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 caring for a patient with a colostomy, which nursing action is most important?

• A. Monitor the colostomy for signs of infection.
• B. Empty the colostomy bag when it is half full.
• C. Encourage the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• D. Apply a skin barrier to prevent irritation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Emptying the colostomy bag when it is half full is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a colostomy. This practice helps prevent leakage, reduces the risk of skin irritation, and promotes patient comfort. Monitoring for signs of infection (Choice A) is essential but not as crucial as maintaining proper colostomy care. Encouraging the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals (Choice C) can be beneficial for colostomy patients but is not as critical as ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag. Applying a skin barrier to prevent irritation (Choice D) is important, but ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag takes precedence in preventing complications associated with a colostomy.

3. A nurse manager is teaching a group of staff members about proper body mechanics. Which of the following statements by a staff member indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should get assistance when lifting more than 35 pounds
• B. I will twist at my waist when moving an object
• C. I should hold objects 1 ft away from my body when I walk
• D. I will roll my shoulders forward to reduce strain on my back

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer because lifting more than 35 pounds without assistance can cause injury, so getting help is crucial for proper body mechanics. Choice B is incorrect as twisting at the waist can lead to back injuries. Choice C is incorrect as holding objects closer to the body, not 1 ft away, is recommended to reduce strain. Choice D is incorrect as rolling shoulders forward can increase strain on the back instead of reducing it.

4. A nurse is planning care for a client who has dehydration and is receiving a continuous IV infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Monitor the client's intake and output every 6 hours
• B. Administer furosemide to the client
• C. Check the client's IV infusion every 8 hours
• D. Offer the client 240 ml (8 oz) of oral fluids every 4 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Offering the client 240 ml (8 oz) of oral fluids every 4 hours is essential to maintain hydration in a client with dehydration who is receiving continuous IV infusion. This intervention helps ensure an adequate fluid balance. Monitoring the client's intake and output every 6 hours is necessary to assess hydration status and response to treatment. Administering furosemide to the client, choice B, is contraindicated in dehydration as it can further deplete fluid volume. Checking the IV infusion every 8 hours, as in choice C, is important but not as critical as ensuring oral fluid intake to promote hydration.

5. A nurse is caring for a client and realizes they have administered the wrong medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Notify the provider
• B. Check the condition of the client
• C. Document the occurrence in the electronic medical record
• D. Complete an incident report

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Check the condition of the client' first. When a medication error occurs, the nurse's initial priority should be to assess the client's condition to address any immediate harm or side effects. Notifying the provider can come after ensuring the client's safety. Documenting the occurrence in the electronic medical record and completing an incident report are important steps but should follow the assessment of the client's condition to prioritize patient safety.

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