Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is collecting data from a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Muscle stiffness
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hyperreflexia
• D. Muscle weakness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Muscle weakness.' Hypokalemia is characterized by low potassium levels, which can lead to muscle weakness due to impaired muscle function. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect findings associated with other medical conditions and not typically expected in hypokalemia. Muscle stiffness is more commonly associated with conditions like tetany or muscle cramps, bradycardia is more commonly associated with issues like heart block or hypothyroidism, and hyperreflexia is more commonly seen in conditions like hyperthyroidism or spinal cord injuries.

2. What are the early signs of sepsis in a patient?

• A. Increased heart rate and fever
• B. Low blood pressure and confusion
• C. Elevated blood sugar and sweating
• D. Increased urine output and abdominal pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased heart rate and fever. These are early signs of sepsis and indicate a systemic infection. It is crucial to identify these signs promptly to initiate appropriate treatment. Choice B is incorrect because low blood pressure and confusion are more indicative of severe sepsis or septic shock rather than early signs. Choice C is incorrect as elevated blood sugar and sweating are not typical early signs of sepsis. Choice D is also incorrect as increased urine output and abdominal pain are not early signs of sepsis.

3. What is the priority when managing a client with a chest tube postoperatively?

• A. Clamp the chest tube for 30 minutes every 4 hours
• B. Check for air leaks and proper functioning of the chest tube
• C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours
• D. Encourage frequent coughing to clear secretions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority when managing a client with a chest tube postoperatively is to check for air leaks and ensure the proper functioning of the chest tube. This is crucial to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube intermittently can lead to a buildup of pressure in the pleural space and should not be done without a specific medical indication. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing helps with lung expansion but is not the priority over ensuring the chest tube's proper function. Encouraging frequent coughing may increase the risk of dislodging the chest tube or causing complications.

4. What are key signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in older adults?

• A. Confusion and increased temperature
• B. Painful urination and frequent urination
• C. Dizziness and headache
• D. Back pain and fever

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In older adults, key signs of a UTI often include confusion and increased temperature. Confusion is a common symptom in the elderly when they have a UTI, and an increase in body temperature can indicate an infection. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while painful urination and frequent urination are common UTI symptoms in general, they may not be as prominent in older adults. Dizziness, headache, back pain, and fever can be associated with other conditions but are not typically key signs of a UTI in older adults.

5. A client is postoperative following hip replacement surgery. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in preventing dislocation of the prosthesis?

• A. Cross your legs at the knees
• B. Avoid bending your hip more than 90 degrees
• C. Sit with your legs elevated
• D. Avoid placing a pillow under your knees

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To prevent dislocation of the prosthesis after hip replacement surgery, it is essential to avoid bending the hip more than 90 degrees. This precaution helps maintain the stability of the hip joint and reduces the risk of prosthesis dislocation. Crossing legs at the knees (Choice A) can increase pressure on the hip joint, leading to instability. Sitting with legs elevated (Choice C) and avoiding placing a pillow under the knees (Choice D) do not directly address the risk of prosthesis dislocation.

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