Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L
• B. Sodium level of 135 mEq/L
• C. Magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L
• D. Calcium level of 8.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A magnesium level of 1.6 mEq/L is within the normal range, but monitoring potassium levels is crucial for clients taking furosemide. Furosemide can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can lead to adverse effects such as cardiac dysrhythmias. Sodium and calcium levels are not typically affected by furosemide, so they are not the priority findings to report to the provider in this case.

2. A client diagnosed with dementia wanders the halls of the locked nursing unit during the day. To ensure the client's safety while walking in the halls, the nurse should do which of the following?

• A. Administer PRN haloperidol (Haldol) to decrease the need to walk
• B. Assess the client's gait for steadiness
• C. Restrain the client in a geriatric chair
• D. Administer PRN lorazepam (Ativan) to provide sedation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the client's gait for steadiness is the most appropriate action to ensure the safety of a client with dementia while walking. This allows the nurse to identify any issues that may increase the risk of falls or accidents. Administering PRN haloperidol or lorazepam is not indicated as the first-line approach in managing wandering behavior and can have adverse effects like increased risk of falls, confusion, or oversedation. Restraint use should be avoided whenever possible, as it can lead to physical and psychological harm to the client.

3. What is the proper technique for measuring blood pressure manually?

• A. Use a stethoscope to listen for the Korotkoff sounds
• B. Ensure the patient is seated with the arm supported
• C. Use a manual sphygmomanometer
• D. Deflate the cuff slowly while listening to the heartbeat

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique for measuring blood pressure manually involves using a stethoscope to listen for the Korotkoff sounds. Choice B, ensuring the patient is seated with the arm supported, is important but not the specific technique for measuring blood pressure. Choice C, using a manual sphygmomanometer, is a necessary tool but not the technique itself. Choice D, deflating the cuff slowly while listening to the heartbeat, is not the correct technique as the deflation should be done while listening for the Korotkoff sounds to determine the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.

4. A client is scheduled for a 12-lead ECG. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Ensure the client is fasting before the test
• B. Provide a warm blanket for the client
• C. Apply cold compresses to the client's chest
• D. Instruct the client to remain still

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a 12-lead ECG, the client needs to remain still to obtain accurate readings. Therefore, instructing the client to remain still is essential. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because fasting is not necessary for an ECG, providing a warm blanket is not a standard procedure, and applying cold compresses may interfere with the ECG results.

5. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with suspected myocardial infarction (MI)?

• A. Administer oxygen and call for emergency help
• B. Monitor vital signs and provide pain relief
• C. Provide nitroglycerin and thrombolytics
• D. Administer diuretics and provide a high-protein diet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen and seeking emergency help are crucial initial steps in managing a patient with suspected myocardial infarction (MI). Oxygen helps to improve oxygenation to the heart muscle, reducing its workload and preventing further damage. Calling for emergency help ensures timely access to advanced medical care, including interventions like thrombolytics. Monitoring vital signs and providing pain relief are important but secondary to the immediate need for oxygen and emergency assistance. Providing nitroglycerin and thrombolytics should be done under medical supervision and following appropriate protocols, not as the first step. Administering diuretics and altering the patient's diet are not indicated in the acute management of MI.

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