Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is evaluating a client receiving hemodialysis. Which of the following lab values requires immediate intervention?

• A. Sodium 135 mEq/L
• B. Potassium 6.5 mEq/L
• C. Calcium 9 mg/dL
• D. Chloride 98 mEq/L

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Potassium levels above 5.0 mEq/L can lead to cardiac issues, and a level of 6.5 mEq/L requires immediate intervention. Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Choices A, C, and D are within normal ranges and do not require immediate intervention in the context of hemodialysis monitoring.

2. A client scheduled for a CT scan of the head with contrast is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will not eat or drink for 4 hours before the procedure
• B. I will keep my head still throughout the procedure
• C. I will experience a warm sensation when the dye is injected
• D. I can take my morning dose of metformin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because metformin should be held before a contrast CT scan to prevent the risk of kidney damage. Choices A, B, and C are all correct statements regarding the preparation and experience of a CT scan with contrast. It is important to fast before the procedure, keep the head still during the scan, and expect a warm sensation when the dye is injected.

3. A client had a left hip arthroplasty. Which of the following interventions should the nurse use to prevent dislocation?

• A. Maintain foam wedge between legs
• B. Monitor for shortening of the affected leg
• C. Encourage use of elastic stockings
• D. Avoid flexing the hips more than 60 degrees

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to maintain a foam wedge between the legs. This intervention helps prevent hip dislocation by maintaining proper leg alignment after surgery. Monitoring for shortening of the affected leg (choice B) is not directly related to preventing dislocation. Encouraging the use of elastic stockings (choice C) is more related to preventing deep vein thrombosis rather than dislocation. Avoiding flexing the hips more than 60 degrees (choice D) is important post-surgery, but it is not the most direct intervention to prevent dislocation.

4. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient's pain who is non-verbal?

• A. Looking for changes in vital signs that may indicate pain
• B. Using alternative methods like touch or distraction
• C. Using a pain scale appropriate for non-verbal patients
• D. Observing for facial expressions or other non-verbal cues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing pain in non-verbal patients, looking for changes in vital signs that may indicate pain is crucial. While using alternative methods like touch or distraction can be helpful, they may not directly indicate the presence of pain. Using a pain scale appropriate for non-verbal patients is important, but it may not always provide immediate feedback. Observing for facial expressions or other non-verbal cues can be subjective and may not always accurately reflect the level of pain the patient is experiencing. Therefore, monitoring vital signs is a more objective way to assess pain in non-verbal patients.

5. A patient recovering from a stroke has difficulty swallowing. Which action should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Begin feeding the patient soft solids.
• B. Place the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status.
• C. Provide ice chips to help soothe the throat.
• D. Start the patient on a clear liquid diet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the patient on NPO (nothing by mouth) status. Patients recovering from a stroke with difficulty swallowing are at high risk for aspiration, which can lead to serious complications like aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, the priority is to keep the patient on NPO until a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider is completed. Choice A is incorrect as feeding the patient soft solids can increase the risk of aspiration. Choice C is incorrect as providing ice chips may further compromise swallowing safety. Choice D is incorrect as starting the patient on a clear liquid diet can also increase the risk of aspiration in this scenario.

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