Nursing Elites

1. A patient develops hypotension, laryngeal edema, and bronchospasm after eating peanuts. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?

• A. Promethazine
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Diphenhydramine
• D. Hydroxyzine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The patient is exhibiting symptoms of anaphylaxis triggered by a peanut allergy, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. The appropriate medication for anaphylaxis is epinephrine. Epinephrine acts quickly to reverse the symptoms by constricting blood vessels, relaxing bronchial muscles, and reducing laryngeal edema, making it the drug of choice for this situation. Promethazine, diphenhydramine, and hydroxyzine are not the first-line treatments for anaphylaxis. Promethazine is an antihistamine with sedative effects, Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine, and Hydroxyzine is also an antihistamine with sedative properties. While these medications can help with mild allergic reactions, they are not as effective or fast-acting as epinephrine in treating the severe manifestations of anaphylaxis.

2. A young child admitted to the pediatric unit has fever, irritability, and vomiting with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) result should the nurse anticipate based on these data?

• A. Decreased protein count
• B. Clear, straw-colored fluid
• C. Positive for red blood cells (RBCs)
• D. Decreased glucose level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In bacterial meningitis, the glucose level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically decreased due to the increased utilization of glucose by the infecting bacteria. This metabolic change leads to a decrease in CSF glucose levels, making choice D the correct answer in this scenario. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because bacterial meningitis usually results in an increased protein count, cloudy appearance of the CSF due to the presence of bacteria, and absence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the CSF unless there is a traumatic tap, respectively.

3. The patient taking spironolactone (Aldactone) makes a statement indicating effective teaching. Which statement shows understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will use salt substitutes to lower my sodium intake
• B. I will increase my intake of foods that are high in potassium
• C. I will call my doctor if I begin having menstrual irregularities
• D. I will take this medication at bedtime each evening

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can cause endocrine effects like menstrual irregularities. Therefore, the patient recognizing the need to report such changes indicates effective teaching. Choices A and B are incorrect as salt substitutes and high-potassium foods should be avoided with spironolactone. Choice D is also incorrect because diuretics, including spironolactone, are ideally taken in the morning to prevent disturbances in sleep due to nocturia.

4. A child with croup has an increased PCO2, a decreased pH, and a normal HCO3 blood gas value. Which finding does the nurse report to the healthcare provider based on these data?

• A. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
• B. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
• C. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
• D. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The blood gas values indicate uncompensated respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, there is an increased PCO2, decreased pH, and a normal HCO3 level. This condition requires immediate attention to address the underlying respiratory problem causing the acidosis.

5. How would you best evaluate the clinical usefulness of a test?

• A. Decide on using a single test for all clients and families
• B. Consider what needs to be collected and discuss with colleagues
• C. Ask the family for a test suggestion
• D. Read the statistical methods used to validate the scores

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When evaluating the clinical usefulness of a test, the best approach is to consider what specific information needs to be collected based on the clients' needs. Discussing these considerations with colleagues helps in ensuring that the chosen test is appropriate and beneficial for the individuals being assessed. Choice A is incorrect as using a single test for all clients may not account for individual differences. Choice C is incorrect as the family's suggestion alone may not align with clinical needs. Choice D is incorrect as understanding statistical methods alone may not fully capture the clinical utility of a test.

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