Nursing Elites

1. What electrolyte value should be monitored when a patient is receiving a loop diuretic?

• A. Calcium levels
• B. Phosphorus levels
• C. Potassium levels
• D. Magnesium levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is receiving a loop diuretic like furosemide (Lasix), potassium levels should be monitored closely. Loop diuretics act on the ascending loop of Henle to inhibit the reabsorption of sodium and water, leading to potassium loss. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can result in serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Calcium levels (Choice A), phosphorus levels (Choice B), and magnesium levels (Choice D) are not typically affected directly by loop diuretics and do not require routine monitoring in this context.

2. A patient with a longstanding diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder presents to the emergency room. The triage nurse notes upon assessment that the patient is hyperventilating. The triage nurse is aware that hyperventilation is the most common cause of which acid-base imbalance?

• A. Respiratory acidosis
• B. Respiratory alkalosis
• C. Increased PaCO2
• D. CNS disturbances

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation, which can be caused by extreme anxiety, is the most common cause of acute respiratory alkalosis. This leads to a decrease in PaCO2 levels. Respiratory acidosis, choice A, occurs in conditions like hypoventilation, leading to an increase in PaCO2 levels. Choice C, Increased PaCO2, is not the correct term for an acid-base imbalance related to hyperventilation. Choice D, CNS disturbances, is not directly related to the acid-base imbalance caused by hyperventilation.

3. When considering overhydration:

• A. occurs less often than dehydration.
• B. can strain the kidneys.
• C. can be caused by giving intravenous fluids too rapidly.
• D. less common than dehydration.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Overhydration can occur when intravenous fluids are administered too quickly, overwhelming the body's ability to excrete the excess fluid. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because overhydration is less common than dehydration. Choice B is incorrect because while overhydration can strain the kidneys, it is not due to the burden being too heavy. Choice D is incorrect because dehydration is more common than overhydration.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who has an electrolyte imbalance related to renal failure. For which potential complications of this electrolyte imbalance should the nurse assess? (Select all that do mot apply.)

• A. Electrocardiogram changes
• B. Slow, shallow respirations
• C. Paralytic ileus
• D. Skeletal muscle weakness

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

5. What is the main force that pushes fluid in blood capillaries?

• A. Blood pressure.
• B. Sodium in the blood plasma.
• C. Sodium in the interstitial fluid.
• D. Protein in the blood plasma.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, blood pressure. Blood pressure is the primary force that pushes fluid out of the capillaries into the surrounding tissues. This pressure difference is essential for the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the blood and tissues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the primary force responsible for pushing fluid in blood capillaries.

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