Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who requires total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following actions should the nurse take when finding that the TPN solution is infusing too rapidly?

• A. Sit the client upright
• B. Stop the TPN infusion
• C. Turn the client on their left side
• D. Prepare to add insulin to the TPN infusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when finding that the TPN solution is infusing too rapidly is to stop the TPN infusion. This is crucial to prevent fluid overload and ensure the client's safety. Sitting the client upright (Choice A) or turning the client on their left side (Choice C) are not appropriate responses to a rapidly infusing TPN solution and do not address the immediate issue of preventing complications from the rapid infusion. Adding insulin to the TPN infusion (Choice D) is not indicated unless specifically prescribed by the healthcare provider for the client's condition. Therefore, the priority action is to stop the TPN infusion to prevent potential harm.

2. A nurse is caring for a patient postoperatively after a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should be reported immediately?

• A. Hoarseness
• B. Difficulty swallowing
• C. Numbness in the fingers
• D. Tingling around the mouth

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tingling around the mouth should be reported immediately as it may indicate hypocalcemia, a serious complication resulting from accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy. Hoarseness and difficulty swallowing are common post-thyroidectomy symptoms related to the surgery itself and the manipulation of the vocal cords and nearby structures. Numbness in the fingers is not typically associated with immediate serious complications of a thyroidectomy.

3. How should a healthcare provider respond when a patient expresses concerns about the side effects of a prescribed medication?

• A. Reassure the patient that side effects are rare.
• B. Discuss the benefits and risks of the medication with the patient.
• C. Encourage the patient to speak to the pharmacist.
• D. Refer the patient to another healthcare provider for information.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient expresses concerns about medication side effects, it is crucial for the healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks of the medication with the patient. This approach helps the patient make an informed decision about their treatment. Choice A is incorrect because dismissing the patient's concerns by reassuring them that side effects are rare may not address the patient's specific worries. Choice C, while pharmacists can provide valuable information, the primary responsibility lies with the healthcare provider. Choice D is incorrect as referring the patient to another healthcare provider may disrupt continuity of care and not address the patient's concerns effectively.

4. While caring for a client receiving morphine, what assessment is the priority for a nurse to conduct?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring the respiratory rate. Morphine can depress respiratory function, leading to respiratory depression or arrest. Therefore, closely monitoring the client's respiratory rate is crucial to detect any signs of respiratory distress. While blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are important assessments, in this scenario, respiratory rate takes precedence due to the potential respiratory complications associated with morphine administration.

5. A healthcare provider is reviewing a client's lab results. Which of the following lab values should the provider report?

• A. Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L
• B. Potassium 3.6 mEq/L
• C. Sodium 126 mEq/L
• D. Chloride 99 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sodium 126 mEq/L. A sodium level of 126 mEq/L is below the normal range, indicating hyponatremia, which can have serious health implications and should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention. Choices A, B, and D are within or close to the normal ranges for magnesium, potassium, and chloride, respectively, and do not require immediate reporting as they are not significantly abnormal.

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