicate hypernatremia. Excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid retention and other complications. Assessing dietary sodium intake can help the nurse and client make necessary adjustments to prevent further sodium imbalances. Choices A, B, and C are not the priority in this situation as the client's sodium level needs immediate attention to prevent potential complications.

2. Where is the largest volume of water in the body located?

• A. Plasma
• B. The fluid inside the cells
• C. Interstitial fluid
• D. Lymph

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The largest volume of water in the body is found inside the cells, known as intracellular fluid. This fluid makes up the majority of the body's total water content. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while plasma, interstitial fluid, and lymph are important components of the body's fluid compartments, they do not contain the largest volume of water in the body.

3. When does dehydration begin to occur?

• A. the body reduces fluid output to zero.
• B. the body increases the release of ANH.
• C. the salivary secretions decrease.
• D. the salivary secretions increase.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dehydration leads to a decrease in the body's fluid levels, causing the salivary glands to produce less saliva, resulting in a dry mouth. Therefore, when dehydration begins to occur, salivary secretions decrease. Choice A is incorrect because the body does not reduce fluid output to zero during dehydration; it tries to conserve fluids. Choice B is incorrect as dehydration does not directly increase the release of ANH (Atrial Natriuretic Hormone). Choice D is incorrect because salivary secretions do not increase but decrease during dehydration.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum calcium level of 14 mg/dL. Which provider order should the nurse implement first?

• A. Encourage oral fluid intake.
• B. Connect the client to a cardiac monitor.
• C. Assess urinary output.
• D. Administer oral calcitonin (Calcimar).

Correct answer: Encourage oral fluid intake.

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage oral fluid intake. With a serum calcium level of 14 mg/dL, the client is at risk of hypercalcemia. Encouraging oral fluid intake helps to promote hydration and can help prevent further elevation of calcium levels. Connecting the client to a cardiac monitor (Choice B) is important but not the first priority in this situation. Assessing urinary output (Choice C) is relevant but does not address the immediate concern of high serum calcium levels. Administering oral calcitonin (Calcimar) (Choice D) may be a treatment option later, but the first step should be to address hydration.

5. The physician has ordered a peripheral IV to be inserted before the patient goes for computed tomography. What should the nurse do when selecting a site on the hand or arm for insertion of an IV catheter?

• A. Choose a hairless site if available.
• B. Consider potential effects on the patients mobility when selecting a site.
• C. Have the patient briefly hold his arm over his head before insertion
• D. Leave the tourniquet on for at least 3 minutes.

Correct answer: Consider potential effects on the patients mobility when selecting a site.

Rationale:

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