Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L
• B. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
• C. Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L
• D. Serum creatinine 3.0 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A serum creatinine level of 3.0 mg/dL indicates impaired kidney function, which is a concern when prescribing spironolactone as it can further affect renal function. Elevated serum creatinine levels may suggest decreased renal clearance of spironolactone, leading to potential toxicity. Potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels are within normal ranges and not directly related to spironolactone therapy. Therefore, the nurse should report the elevated serum creatinine level to the provider for further evaluation and possible dosage adjustment.

2. A group of newly licensed nurses is being taught about client advocacy by a nurse. Which of the following statements by a newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will intervene if there is a conflict between a client and their provider.
• B. I should not advocate for a client unless they are able to ask me themselves.
• C. I will inform a client that their family should help make their health care decisions.
• D. I believe the best health care decision is for the provider to decide.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because advocating for a client should not be dependent on the client's ability to ask for it personally. Advocacy is crucial to ensure clients' rights are upheld, especially when they are unable to express their wishes. Choice A is incorrect as intervening in a conflict may not always be advocating for the client's best interests. Choice C is incorrect because the family should not make health care decisions for the client without their input. Choice D is incorrect as it disregards the importance of client autonomy and involvement in decision-making.

3. A client is postoperative following cataract surgery. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid lying flat for 24 hours after surgery.
• B. Avoid bending at the waist.
• C. Wear an eye patch at night for 1 week.
• D. Sleep on your affected side to reduce discomfort.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction that the nurse should include for a client postoperative following cataract surgery is to avoid bending at the waist. Bending at the waist can increase intraocular pressure, which is not recommended after cataract surgery. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because lying flat for 24 hours after surgery may not be necessary, wearing an eye patch at night for a week is not a standard postoperative instruction for cataract surgery, and sleeping on the affected side may not necessarily reduce discomfort and can increase pressure on the eye.

4. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has been prescribed digoxin for heart failure. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with meals.
• B. Check your pulse before taking this medication.
• C. Take this medication with an antacid to reduce stomach upset.
• D. Increase your potassium intake while taking this medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Check your pulse before taking this medication.' When a patient is prescribed digoxin, it is crucial to monitor their pulse rate because digoxin can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a side effect. In contrast, choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking digoxin with meals is not necessary; it should be taken consistently at the same time every day. Taking digoxin with an antacid is not recommended as it can interfere with the absorption of the medication. While digoxin can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels), patients should not increase their potassium intake without healthcare provider guidance to avoid potential complications.

5. A nurse in a pediatric clinic is reviewing the laboratory test results of a school-age child. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Hgb 12.5 g/dL.
• B. Platelets 250,000/mm³.
• C. Hct 40%.
• D. WBC 14,000/mm³.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A WBC count of 14,000/mm³ is elevated, indicating a potential infection or inflammation, and should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and management. Choices A, B, and C are within normal ranges and do not require immediate reporting as they indicate normal hemoglobin, platelet count, and hematocrit levels for a school-age child.

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