Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is teaching a client who has hypertension about dietary modifications. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Increase sodium intake
• B. Reduce sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg per day
• C. Limit caffeine intake
• D. Increase caffeine intake to improve focus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Reduce sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg per day.' For clients with hypertension, reducing sodium intake is crucial as it helps manage blood pressure. High sodium intake can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect because increasing sodium intake would worsen hypertension. Choice C is also correct as limiting caffeine intake is beneficial for managing hypertension. Choice D is incorrect as increasing caffeine intake can elevate blood pressure, which is detrimental for clients with hypertension.

2. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with a suspected infection?

• A. Monitor temperature and check for elevated white blood cells
• B. Monitor blood pressure and check for fever
• C. Assess for changes in mental status and monitor urine output
• D. Administer antibiotics and monitor for changes in mental status

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a patient with a suspected infection, it is crucial to monitor temperature and check for elevated white blood cells. Elevated temperature indicates a potential infection, and increased white blood cells are a sign of inflammation and the body's response to an infection. Monitoring blood pressure (choice B) and checking for fever (choice B) are not as specific indicators of infection as monitoring temperature and white blood cell count. Assessing changes in mental status and monitoring urine output (choice C) are important aspects of patient assessment but may not directly indicate a suspected infection. Administering antibiotics (choice D) should only be done after a confirmed diagnosis of a bacterial infection, as unnecessary antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who has a calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Constipation
• B. Absent deep-tendon reflexes
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Tingling of the extremities

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct! A calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL indicates hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can lead to increased neuromuscular excitability, manifesting as tingling of the extremities. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect findings associated with other electrolyte imbalances or conditions and are not typically related to hypocalcemia. Constipation is commonly seen in hypokalemia, absent deep-tendon reflexes are associated with hypermagnesemia, and nausea and vomiting are more indicative of hypercalcemia.

4. What is the most appropriate response when a client with chronic kidney disease asks about fluid restrictions?

• A. Fluid restrictions are not needed for all clients with chronic kidney disease.
• B. You may need to limit fluid intake to prevent fluid overload.
• C. Fluid restrictions are based on your lab results and daily weights.
• D. Restricting fluids is only necessary during dialysis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate response when a client with chronic kidney disease asks about fluid restrictions is to inform them that limiting fluid intake may be necessary to prevent fluid overload. This is crucial in managing the condition and preventing complications such as edema and electrolyte imbalances. Choice A is incorrect as fluid restrictions are commonly advised for clients with chronic kidney disease. Choice C is partially correct as fluid restrictions are indeed based on lab results and daily weights, but the primary goal is to prevent fluid overload. Choice D is incorrect because fluid restrictions are not limited to just during dialysis; they are often recommended throughout the day to manage the condition.

5. How should a healthcare provider manage a patient with hyperkalemia?

• A. Administer insulin and glucose
• B. Restrict potassium intake
• C. Monitor ECG
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In managing hyperkalemia, it is essential to administer insulin and glucose to shift potassium into the cells, restrict potassium intake to prevent further elevation of serum levels, and monitor the ECG for signs of potassium-induced cardiac effects. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as all of the provided actions are important in the management of hyperkalemia. Choice A alone is not sufficient as it only addresses shifting potassium intracellularly without preventing further elevation. Choice B alone is not enough as it does not address the immediate need to lower serum potassium levels. Choice C alone is insufficient as it only monitors for cardiac effects without addressing potassium levels or shifting mechanisms.

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