Nursing Elites

1. A nurse reviews the electrolyte results of an assigned client and notes that the potassium level is 5.4 mEq/L. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note on the electrocardiogram as a result of the laboratory value?

• A. ST depression
• B. Inverted T wave
• C. Prominent U wave
• D. Tall peaked T waves

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Tall peaked T waves.' Tall peaked T waves are characteristic ECG changes associated with hyperkalemia. In hyperkalemia, the elevated potassium levels affect the myocardium, leading to changes in the ECG. ST depression (Choice A) is more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia or infarction. Inverted T wave (Choice B) is seen in conditions like myocardial ischemia or CNS events. Prominent U wave (Choice C) is typically associated with hypokalemia or certain medications. Therefore, in this scenario, the nurse would expect to note tall peaked T waves on the electrocardiogram due to the elevated potassium level.

2. What are the six levels of consciousness from the most to the least responsive level of consciousness? Number all six using 1 as the most conscious and 6 as the least conscious.

• A. Obtunded, Confused, Lethargic, Comatose, Stuporous, Alert
• B. Confused, Lethargic, Obtunded, Stuporous, Comatose, Alert
• C. Lethargic, Obtunded, Confused, Stuporous, Comatose, Alert
• D. Alert, Confused, Lethargic, Obtunded, Stuporous, Comatose

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct order of the six levels of consciousness from most to least responsive is Alert, Confused, Lethargic, Obtunded, Stuporous, Comatose. Choice A is incorrect because it starts with Obtunded, which is less responsive than Alert. Choice B is incorrect as it doesn't follow the correct order. Choice C is incorrect as Lethargic is more responsive than Obtunded. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

3. A nurse is assisting with the orientation of a newly licensed nurse. The newly licensed nurse is having trouble focusing and has difficulty completing care for his assigned clients. Which of the following interventions is appropriate?

• A. Offer to provide care for his clients while he takes a break
• B. Advise him to complete less time-consuming tasks first
• C. Ask other staff members to take over some of his tasks
• D. Recommend that he take time to plan at the beginning of his shift

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct intervention is to recommend that the new nurse takes time to plan at the beginning of his shift. Planning ahead can help improve time management and focus. Option A is not ideal as it does not address the root cause of the issue and may not promote independence. Option B may not be effective if the nurse is struggling with time management in general. Option C involves shifting responsibilities to others without addressing the new nurse's need for improvement in managing his workload, which should be the priority.

4. Which nursing diagnosis is commonly used among patients affected by fibromyalgia?

• A. Decreased self-care in activities of daily living related to fatigue
• B. Impaired mental functioning related to electrolyte imbalances
• C. Increased vigilance secondary to electrolyte imbalances
• D. At risk for a swallowing disorder related to fibromyalgia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Decreased self-care in activities of daily living related to fatigue.' Patients with fibromyalgia commonly experience fatigue, which can lead to decreased ability to perform self-care activities. This nursing diagnosis addresses a direct consequence of fibromyalgia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly correlate with the common manifestations of fibromyalgia. Impaired mental functioning related to electrolyte imbalances and increased vigilance secondary to electrolyte imbalances are not typical presentations of fibromyalgia. 'At risk for a swallowing disorder related to fibromyalgia' is not a common nursing diagnosis associated with fibromyalgia; swallowing disorders are not a primary symptom of this condition.

5. Alcohol, caffeine, or drugs are high-risk factors that all fall under which broad classification of risk factors?

• A. Social demographic
• B. Environmental
• C. Biophysical
• D. Psychosocial

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Psychosocial. Alcohol, caffeine, or drug use are considered psychosocial risk factors as they are related to individual behavior, lifestyle choices, and social interactions. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Social demographic factors (choice A) refer to characteristics of a population such as age, gender, education, income, etc. Environmental factors (choice B) include physical surroundings like air quality, housing conditions, etc. Biophysical factors (choice C) involve biological aspects like genetics, physiology, and health conditions.

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