Nursing Elites

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

• A. Potassium 5.0 mEq/L
• B. Blood pressure 136/84 mm Hg
• C. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• D. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of normal and should be monitored closely in clients taking spironolactone, which is potassium-sparing. Elevated potassium levels can lead to hyperkalemia, especially in individuals on potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone. Monitoring and reporting high potassium levels are crucial to prevent potential complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Blood pressure (choice B), sodium level (choice C), and calcium level (choice D) are not directly related to the use of spironolactone and do not require immediate reporting in this scenario.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a bowel resection. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate 110/min.
• B. Temperature of 37.4°C (99.3°F).
• C. Respiratory rate of 18/min.
• D. Urine output of 20 mL/hr.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A urine output of 20 mL/hr is below the expected range and indicates potential renal failure, requiring immediate intervention. In postoperative patients, a urine output less than 30 mL/hr suggests inadequate renal perfusion, a concern that needs prompt attention to prevent renal complications. The heart rate of 110/min, temperature of 37.4°C (99.3°F), and respiratory rate of 18/min are within normal ranges for a postoperative client and do not indicate immediate issues.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Increased urinary output.
• B. Weight gain.
• C. Blurred vision.
• D. Diaphoresis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Increased urinary output is a common finding in clients with diabetes mellitus due to hyperglycemia and osmotic diuresis. This results in the body trying to eliminate excess glucose through urine, leading to increased urinary frequency and volume. Weight gain is not typically associated with diabetes mellitus but may occur in poorly controlled cases due to increased calorie intake. Blurred vision is more commonly associated with acute complications like hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is not a typical finding in diabetes mellitus but can be seen in conditions like hypoglycemia.

4. A client with a history of heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

• A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• B. Calcium 9.0 mg/dL
• C. Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
• D. Chloride 100 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Potassium 3.2 mEq/L. A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L is below the normal range and should be monitored in clients receiving furosemide due to the risk of hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium depletion, leading to hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Choices A, B, and D are not directly impacted by furosemide therapy in the same way as potassium levels, making them less relevant for monitoring in this scenario.

5. A nurse is preparing to apply a transdermal nicotine patch for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Shave hairy areas of skin prior to application.
• B. Wear gloves to apply the patch to the client's skin.
• C. Apply the patch within 1 hr of removing it from the protective pouch.
• D. Remove the previous patch and place it in a tissue.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to wear gloves to apply the patch to the client's skin. This action ensures that the nurse does not absorb any medication through their own skin, promoting safety. Choice A is incorrect because shaving is not necessary and could irritate the skin. Choice C is incorrect because transdermal patches should be applied immediately after removal from the protective pouch to maintain their efficacy. Choice D is incorrect because used patches should be folded and discarded safely according to facility protocols.

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