Nursing Elites

1. A patient is receiving an opioid analgesic for pain management. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

• A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure.
• B. Assess the patient's respiratory rate.
• C. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation.
• D. Assess the patient's heart rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's respiratory rate. When a patient is receiving opioids, it is crucial to monitor their respiratory rate as opioids can depress the respiratory system, leading to respiratory depression and potential respiratory failure. Monitoring blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate are important assessments as well, but the priority lies in assessing respiratory rate due to the risk of respiratory depression associated with opioid use.

2. A patient with heart failure has gained 5 pounds in the last 3 days. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Restrict the patient's fluid intake.
• B. Monitor the patient's daily weight.
• C. Administer diuretics as prescribed.
• D. Increase the patient's salt intake to promote fluid balance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the patient's daily weight. In heart failure, sudden weight gain indicates fluid retention, which can worsen the condition. Monitoring daily weight helps in early detection of fluid accumulation, allowing timely intervention. Restricting fluid intake (choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority at this point. Administering diuretics (choice C) should be done based on healthcare provider orders, not the nurse's independent decision. Increasing salt intake (choice D) is contraindicated in heart failure as it can exacerbate fluid retention.

3. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer a dextrose 50% IV bolus
• B. Provide 8 oz of orange juice
• C. Administer regular insulin IV infusion
• D. Give oral metformin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer regular insulin IV infusion. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the priority intervention is to rapidly decrease blood glucose levels. Administering regular insulin via IV infusion helps in lowering blood glucose effectively and quickly. Choice A, administering a dextrose 50% IV bolus, is incorrect because it would further increase blood sugar levels. Choice B, providing orange juice, is not appropriate for treating DKA as it contains sugar that will elevate blood glucose levels. Choice D, giving oral metformin, is not suitable for immediate blood glucose reduction as it acts over time and is not the first-line treatment for DKA.

4. A nurse is preparing medications for a client via nasogastric tube. What should the nurse do before administering the medications?

• A. Flush the tube with water and administer all medications at once
• B. Administer medications one after the other without flushing
• C. Crush all medications and mix them together for administration
• D. Administer medications in liquid form only

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before administering medications through a nasogastric tube, the nurse should administer them one after the other without flushing. Flushing the tube with water should be done before and after each medication to prevent any interactions and ensure each medication is delivered effectively. The correct answer is not to administer all medications at once (choice A) as this can lead to potential drug interactions. Crushing all medications and mixing them together (choice C) is incorrect as each medication should be given separately to maintain their individual efficacy. Administering medications in liquid form only (choice D) is limiting and may not be suitable for all types of medications that need to be administered.

5. A healthcare provider writes a medication order that seems excessively high for the patient's condition. What is the nurse's first step?

• A. Administer the medication immediately.
• B. Hold the medication and consult the provider.
• C. Reduce the dose without consulting the provider.
• D. Administer the medication after double-checking with another nurse.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step for the nurse when encountering a medication order that appears excessively high for the patient's condition is to hold the medication and consult the provider. Administering the medication immediately (Choice A) without clarification could pose a risk to the patient's safety. Reducing the dose without consulting the provider (Choice C) is not recommended as it may lead to suboptimal treatment. Administering the medication after double-checking with another nurse (Choice D) is not sufficient; consulting the provider directly is crucial to ensure the accuracy and safety of the medication order.

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