Nursing Elites

1. A nursing student needs to administer potassium chloride intravenously as prescribed to a client with hypokalemia. The nursing instructor determines that the student is unprepared for this procedure if the student states that which of the following is part of the plan for preparation and administration of the potassium?

• A. Obtaining a controlled IV infusion pump
• B. Monitoring urine output during administration
• C. Diluting an appropriate amount of normal saline
• D. Preparing the medication for bolus administration

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is preparing the medication for bolus administration (Choice D). Potassium should never be administered as a bolus because it can cause cardiac arrest. It must always be diluted and given slowly. Obtaining a controlled IV infusion pump (Choice A) is essential for accurate delivery, monitoring urine output during administration (Choice B) helps assess the client's response, and diluting an appropriate amount of normal saline (Choice C) is necessary to prevent irritation and ensure safe administration.

2. A client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is at risk for which of the following complications?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyponatremia. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is characterized by the excessive release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to water retention in the body. This causes dilutional hyponatremia, where the sodium levels in the blood become abnormally low. Option A, Hypernatremia, is incorrect because SIADH does not cause elevated sodium levels. Option C, Hyperkalemia, is incorrect as SIADH does not directly affect potassium levels. Option D, Hypercalcemia, is also incorrect as SIADH does not impact calcium levels.

3. Albert, a 35-year-old insulin-dependent diabetic, is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia. He has been febrile since admission. His daily insulin requirement is 24 units of NPH. Every morning Albert is given NPH insulin at 0730. Meals are served at 0830, 1230, and 1830. The nurse expects that the NPH insulin will reach its maximum effect (peak) between the hours of:

• A. 1130 and 1330.
• B. 1330 and 1930.
• C. 1530 and 2130.
• D. 1730 and 2330.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: NPH insulin typically peaks 4-12 hours after administration, so a peak between 1530 and 2130 would be expected. Choice A (1130 and 1330) is too early for the peak effect of NPH insulin. Choice B (1330 and 1930) falls within the possible peak period but is not as accurate as choice C. Choice D (1730 and 2330) is too late for the peak effect of NPH insulin based on the typical peak timing.

4. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The nurse suspects diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following lab findings would confirm this diagnosis?

• A. Serum glucose of 180 mg/dL
• B. Serum bicarbonate of 22 mEq/L
• C. Blood pH of 7.25
• D. Urine specific gravity of 1.020

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A blood pH of 7.25 is a critical finding in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as it indicates metabolic acidosis, which is a hallmark of this condition. In DKA, there is an accumulation of ketones in the blood, leading to increased acidity. The serum glucose level is typically elevated in DKA, often exceeding 250 mg/dL. A serum bicarbonate level less than 18 mEq/L is usually seen in DKA due to the metabolic acidosis. Urine specific gravity is not a specific indicator for DKA and may vary depending on the individual's hydration status. Therefore, the correct lab finding that confirms DKA in this scenario is a blood pH of 7.25.

5. Which of the following statements should be included in the teaching to a client about a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR)?

• A. When a heart ceases to beat, the client is pronounced clinically dead.
• B. Physicians are required to write DNR orders.
• C. A DNR order can be written after discussion with the client and family.
• D. A court decision is needed for a DNR.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement to include in teaching a client about a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order is that it can be written after discussion with the client and family. This involves ensuring that the client and their family understand the implications and make an informed decision. Choice A is incorrect as pronouncing clinical death is not directly related to discussing a DNR order. Choice B is incorrect as while physicians typically write DNR orders, it is not a strict requirement. Choice D is incorrect as a court decision is not typically required for a DNR order; it is a decision made by the client with input from healthcare providers and family members.

Similar Questions