Nursing Elites

1. A patient in the cardiac care unit is taking bumetanide (Bumex) for heart issues and is also diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. An unlicensed assistive personnel is assisting with feeding the patient. Which of these foods should the nurse stress for the patient to eat most?

• A. Foods containing the least amount of salt
• B. Foods containing the most amount of potassium
• C. Foods containing the most amount of calories
• D. Foods containing the most amount of fiber

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Bumex is a loop diuretic that can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Hypokalemia can be dangerous and lead to various complications. To prevent a hypokalemic crisis, it is crucial to ensure an adequate intake of potassium. Therefore, the nurse should stress the patient to eat foods rich in potassium. Choices A, C, and D are not the priority in this situation. While monitoring salt intake is important in cardiac patients, the immediate concern with bumetanide use is the risk of hypokalemia, making choice B the most appropriate option.

2. A patient diagnosed with alopecia would be described as having:

• A. body lice
• B. lack of ear lobes
• C. Indigestion
• D. hair loss

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'hair loss.' Alopecia is a medical term that specifically refers to the condition of hair loss, usually in patches or all over the body. Choice A, 'body lice,' refers to a parasitic infestation and is not related to alopecia. Choice B, 'lack of ear lobes,' is completely unrelated to the term alopecia, which is solely about hair loss. Choice C, 'Indigestion,' has no connection to alopecia as it pertains to digestive issues, not hair loss. Therefore, the correct description for a patient diagnosed with alopecia is 'hair loss.'

3. A nurse is caring for a patient with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The patient complains of burning and tingling of the hands and feet and cannot tolerate touch of any kind. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for these symptoms?

• A. Inadequate tissue perfusion leading to nerve damage.
• B. Fluid overload leading to compression of nerve tissue.
• C. Sensation distortion due to psychiatric disturbance.
• D. Inflammation of the skin on the hands and feet.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients with the peripheral vascular disease often sustain nerve damage as a result of inadequate tissue perfusion. Ischemic rest pain is more worrisome; it refers to pain in the extremity that is due to a combination of PVD and inadequate perfusion. Ischemic rest pain often is exacerbated by poor cardiac output. The condition is often partially or fully relieved by placing the extremity in a dependent position, so that perfusion is enhanced by the effects of gravity.

4. When assessing the respiratory system of an older patient, which finding indicates that the nurse should take immediate action?

• A. Weak cough effort
• B. Barrel-shaped chest
• C. Dry mucous membranes
• D. Bilateral crackles at lung bases

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bilateral crackles at lung bases indicate a potential acute issue like heart failure. Immediate action is necessary in this situation. The nurse should conduct further assessments such as oxygen saturation and inform the healthcare provider promptly. A barrel-shaped chest and hyperresonance to percussion are typical signs of aging and do not require immediate action. A weak cough effort is common in older patients due to age-related changes, and dry mucous membranes are also expected in older individuals. While these findings may warrant further evaluation, they do not demand immediate action like bilateral crackles at lung bases.

5. Which of the following clients is most appropriate for receiving telemetry?

• A. A client with syncope potentially related to cardiac dysrhythmia
• B. A client with unstable angina
• C. A client with sinus rhythm and PVCs
• D. A client who had a myocardial infarction 6 hours ago

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Telemetry is used to monitor the cardiac rhythms of clients with potentially unstable conditions or those rhythms that affect activities. Clients with syncope potentially related to cardiac dysrhythmia require continuous monitoring to detect any potential life-threatening dysrhythmias. Unstable angina can be monitored in a telemetry unit, but syncope with potential cardiac causes takes precedence. Clients with sinus rhythm and PVCs may not necessitate telemetry unless there are further indications of instability. A client who had a myocardial infarction 6 hours ago is typically monitored in an intensive care unit rather than a telemetry unit.

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