Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which of the following lab results should be reviewed before administering the medication?

• A. Potassium level
• B. Calcium level
• C. Hemoglobin level
• D. White blood cell count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium level. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can potentiate the effects of low potassium levels, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Therefore, it is essential to review the patient's potassium level before administering digoxin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because calcium level, hemoglobin level, and white blood cell count are not directly related to the risk of digoxin toxicity.

2. When teaching a patient about self-administration of insulin, what is the most important instruction to provide?

• A. Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage.
• B. Inject insulin at a 90-degree angle for proper absorption.
• C. Store insulin in the refrigerator to maintain potency.
• D. Teach the patient to administer insulin at the same time each day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important instruction to provide when teaching a patient about self-administration of insulin is to rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage. Rotating injection sites helps prevent lipodystrophy (tissue damage) and ensures proper insulin absorption. Option B is incorrect because the angle of insulin injection varies depending on the patient's body composition. Injecting at a 90-degree angle is not always necessary. Option C is not the most crucial instruction; while storing insulin in the refrigerator is important, it is not the priority when teaching self-administration. Option D is also important for maintaining consistency but is not as critical as rotating injection sites to prevent tissue damage.

3. A patient prescribed warfarin is being taught about dietary restrictions by a healthcare provider. Which of the following foods should the patient be instructed to limit?

• A. Bananas
• B. Spinach
• C. Potatoes
• D. Apples

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Spinach. Spinach is high in vitamin K, which can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin, an anticoagulant medication. Patients taking warfarin should limit foods high in vitamin K to maintain the medication's effectiveness and consistent dosage. Bananas, potatoes, and apples are not high in vitamin K and do not typically interfere with warfarin therapy.

4. Which action by a nurse demonstrates effective communication with a patient?

• A. Providing the patient with written information about their care.
• B. Maintaining eye contact and listening actively to the patient.
• C. Using medical jargon to explain the patient's condition.
• D. Speaking with the patient in a hurried manner to save time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Maintaining eye contact and actively listening to the patient is crucial in effective communication as it helps build rapport, shows empathy, and ensures that the patient feels heard and understood. Providing written information can be helpful, but the direct interaction is essential for effective communication. Using medical jargon may confuse the patient instead of clarifying their condition. Speaking hurriedly can make the patient feel rushed and not valued, hindering effective communication.

5. Which nursing action will most likely increase a patient's risk for developing a health care-associated infection?

• A. Uses a sterile bottled solution more than once within a 24-hour period.
• B. Uses surgical aseptic technique to suction an airway.
• C. Uses a clean technique for inserting a urinary catheter.
• D. Uses a cleaning stroke from the urinary meatus toward the rectum.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Using a clean technique for inserting a urinary catheter increases the risk for healthcare-associated infections. Invasive procedures like catheter insertion require a sterile technique to prevent introducing pathogens into the urinary tract. Choices A and B demonstrate appropriate infection control measures by emphasizing the use of sterile or aseptic techniques. Choice D represents an incorrect technique that can lead to the introduction of bacteria from the rectum into the urinary tract, potentially causing infections.

Similar Questions