Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following hip replacement surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?

• A. Cross the client's legs at the knees
• B. Maintain the client's legs in a neutral position
• C. Avoid placing a pillow under the client's knees
• D. Elevate the client's legs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis after hip replacement surgery is to avoid placing a pillow under the client's knees. Placing a pillow can cause hip adduction, leading to dislocation. Crossing the client's legs at the knees and elevating the client's legs can also increase the risk of hip dislocation. Maintaining the client's legs in a neutral position is important to prevent complications.

2. How should a healthcare professional monitor a patient receiving IV potassium?

• A. Monitor ECG for dysrhythmias
• B. Monitor urine output
• C. Monitor serum potassium levels
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a patient is receiving IV potassium, it is crucial to monitor various parameters to ensure patient safety. Monitoring the ECG helps in identifying any potential dysrhythmias that may occur due to potassium imbalances. Monitoring urine output is important as potassium levels can affect renal function. Monitoring serum potassium levels is essential to assess the effectiveness of the IV potassium therapy. Therefore, all the options - monitoring ECG for dysrhythmias, urine output, and serum potassium levels - are necessary when administering IV potassium, making 'All of the above' the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are not individually sufficient as they each address different aspects of patient monitoring when receiving IV potassium.

3. A healthcare professional is collecting data from a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Muscle stiffness
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hyperreflexia
• D. Muscle weakness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Muscle weakness.' Hypokalemia is characterized by low potassium levels, which can lead to muscle weakness due to impaired muscle function. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect findings associated with other medical conditions and not typically expected in hypokalemia. Muscle stiffness is more commonly associated with conditions like tetany or muscle cramps, bradycardia is more commonly associated with issues like heart block or hypothyroidism, and hyperreflexia is more commonly seen in conditions like hyperthyroidism or spinal cord injuries.

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 assisting with performing a nonstress test for a client who is at 39 weeks of gestation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse reinforce with the client?

• A. Do not press the button during baby's movements
• B. You should depress the button when you feel your baby move
• C. Press the button only during contractions
• D. Do not eat before the test

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the client should press the button when feeling fetal movement to track the baby's activity. Choice A is incorrect because the client should press the button during movements. Choice C is incorrect as the button should be pressed during fetal movements, not contractions. Choice D is irrelevant to the instructions for the nonstress test.

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