Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL
• B. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
• C. Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L
• D. Serum albumin level of 3.8 g/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range and indicates hypokalemia, which should be reported to the provider. Hypokalemia can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not require immediate reporting. A blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL is slightly elevated but not critically high. A serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L is within the normal range. A serum albumin level of 3.8 g/dL is also within the normal range.

2. A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about therapeutic techniques to use when leading a group on a mental health unit. Which of the following group facilitation techniques should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Share personal opinions to help influence the group's values.
• B. Measure the accomplishments of the group against a previous group.
• C. Yield in situations of conflicts to maintain group harmony.
• D. Use modeling to help the clients improve their interpersonal skills.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Use modeling to help the clients improve their interpersonal skills.' Modeling is an effective therapeutic technique where the leader demonstrates appropriate behaviors for the group to learn from. This technique can help clients improve their interpersonal skills by observing and replicating positive behaviors. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Sharing personal opinions to influence the group's values may not be appropriate as it could hinder the group dynamics and individual autonomy. Comparing accomplishments against a previous group is not a recommended technique as each group is unique, and comparisons may not be beneficial. Yielding in conflicts to maintain group harmony may lead to unresolved issues and hinder the group's progress.

3. A patient is 1 day postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer aspirin for pain management.
• B. Keep the affected leg in a dependent position.
• C. Flex the affected knee for 2 to 3 minutes every hour.
• D. Apply ice packs to the affected knee.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for a client 1 day postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty is to apply ice packs to the affected knee. Ice packs help reduce swelling and pain in such clients. Administering aspirin is contraindicated due to the risk of bleeding postoperatively. Keeping the affected leg in a dependent position can impair circulation and increase the risk of complications. Flexing the affected knee for extended periods can strain the surgical site and hinder the healing process.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing hypoglycemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Polyuria
• B. Warm, dry skin
• C. Irritability
• D. Hyperventilation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Irritability is a common finding in clients with hypoglycemia due to decreased glucose levels in the brain. Polyuria (excessive urination) is not typically associated with hypoglycemia, but rather with hyperglycemia. Warm, dry skin is not a typical finding in hypoglycemia; instead, the skin may be cool and clammy. Hyperventilation is not a common finding in hypoglycemia; instead, shallow breathing or difficulty breathing may occur.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a blood transfusion. Which of the following findings is a priority for the nurse to report?

• A. Low back pain
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Flushed skin
• D. Headache

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tachycardia. Tachycardia can indicate a hemolytic transfusion reaction, a severe and life-threatening complication of blood transfusion. The nurse should report tachycardia immediately to prevent further complications. Low back pain, flushed skin, and headache are also important to monitor during a blood transfusion, but they are not as indicative of a severe transfusion reaction as tachycardia.

Similar Questions