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. A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is planning assignments for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who has been sent from the postpartum unit due to a staffing shortage for the shift. Which of the following client assignments should the nurse delegate to the LPN?

• A. A client who is postoperative following a bowel resection with an NGT set to continuous suction.
• B. A client who has fractured a femur yesterday and is experiencing shortness of breath.
• C. A client who sustained a concussion and has unequal pupils.
• D. A client who has an Hgb of 6.3 g/dl and a prescription for packed RBCs.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the LPN can care for stable clients with complex needs, such as managing an NGT set to continuous suction. Choices B, C, and D involve clients with more acute conditions that require a higher level of assessment and intervention, making them unsuitable for delegation to an LPN. Choice B requires prompt evaluation of the shortness of breath in a client with a recent femur fracture, which is beyond the LPN's scope. Choice C involves a head injury and unequal pupils, indicating the need for neurological assessment and close monitoring. Choice D relates to a critically low hemoglobin level and the need for blood transfusion, requiring careful monitoring and potential intervention beyond the LPN's role.

3. A nurse is teaching a client who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) about ways to reduce symptoms. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid lying down after meals
• B. Eat large meals to reduce acid production
• C. Drink carbonated beverages with meals
• D. Consume spicy foods to improve digestion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoid lying down after meals.' This instruction is important for clients with GERD as it helps reduce reflux symptoms. Lying down after meals can worsen GERD symptoms by allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Choice B is incorrect because eating large meals can actually increase acid production and exacerbate GERD symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as carbonated beverages can trigger acid reflux in individuals with GERD. Choice D is also incorrect because consuming spicy foods can irritate the esophagus and lead to increased reflux symptoms.

4. How should a healthcare provider manage care for a patient with a wound infection?

• A. Administer prescribed antibiotics
• B. Clean the wound with saline
• C. Apply a sterile dressing
• D. Monitor for signs of sepsis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When managing care for a patient with a wound infection, administering prescribed antibiotics is crucial. Antibiotics are necessary to treat the infection and prevent it from worsening. While cleaning the wound with saline and applying a sterile dressing are important components of wound care, the primary treatment for a wound infection is antibiotics. Monitoring for signs of sepsis is also essential, but administering antibiotics promptly is the most critical step in managing a wound infection.

5. Which dietary advice should a healthcare provider provide to a client with acute gout?

• A. Increase intake of dairy products
• B. Limit intake of red meat and shellfish
• C. Limit intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
• D. Limit intake of fruit juices and milk

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct dietary advice for a client with acute gout is to limit the intake of red meat and shellfish. These foods are high in purines, which can lead to increased uric acid levels in the body, exacerbating gout symptoms. Dairy products, fresh fruits, and vegetables are generally recommended for individuals with gout as they can help lower uric acid levels. Fruit juices and milk, in moderation, can also be part of a gout-friendly diet as they do not significantly contribute to uric acid buildup.

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