Nursing Elites

1. A client is receiving magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia. Which finding indicates magnesium toxicity?

• A. Respiratory rate of 12/min
• B. Diminished deep tendon reflexes
• C. Urine output 40 mL/hr
• D. Systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Diminished deep tendon reflexes are a sign of magnesium toxicity. Magnesium sulfate can depress the central nervous system, leading to decreased reflexes. Respiratory rate of 12/min, urine output 40 mL/hr, and systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg are not specific findings of magnesium toxicity. Respiratory depression, oliguria, and hypotension are more concerning signs that require immediate attention.

2. A nurse on a pediatric care unit is delegating client care. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to an assistive personnel?

• A. Initiate a dietary consult for a toddler
• B. Administer a glycerin suppository to a preschool-age child
• C. Evaluate gastric residual following intermittent feeding of an adolescent
• D. Transport a school-age child to x-ray

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because transporting a stable child to x-ray is a task that can be safely delegated to an assistive personnel. This task does not require clinical judgment or specialized skills. Choices A, B, and C involve assessments and interventions that require nursing judgment and should be performed by a qualified nurse. Initiating a dietary consult for a toddler involves assessing the child's nutritional needs and must be done by a nurse. Administering a glycerin suppository to a preschool-age child requires medication administration skills and knowledge of appropriate dosages, which are within the nurse's scope of practice. Evaluating gastric residual following intermittent feeding of an adolescent is a clinical assessment that requires interpretation and decision-making based on the findings, making it a nursing responsibility.

3. A nurse is performing a vaginal exam on a client who is in active labor. The nurse notes the umbilical cord protruding through the cervix. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer oxytocin to the client via intravenous infusion
• B. Apply oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula
• C. Prepare for insertion of an intrauterine pressure catheter
• D. Assist the client into the knee-chest position

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should assist the client into the knee-chest position to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord. This position helps to prevent cord compression and improves fetal oxygenation. Administering oxytocin (Choice A) could worsen the situation by increasing contractions and potentially compressing the umbilical cord. Applying oxygen (Choice B) is not the priority in this emergency situation. Preparing for insertion of an intrauterine pressure catheter (Choice C) is not appropriate as the immediate concern is relieving pressure on the umbilical cord.

4. A nurse is planning care for a client who has chronic kidney disease. Which finding indicates the need for hemodialysis?

• A. BUN 14 mg/dL
• B. Serum potassium 4.2 mEq/L
• C. Serum creatinine 5 mg/dL
• D. Serum calcium 9 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL is significantly elevated and indicates the need for hemodialysis to help filter waste products from the blood. Elevated creatinine levels suggest impaired kidney function and the inability to effectively filter waste from the body. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not indicate the need for immediate hemodialysis in a client with chronic kidney disease.

5. A nurse is planning care for four clients. Which client is the highest priority?

• A. Client with dry, black eschar on the heel
• B. Client wearing an arm cast and reporting numb fingers
• C. Client with reddened skin around the coccyx
• D. Client with frequent incontinence

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because numb fingers indicate neurovascular compromise, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. The priority in this situation is to assess and address any circulation issues affecting the extremity. Choices A, C, and D are of concern but not as immediate as neurovascular compromise, which requires urgent attention to prevent further complications.

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