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. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with fluid volume deficit?

• A. Encourage oral fluid intake
• B. Administer IV fluids as ordered
• C. Monitor urine output and check electrolyte levels
• D. Monitor skin turgor and capillary refill

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging oral fluid intake is a crucial nursing intervention in managing a patient with fluid volume deficit. By encouraging oral fluid intake, the patient can increase hydration levels, helping to correct the deficit. Administering IV fluids may be necessary in severe cases or when the patient is unable to tolerate oral intake. Monitoring urine output and checking electrolyte levels are essential aspects of assessing fluid volume status, but they are not direct interventions for correcting fluid volume deficit. Monitoring skin turgor and capillary refill are important assessments for fluid volume status but are not direct management strategies.

3. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with home oxygen therapy. What safety measure should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Allow smoking in designated outdoor areas
• B. Keep oxygen tanks upright and away from heat sources
• C. Store oxygen tanks in a closet when not in use
• D. Keep oxygen equipment at least 10 feet away from open flames

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct safety measure that the nurse should emphasize is to keep oxygen tanks upright and away from heat sources. This is crucial to prevent the risk of fire or explosion. Choice A is incorrect as smoking near oxygen can lead to a fire hazard. Choice C is also incorrect as storing oxygen tanks in enclosed spaces can be dangerous. Choice D, although related to safety, does not address the immediate risk of keeping oxygen tanks away from heat sources.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal surgery and has a new prescription for a regular diet. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider?

• A. Presence of bowel sounds
• B. Client reports nausea
• C. Client is vomiting
• D. Absent bowel sounds

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Absent bowel sounds are concerning as they indicate potential complications such as ileus, which is a risk after abdominal surgery. The absence of bowel sounds can suggest decreased or absent intestinal motility, which may lead to complications if not addressed promptly. The nurse should notify the provider immediately to assess the situation and intervene accordingly. Choices A and B are common postoperative occurrences and do not necessarily warrant immediate provider notification. Choice C, vomiting, while concerning, may be a common postoperative symptom; however, absent bowel sounds are a more critical finding that requires prompt attention.

5. A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client with diabetes. What is the most important teaching point?

• A. Monitor blood sugar levels weekly
• B. Administer insulin before meals as prescribed
• C. Take medication only when feeling unwell
• D. Monitor blood sugar only in the morning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer insulin before meals as prescribed. This is the most important teaching point because insulin administration before meals helps manage blood sugar effectively in diabetic patients. Choice A is incorrect because monitoring blood sugar levels weekly may not provide timely information for managing diabetes. Choice C is incorrect as medications for diabetes should be taken as prescribed, not only when feeling unwell. Choice D is incorrect as blood sugar levels should be monitored at various times throughout the day, not just in the morning, to get a complete picture of the patient's condition.

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