Nursing Elites

1. During a change-of-shift assessment, a nurse is evaluating four clients. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider first?

• A. A client with cystic fibrosis who has a productive cough and reports thirst
• B. A client with gastroenteritis who is lethargic and confused
• C. A client with diabetes mellitus whose blood glucose is 185 mg/dL
• D. A client with sickle cell anemia who reports pain 15 minutes after receiving analgesics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lethargy and confusion in a client with gastroenteritis are concerning findings that may indicate severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, requiring immediate intervention. While the other options are important, they do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to the altered mental status in a client with gastroenteritis.

2. A client with heart failure and a new prescription for furosemide is receiving teaching from a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid foods high in magnesium
• B. Take furosemide with food
• C. Eat foods that are rich in potassium
• D. Expect a decrease in blood pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to advise the client to eat foods that are rich in potassium. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause the loss of potassium, leading to hypokalemia. Eating foods high in potassium can help prevent this electrolyte imbalance. Choice A is incorrect because furosemide does not directly interact with magnesium. Choice B is incorrect because furosemide is usually taken in the morning to prevent nighttime diuresis. Choice D is incorrect because furosemide is a diuretic that typically leads to a decrease in blood pressure rather than an increase.

3. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who is receiving heparin therapy for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following laboratory values should the provider monitor to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the heparin?

• A. Platelet count
• B. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
• C. Prothrombin time (PT)
• D. Bleeding time

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) is the correct laboratory value to monitor heparin therapy. PTT measures the time it takes for blood to clot and is specifically used to evaluate the effectiveness of anticoagulation therapy such as heparin. Monitoring the PTT helps ensure that the heparin dose is within the therapeutic range. Platelet count, Prothrombin time (PT), and Bleeding time are not specific laboratory values for monitoring the therapeutic effect of heparin therapy. Platelet count is more indicative of platelet function, PT is used to monitor warfarin therapy, and Bleeding time assesses platelet function rather than the effect of heparin therapy.

4. A nurse is assessing a client with chronic kidney disease. Which laboratory value would indicate the need for hemodialysis?

• A. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 14 mL/min
• B. BUN 16 mg/dL
• C. Serum magnesium 1.8 mg/dL
• D. Serum phosphorus 4.0 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A GFR of 14 mL/min indicates significant kidney damage and a severe decrease in kidney function. This level of GFR typically indicates the need for hemodialysis to help the kidneys perform their function adequately. BUN, serum magnesium, and serum phosphorus levels are important in assessing kidney function and managing chronic kidney disease but do not specifically indicate the need for hemodialysis. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect.

5. A nurse is caring for an older adult client with delirium. Which intervention will most effectively reduce the client's risk for falls?

• A. Using a night-light
• B. Demonstrating how to use the call light
• C. Placing the bedside table in close proximity
• D. Hourly rounding by the nurse

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hourly rounding by the nurse is the most effective intervention to reduce the risk of falls in older adult clients with delirium. This intervention ensures that the nurse regularly checks on the client, assesses their needs, and assists them with any activities, thereby minimizing the chances of falls. Using a night-light (choice A) may help improve visibility but does not provide continuous assistance and monitoring. Demonstrating how to use the call light (choice B) is important but may not prevent falls directly. Placing the bedside table in close proximity (choice C) is helpful for convenience but does not address the continuous monitoring and assistance needed to prevent falls in this case.

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