Nursing Elites

1. While reviewing a client's chart, a nurse notices a discrepancy in the medication record. What should the nurse do?

• A. Correct the discrepancy and document the correction.
• B. Report the discrepancy to the nurse manager.
• C. Ignore the discrepancy assuming it is a clerical error.
• D. Discuss the discrepancy with the client and adjust the records.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Reporting medication discrepancies to the nurse manager is crucial to ensure patient safety and proper follow-up. The nurse manager is responsible for addressing medication errors and implementing necessary corrective actions. Choice A is incorrect because simply correcting the discrepancy without reporting it may lead to potential harm to the patient and violates professional standards. Choice C is incorrect as ignoring the discrepancy increases the risk of medication errors going unresolved. Choice D is incorrect because discussing the discrepancy with the client before verifying the accuracy of the record can cause confusion and compromise patient safety.

2. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication that requires a peak and trough level. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer the medication before the peak level is obtained.
• B. Withhold the medication until the trough level is obtained.
• C. Administer the medication based on the previous trough level.
• D. Ensure that the medication is administered within 2 hours of the peak level.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority action should be to withhold the medication until the trough level is obtained. This is crucial to ensure accurate dosing based on the patient's levels. Administering the medication before the peak level is obtained (choice A) can lead to incorrect dosing. Administering the medication based on the previous trough level (choice C) may not reflect the current levels accurately. Ensuring that the medication is administered within 2 hours of the peak level (choice D) is not necessary for obtaining accurate peak and trough levels.

3. A client who is 97 years old has successfully been treated for heart failure and is found not breathing. There is no DNR order in place. What should the nurse do?

• A. Notify the family and await further instructions.
• B. Initiate CPR and call for emergency assistance.
• C. Allow the family to make decisions about care.
• D. Follow the family's wishes and perform no interventions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, with no DNR order in place and the client not breathing, the nurse should initiate CPR and call for emergency assistance. Option A is incorrect as immediate action is required in the absence of breathing. Option C is incorrect as the nurse should act promptly to provide life-saving measures. Option D is incorrect because the nurse's primary duty is to provide care in the absence of a directive preventing intervention.

4. What are the common side effects of opioid analgesics, and how should they be managed?

• A. Drowsiness and dizziness, ensuring safety precautions
• B. Respiratory depression, ensuring adequate ventilation
• C. Constipation and nausea, managed with stool softeners
• D. Nausea and vomiting, managing with antiemetics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Common side effects of opioid analgesics include drowsiness and dizziness. These side effects can impair a person's ability to operate machinery or drive safely. To manage these side effects, it is essential to advise patients to avoid activities that require alertness until they know how the medication affects them. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because respiratory depression, constipation, and nausea are also common side effects of opioids, but they are not the primary side effects being asked for in this question.

5. A patient is prescribed a diuretic for hypertension. What is the most important assessment the nurse should perform?

• A. Monitor the patient's respiratory rate.
• B. Check the patient's blood pressure regularly.
• C. Monitor the patient's potassium levels.
• D. Monitor the patient's sodium levels.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: When a patient is prescribed a diuretic for hypertension, monitoring the patient's sodium levels is crucial. Diuretics can lead to alterations in sodium levels, potentially causing complications like hyponatremia. While monitoring other parameters like respiratory rate, blood pressure, and potassium levels may also be important, the primary concern with diuretic therapy is the risk of sodium imbalance, making the monitoring of sodium levels the most critical assessment.

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