Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is monitoring an older adult female client who had a myocardial infarction (MI) for the development of an acute kidney injury (AKI). Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as indicating an increased risk of AKI?

• A. Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L
• B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL
• C. Serum Osmolality 290 mOsm/kg H2O
• D. Serum creatinine 1.8 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An elevated serum creatinine level (1.8 mg/dL) is a significant indicator of potential kidney impairment. In acute kidney injury (AKI), serum creatinine levels rise due to decreased kidney function, reflecting the kidneys' inability to effectively filter waste from the blood. Magnesium level, BUN, and serum osmolality are not direct indicators of kidney function or risk of AKI. Magnesium levels are more related to electrolyte balance, BUN can be affected by factors other than kidney function, and serum osmolality reflects the concentration of solutes in the blood, not specifically kidney function.

2. A patient with a left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication. What should the nurse assess for?

• A. Check for compartment syndrome
• B. Increase the pain medication
• C. Prepare the patient for surgery immediately
• D. Administer a sedative to calm the patient

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct answer: When a patient with a left arm fracture reports severe pain unrelieved by medication, the nurse should assess for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation and can lead to tissue damage. It is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Choice B is incorrect because simply increasing pain medication without identifying the cause of the unrelieved pain may mask symptoms of a serious issue like compartment syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as surgery would only be necessary if compartment syndrome is confirmed. Choice D is incorrect as administering a sedative does not address the underlying issue of unrelieved pain and may delay appropriate treatment.

3. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer a dextrose 50% IV bolus
• B. Provide 8 oz of orange juice
• C. Administer regular insulin IV infusion
• D. Give oral metformin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer regular insulin IV infusion. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the priority intervention is to rapidly decrease blood glucose levels. Administering regular insulin via IV infusion helps in lowering blood glucose effectively and quickly. Choice A, administering a dextrose 50% IV bolus, is incorrect because it would further increase blood sugar levels. Choice B, providing orange juice, is not appropriate for treating DKA as it contains sugar that will elevate blood glucose levels. Choice D, giving oral metformin, is not suitable for immediate blood glucose reduction as it acts over time and is not the first-line treatment for DKA.

4. A nurse notices another nurse skipping hand hygiene. What is the appropriate course of action?

• A. Ignore the situation to maintain team harmony.
• B. Report the behavior to the supervisor.
• C. Discuss the issue with the nurse directly.
• D. Do nothing and continue with patient care.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the spread of infections and ensuring patient safety. When a nurse observes another healthcare worker skipping hand hygiene practices, it is essential to report this behavior to the supervisor. Reporting ensures that appropriate action is taken to address the issue and maintain a safe environment for patients. Ignoring the situation (Choice A) may compromise patient safety. Discussing the issue directly with the nurse (Choice C) may not always be effective in ensuring compliance. Doing nothing and continuing with patient care (Choice D) disregards the importance of infection control protocols.

5. A nurse is preparing to measure a client's level of oxygen saturation and observes edema of both hands and thickened toenails. The nurse should apply the pulse oximeter probe to which of the following locations?

• A. Finger
• B. Earlobe
• C. Toe
• D. Skin fold

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client has edema of both hands and thickened toenails, these conditions can impede accurate readings from the finger and toe locations. The earlobe is the best alternative site for the pulse oximeter probe in this scenario. Placing the probe on the earlobe will help ensure a more accurate measurement of oxygen saturation despite the issues with the hands and toenails. Therefore, the correct answer is to apply the pulse oximeter probe to the earlobe. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because of the potential limitations presented by the edema and thickened toenails.

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