Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of losartan. Which of the following should the nurse assess first?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Serum potassium
• D. Liver function

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess blood pressure first. Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker used to lower blood pressure. Assessing the patient's blood pressure before administering losartan is crucial to ensure it is not already too low, which could lead to hypotension. Assessing heart rate (choice B) is important but not the priority when administering losartan. Serum potassium levels (choice C) and liver function (choice D) are also important assessments, but they are not the primary concern before administering losartan.

2. A nurse is sitting with the partner of a client who recently died. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to facilitate mourning?

• A. Encourage the partner to ask for help when needed
• B. Suggest the partner avoid discussing their feelings
• C. Recommend immediate return to daily activities
• D. Advise the partner to remain strong

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take to facilitate mourning is to encourage the partner to ask for help when needed. Grieving is a challenging process, and offering support and encouragement to seek help can be beneficial. Choice B is incorrect because avoiding discussing feelings can hinder the grieving process by suppressing emotions. Choice C is also incorrect as an immediate return to daily activities may not allow the partner to properly process their grief. Choice D is not the best approach as advising the partner to 'remain strong' may discourage the expression of emotions and seeking support, which are essential in the mourning process.

3. A nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube following a thoracotomy. Which of the following findings requires intervention by the nurse?

• A. Tidaling with spontaneous respirations
• B. Drainage collection chamber is 1/3 full
• C. 1 cm of water present in the water seal chamber
• D. Suction chamber pressure of -20 cm H2O

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 1 cm of water in the water seal chamber is insufficient to ensure proper functioning of the chest tube. The water seal chamber typically requires a water level of 2 cm. Tidaling with spontaneous respirations (choice A) is an expected finding indicating proper functioning. Having the drainage collection chamber 1/3 full (choice B) is within the normal range. A suction chamber pressure of -20 cm H2O (choice D) is an appropriate level for chest tube drainage.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who was brought to the psychiatric emergency services by law enforcement. The client has disorganized, incoherent speech with loose associations and religious content. The nurse should recognize these signs and symptoms as consistent with which of the following?

• A. Alzheimer's disease
• B. Schizophrenia
• C. Substance intoxication
• D. Depression

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Schizophrenia. Disorganized speech, loose associations, and religious delusions are characteristic symptoms of schizophrenia. In this scenario, the client's presentation aligns with positive symptoms of schizophrenia, indicating a severe mental disorder requiring immediate attention. Choice A, Alzheimer's disease, primarily involves cognitive decline and memory impairment, not disorganized speech or religious content. Choice C, Substance intoxication, may present with altered mental status but typically lacks the persistent pattern of symptoms seen in schizophrenia. Choice D, Depression, is associated with a different set of symptoms such as low mood, anhedonia, and changes in appetite or sleep, rather than disorganized speech and loose associations.

5. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of levetiracetam. Which of the following should be included in the teaching?

• A. It can cause weight loss
• B. Monitor for mood changes
• C. It is an over-the-counter medication
• D. It has no side effects

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Levetiracetam can cause mood changes and behavioral side effects, so clients should be monitored for these effects. Choice A is incorrect because levetiracetam is not typically associated with weight loss. Choice C is incorrect as levetiracetam is a prescription medication, not available over the counter. Choice D is incorrect as all medications, including levetiracetam, have potential side effects.

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