Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer medications to four clients. The nurse should administer medications to which client first?

• A. A client who has pneumonia and a WBC count of 11,500/mm3 prescribed piperacillin
• B. A client who has renal failure and a serum potassium of 5.8 mEq/L prescribed sodium polystyrene sulfonate
• C. A client who is post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) prescribed atorvastatin
• D. A client who has anemia and a hemoglobin level of 11g/dL prescribed epoetin alfa

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The client with renal failure and high potassium levels requires immediate attention because hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac complications. Administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate helps lower the potassium levels. Choice A, the client with pneumonia and a high WBC count, although important, does not present an immediate life-threatening condition. Choice C, the post-CABG client prescribed atorvastatin, and Choice D, the client with anemia and a hemoglobin level of 11g/dL prescribed epoetin alfa, do not require immediate intervention compared to managing hyperkalemia in a client with renal failure.

2. Which of the following is a common manifestation of opioid withdrawal?

• A. Bradycardia and hypotension
• B. Tremors and increased blood pressure
• C. Severe muscle weakness and fatigue
• D. Severe hallucinations and delusions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tremors and increased blood pressure. During opioid withdrawal, individuals commonly experience symptoms such as tremors, increased blood pressure, and restlessness. Choice A, which suggests bradycardia and hypotension, is incorrect as opioid withdrawal often leads to tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and increased blood pressure. Choice C, severe muscle weakness and fatigue, is not a typical manifestation of opioid withdrawal. Choice D, severe hallucinations and delusions, is more characteristic of conditions like delirium tremens associated with alcohol withdrawal, rather than opioid withdrawal.

3. A healthcare provider is planning care for a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following actions should the provider plan to take first?

• A. Assess for edema
• B. Evaluate electrolytes
• C. Restrict fluid intake
• D. Administer diuretics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Evaluating electrolytes is crucial when addressing fluid overload as it helps determine the severity of the imbalance and guides treatment. Assessing for edema (Choice A) is important but not the priority over evaluating electrolytes. Restricting fluid intake (Choice C) and administering diuretics (Choice D) are interventions that may be necessary but should be based on the electrolyte evaluation to ensure safe and effective care.

4. A patient reports feeling dizzy when standing up. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Encourage the patient to take deep breaths.
• B. Assist the patient to sit down slowly.
• C. Instruct the patient to use a walker for support.
• D. Teach the patient how to change positions safely.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assist the patient to sit down slowly. This intervention is appropriate for a patient experiencing dizziness when standing up, as it helps prevent falls due to orthostatic hypotension. Encouraging deep breaths (Choice A) may not address the underlying cause of dizziness, which is related to postural changes. Instructing the patient to use a walker for support (Choice C) or teaching the patient how to change positions safely (Choice D) are not the most immediate and direct interventions to address the immediate risk of falling when feeling dizzy upon standing.

5. A healthcare provider prescribes a higher-than-usual dose of medication. What is the nurse's first action?

• A. Administer the medication and monitor closely.
• B. Hold the medication and consult the pharmacist.
• C. Ask another nurse to verify the dose.
• D. Call the provider for clarification.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to call the provider for clarification. When faced with a higher-than-usual dose of medication, the nurse's first action should be to contact the prescribing healthcare provider to confirm the dosage. Administering the medication without clarifying the dose with the provider can pose serious risks to the patient's safety. Holding the medication and consulting the pharmacist may be appropriate after contacting the provider for clarification. Asking another nurse to verify the dose is not the most appropriate action when dealing with an unusual prescription; direct communication with the provider is essential in such situations.

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