Nursing Elites

1. A patient is in the hospital with heart failure. The nurse notes during the evening assessment that the patient's neck veins are distended and the patient has dyspnea. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Place the patient in low Fowler's position and notify the physician.
• B. Increase the patient's IV fluid and auscultate the lungs.
• C. Place the patient in semi-Fowler's position and prepare to give the PRN diuretic as ordered.
• D. Discontinue the patient's IV.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The symptoms of distended neck veins and dyspnea indicate fluid overload in a patient with heart failure. Placing the patient in semi-Fowler's position helps with respiratory effort and administering diuretics, as ordered, can assist in reducing fluid volume. Placing the patient in low Fowler's position (Choice A) may not be as effective in improving breathing. Increasing IV fluid (Choice B) is contraindicated in fluid overload conditions. Discontinuing the IV (Choice D) is not the immediate intervention needed to address the symptoms of fluid overload.

2. A nurse is caring for clients with electrolyte imbalances on a medical-surgical unit. Which clinical manifestations are correctly paired with the contributing electrolyte imbalance? (Select all that do not apply.)

• A. Hypokalemia Flaccid paralysis with respiratory depression
• B. Hyperphosphatemia Paresthesia with sensations of tingling and numbness
• C. . Hyponatremia Decreased level of consciousness
• D.

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

3. A client at risk for developing hyperkalemia states, 'I love fruit and usually eat it every day, but now I can't because of my high potassium level.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. Potatoes and avocados can be substituted for fruit.
• B. If you cook the fruit, the amount of potassium will be lower.
• C. Berries, cherries, apples, and peaches are low in potassium.
• D. You are correct. Fruit is very high in potassium.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Berries, cherries, apples, and peaches are indeed low in potassium, making them suitable choices for someone at risk for hyperkalemia. Choice A is incorrect because potatoes and avocados are high in potassium and should be avoided in this situation. Choice B is incorrect because cooking fruit does not significantly lower its potassium content. Choice D is incorrect as it provides incorrect information, as not all fruits are very high in potassium.

4. The nurse who assesses the patient's peripheral IV site and notes edema around the insertion site will document which complication related to IV therapy?

• A. Air emboli
• B. Phlebitis
• C. Infiltration
• D. Fluid overload

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Infiltration is the administration of non-vesicant solution or medication into the surrounding tissue. This can occur when the IV cannula dislodges or perforates the vein's wall. Infiltration is characterized by edema around the insertion site, leakage of IV fluid from the insertion site, discomfort, and coolness in the area of infiltration, and a significant decrease in the flow rate. Air emboli (Choice A) involves air entering the bloodstream. Phlebitis (Choice B) is inflammation of a vein. Fluid overload (Choice D) is an excessive volume of fluid in the circulatory system.

5. During a visit to an 84-year-old woman recovering from hip surgery, the nurse notices signs of confusion and poor skin turgor. The woman mentions she limits water intake to avoid nighttime bathroom trips. The nurse should explain to the woman that:

• A. She will need her medications adjusted and be readmitted for a complete workup.
• B. Limiting fluids can lead to body imbalances causing confusion; perhaps adjusting fluid intake timing is necessary.
• C. Post-surgical confusion is common, and it's safe not to urinate at night.
• D. Confusion after surgery is typical in the elderly due to sleep loss.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In elderly patients, fluid and electrolyte imbalances can manifest with subtle signs like confusion. Limiting fluids can lead to such imbalances, affecting cognitive function. Adjusting the timing of fluid intake can help maintain hydration without causing nighttime disruptions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A suggests unnecessary hospital readmission and medication adjustments without addressing the root cause. Choice C wrongly normalizes the confusion and fails to address the potential issue of fluid restriction. Choice D incorrectly attributes confusion solely to sleep loss without considering the impact of fluid balance.

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