Nursing Elites

1. A patient is being treated for dehydration. Which lab result would support the diagnosis?

• A. Elevated hemoglobin
• B. Low sodium level
• C. High white blood cell count
• D. Elevated BUN

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elevated BUN levels are a characteristic finding in dehydration due to reduced kidney perfusion and increased reabsorption of urea. Hemoglobin levels might be elevated in conditions like polycythemia vera, not directly related to dehydration. A low sodium level could be seen in conditions like hyponatremia. A high white blood cell count is more indicative of infection or inflammation rather than dehydration.

2. When administering IV fluids to a dehydrated patient, what is the nurse's priority assessment?

• A. Monitor the patient's electrolyte levels.
• B. Assess the patient's blood pressure regularly.
• C. Monitor the patient's heart rate every 4 hours.
• D. Check the patient's urine output hourly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's blood pressure regularly. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial when administering IV fluids to a dehydrated patient as it helps in evaluating the patient's fluid status. Changes in blood pressure can indicate the effectiveness of the fluid therapy, the patient's response to treatment, and the possibility of complications such as fluid overload or hypovolemia. Monitoring electrolyte levels (Choice A) is essential but not the priority when assessing a dehydrated patient receiving IV fluids. Heart rate (Choice C) should be monitored more frequently than every 4 hours in such a situation. Checking urine output (Choice D) is important but not as critical as assessing blood pressure in this scenario.

3. A nurse notices another nurse skipping hand hygiene. What is the appropriate course of action?

• A. Ignore the situation to maintain team harmony.
• B. Report the behavior to the supervisor.
• C. Discuss the issue with the nurse directly.
• D. Do nothing and continue with patient care.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the spread of infections and ensuring patient safety. When a nurse observes another healthcare worker skipping hand hygiene practices, it is essential to report this behavior to the supervisor. Reporting ensures that appropriate action is taken to address the issue and maintain a safe environment for patients. Ignoring the situation (Choice A) may compromise patient safety. Discussing the issue directly with the nurse (Choice C) may not always be effective in ensuring compliance. Doing nothing and continuing with patient care (Choice D) disregards the importance of infection control protocols.

4. A client just had a flexible bronchoscopy. Which of the following nursing actions is appropriate?

• A. Irrigate the client's throat every 4 hours
• B. Withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns
• C. Suction the client's oropharynx frequently
• D. Have the client refrain from talking for 24 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a flexible bronchoscopy, it is essential to withhold food and liquids until the client's gag reflex returns. This precaution helps prevent aspiration, as the gag reflex protects the airway from foreign material. Irrigating the client's throat every 4 hours (Choice A) is unnecessary and may increase the risk of aspiration. Suctioning the client's oropharynx frequently (Choice C) can cause trauma and is not indicated unless there is a specific medical reason for it. Having the client refrain from talking for 24 hours (Choice D) is not necessary after a flexible bronchoscopy.

5. A nurse is monitoring an older adult female client who had a myocardial infarction (MI) for the development of an acute kidney injury (AKI). Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as indicating an increased risk of AKI?

• A. Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L
• B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL
• C. Serum Osmolality 290 mOsm/kg H2O
• D. Serum creatinine 1.8 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An elevated serum creatinine level (1.8 mg/dL) is a significant indicator of potential kidney impairment. In acute kidney injury (AKI), serum creatinine levels rise due to decreased kidney function, reflecting the kidneys' inability to effectively filter waste from the blood. Magnesium level, BUN, and serum osmolality are not direct indicators of kidney function or risk of AKI. Magnesium levels are more related to electrolyte balance, BUN can be affected by factors other than kidney function, and serum osmolality reflects the concentration of solutes in the blood, not specifically kidney function.

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