Nursing Elites

1. A client is receiving furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

• A. Sodium
• B. Potassium
• C. Calcium
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium depletion through increased urinary excretion. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias, muscle weakness, and other serious complications. Monitoring sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels is not typically associated with furosemide therapy, making choices A, C, and D incorrect.

2. What are the early signs of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient?

• A. Sweating and trembling
• B. Confusion and irritability
• C. Dizziness and increased heart rate
• D. Nausea and vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Sweating and trembling.' These are classic early signs of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient. Sweating occurs due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to low blood sugar levels, while trembling is a result of the body's attempt to increase muscle activity to raise blood sugar levels. Confusion and irritability (Choice B) are more advanced signs of hypoglycemia that occur if the condition is not treated promptly. Dizziness and increased heart rate (Choice C) can also occur but are not as specific and early as sweating and trembling. Nausea and vomiting (Choice D) are more commonly associated with other conditions or severe hypoglycemia, rather than being early signs.

3. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with chest pain?

• A. Administer nitroglycerin
• B. Assess pain level
• C. Monitor vital signs
• D. Provide oxygen therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is the priority intervention for a patient with chest pain because it helps relieve chest pain by dilating coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Assessing pain level, monitoring vital signs, and providing oxygen therapy are important interventions as well, but administering nitroglycerin takes precedence in addressing the immediate symptom of chest pain and potential cardiac ischemia.

4. When reviewing the medical record of a client with dementia, what should the nurse prioritize addressing?

• A. Mild confusion in the morning
• B. Restlessness and agitation
• C. Incontinence
• D. Frequent wandering at night

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for clients with dementia, addressing restlessness and agitation is a priority as it can lead to distress, safety risks, and potential harm to the client or others. Restlessness and agitation are common behavioral symptoms of dementia and can indicate unmet needs, discomfort, or confusion. Managing these symptoms promptly can help improve the client's quality of life and prevent complications such as falls, injuries, or escalation of challenging behaviors. While other issues like mild confusion, incontinence, and wandering are also important to address, managing restlessness and agitation takes precedence due to its immediate impact on the client's well-being and safety.

5. What is the most appropriate response when a client wants to discontinue dialysis?

• A. Ask the client why they want to discontinue.
• B. Instruct the client to focus on self-care.
• C. Offer to call the provider to cancel dialysis.
• D. Seek clarification and establish understanding.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client expresses the desire to discontinue dialysis, the most appropriate response is to seek clarification and establish understanding. This approach allows the healthcare provider to comprehend the client's concerns, provide support, and engage in a collaborative decision-making process. Choice A, asking the client why they want to discontinue, can be perceived as confrontational and may not effectively address the underlying reasons. Instructing the client to focus on self-care (Choice B) may overlook the client's autonomy and decision-making capacity. Offering to call the provider to cancel dialysis (Choice C) does not actively involve the client in the decision-making process or address their concerns adequately.

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