Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is teaching postoperative care to the parents of a toddler following a cleft palate repair. Which of the following should be included in the teaching?

• A. Provide an orthodontic pacifier for comfort
• B. Offer fluids using a straw
• C. Cleanse the suture line with a cotton-tip swab
• D. Remove elbow splints periodically to perform range of motion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Elbow splints are utilized to prevent the child from touching the surgical site. However, it is essential to remove them periodically to conduct range-of-motion exercises to prevent joint stiffness. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because providing an orthodontic pacifier, offering fluids using a straw, and cleansing the suture line with a cotton-tip swab are not directly related to postoperative care following a cleft palate repair.

2. A nurse is planning care for a client who has chronic kidney disease. Which finding indicates the need for hemodialysis?

• A. BUN 14 mg/dL
• B. Serum potassium 4.2 mEq/L
• C. Serum creatinine 5 mg/dL
• D. Serum calcium 9 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL is significantly elevated and indicates the need for hemodialysis to help filter waste products from the blood. Elevated creatinine levels suggest impaired kidney function and the inability to effectively filter waste from the body. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not indicate the need for immediate hemodialysis in a client with chronic kidney disease.

3. A nurse is admitted to a psychiatric unit and fails to follow her medication regimen. What does this behavior indicate?

• A. Early cognitive impairment
• B. Lack of motivation
• C. Lack of health literacy
• D. Worsening health state

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Lack of health literacy.' The nurse's inability to follow the medication regimen suggests she may lack health literacy, meaning she may not fully understand how to manage her own health care. Choice A, 'Early cognitive impairment,' is not supported by the information provided in the question as there is no mention of cognitive decline. Choice B, 'Lack of motivation,' is less likely as the behavior is more indicative of a knowledge deficit rather than a lack of drive. Choice D, 'Worsening health state,' is also less likely as the behavior described does not directly imply a worsening health condition but rather a misunderstanding or lack of knowledge on managing health.

4. A client receiving opiates for pain management was initially sedated but is no longer sedated after three days. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Initiate additional non-pharmacological pain management techniques.
• B. Notify the provider that a dosage adjustment is needed.
• C. No action is needed at this time.
• D. Contact the provider to request an alternate method of pain management.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: No action is needed at this time. Sedation from opiates commonly decreases as the body adjusts to the medication. It is a positive sign that the sedation has resolved, indicating the client is tolerating the current dosage well. Initiating additional non-pharmacological pain management techniques (Choice A) is unnecessary since the current pain management regimen is effective. Notifying the provider for a dosage adjustment (Choice B) is premature and not indicated when the sedation has resolved. Contacting the provider to request an alternate method of pain management (Choice D) is excessive and not warranted in this situation where the client is no longer sedated and the current pain management plan is effective.

5. A client is prescribed furosemide. Which of the following is a potential side effect?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypernatremia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss through urine, causing hypokalemia. Hyperkalemia (choice A) is not a side effect of furosemide. Hyponatremia (choice C) and hypernatremia (choice D) are related to sodium levels rather than potassium, and they are not typically associated with furosemide use.

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