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. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for cimetidine. Which of the following laboratory findings should the healthcare provider identify as the priority to report to the provider?

• A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• B. WBC count 9,000/mm3
• C. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 50 units/L
• D. Fasting glucose 105 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated AST level is indicative of liver damage, which is the priority finding to report to the provider when administering cimetidine. Elevated liver enzymes can be a sign of liver toxicity or damage. Monitoring liver function is crucial when using cimetidine, as it can sometimes lead to hepatotoxicity. The other laboratory findings are within normal ranges and not directly associated with cimetidine administration.

3. When educating a patient with hypertension about lifestyle changes, what is the most crucial advice to provide?

• A. Advise the patient to reduce salt intake.
• B. Instruct the patient to limit alcohol consumption.
• C. Recommend the patient to exercise for 30 minutes every day.
• D. Instruct the patient to avoid high-cholesterol foods.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most critical lifestyle change for a patient with hypertension is to reduce salt intake. Excessive salt consumption can lead to increased blood pressure levels. While limiting alcohol consumption (Choice B) and regular exercise (Choice C) are also beneficial for managing hypertension, reducing salt intake has a more direct impact on blood pressure control. Avoiding high-cholesterol foods (Choice D) is important for heart health but may not have as significant an impact on blood pressure as reducing salt intake.

4. A patient has a new prescription for allopurinol to treat gout. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Decrease protein intake
• B. Limit salt intake
• C. Increase fluid intake
• D. Limit alcohol

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Correct answer: Increasing fluid intake is essential when taking allopurinol to prevent kidney stones and aid in uric acid excretion. This helps reduce the risk of developing complications associated with gout. Decreasing protein intake (Choice A) is not directly related to allopurinol therapy. Limiting salt intake (Choice B) and alcohol consumption (Choice D) are important for overall health but are not specific recommendations when taking allopurinol for gout.

5. A client reports difficulty sleeping while in the hospital. Which of the following actions taken by the assistive personnel (AP) while the client is sleeping should prompt the nurse to intervene?

• A. Closes the door to the client's room
• B. Flushes the client's toilet after emptying the urinary catheter's drainage bag
• C. Measures the client's vital signs routinely
• D. Asks a group of personnel in the hall to speak quietly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because flushing the client's toilet after emptying the urinary catheter's drainage bag could disturb the client's rest. The nurse should intervene to ensure a restful environment for the client. Choices A, C, and D are not actions that would be disruptive to the client's sleep. Closing the door to the client's room, measuring vital signs routinely, and asking personnel in the hall to speak quietly are appropriate actions that do not directly disturb the client's rest.

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