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 healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who has hypertension. Which of the following findings should the provider identify as a risk factor for this condition?

• A. Age 25 years
• B. Family history of hypotension
• C. Obesity
• D. History of hypotension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Obesity. Obesity is a significant risk factor for hypertension due to its impact on the cardiovascular system. Obesity can lead to increased blood pressure due to the additional workload placed on the heart and blood vessels. Age alone does not necessarily predispose someone to hypertension, and a family history of hypotension or a personal history of hypotension would not increase the risk of developing hypertension. Family history of hypotension is not a known risk factor for hypertension, and a history of hypotension actually indicates low blood pressure, which is the opposite of hypertension.

3. A nurse is caring for a client with a pressure ulcer and a serum albumin level of 3 g/dL. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Increase the client's protein intake
• B. Consult with a dietitian to improve the client's nutritional status
• C. Administer a protein supplement
• D. Monitor the client's fluid and electrolyte balance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Consulting with a dietitian is the priority as it ensures that the client receives a comprehensive nutritional assessment and an individualized plan to address the low serum albumin level and pressure ulcer. Increasing protein intake (choice A) and administering a protein supplement (choice C) may be part of the dietitian's recommendations but should not be done without proper assessment and guidance. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance (choice D) is important but not the first step in addressing the client's nutritional needs.

4. Which intervention is most important for a client with rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Massage inflamed joints with creams and oils
• B. Provide support to flexed joints with pillows and pads
• C. Position the client on their abdomen several times a day
• D. Assist with heat application and range of motion exercises

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most important intervention for a client with rheumatoid arthritis is to assist with heat application and range of motion exercises. Heat application helps reduce stiffness and improve joint flexibility, while range of motion exercises help maintain mobility and prevent contractures. Massaging inflamed joints with creams and oils may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of stiffness and limited mobility in rheumatoid arthritis. Providing support to flexed joints with pillows and pads can be helpful for comfort but does not actively promote mobility. Positioning the client on their abdomen several times a day is not a standard intervention for managing rheumatoid arthritis.

5. When using restraints for an agitated/aggressive patient, which of the following statements should NOT influence the nurse's actions during this intervention?

• A. The institution's restraints/seclusion policies
• B. The patient's competence
• C. The patient's voluntary/involuntary status
• D. The patient's nursing care plan

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's voluntary or involuntary status should not impact the nurse's actions when using restraints. The use of restraints should be based on the patient's behavior and the need to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Choices A, B, and D are important factors that should influence the nurse's actions. The institution's restraints/seclusion policies provide guidelines on the appropriate use of restraints, the patient's competence helps determine their understanding and ability to control their behavior, and the patient's nursing care plan guides the overall care provided, including the use of restraints if necessary.

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