Nursing Elites

1. When a patient is taking glucocorticoids and digoxin, which electrolyte should the nurse prioritize monitoring?

• A. Calcium
• B. Magnesium
• C. Sodium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should primarily monitor potassium levels in a patient taking glucocorticoids and digoxin. Glucocorticoids can lead to potassium loss, potentially increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity. Additionally, glucocorticoids may worsen hypokalemia induced by diuretics like thiazides and loops. While calcium, magnesium, and sodium are important electrolytes to monitor in various clinical situations, they are not the priority in this specific scenario of a patient on glucocorticoids and digoxin.

2. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory report of an infant who is receiving treatment for severe dehydration. The professional should identify which of the following laboratory values indicates effectiveness of the current treatment?

• A. Potassium 2.9 mEq/L
• B. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• C. Urine specific gravity 1.035
• D. BUN 25 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A sodium level of 140 mEq/L within the expected reference range indicates effective treatment for dehydration. In dehydration, sodium levels are often elevated, so a normal sodium level suggests that the treatment is helping to restore the electrolyte balance in the infant's body.

3. A patient taking sildenafil (Viagra) asks a nurse what action to take if priapism occurs. Which response should the nurse provide?

• A. Take an additional half-strength dose of sildenafil
• B. The condition usually resolves in 12 hours or less
• C. Wait until the following day and notify the doctor
• D. Seek emergency help, because permanent damage can occur

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Patients experiencing priapism from sildenafil should seek immediate medical attention. Priapism is a serious condition where an erection lasts longer than 4 hours, and if left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage to the penile tissue, potentially causing permanent erectile dysfunction. Therefore, prompt intervention is crucial to prevent long-term complications.

4. Which statement by an 18-year-old woman vaccinated with Gardasil indicates that more teaching is necessary?

• A. This vaccination will cure the HPV infection I got when I was 16.
• B. I will still need to have a routine Pap screen performed.
• C. Gardasil can prevent genital warts in males and females.
• D. This drug does not protect against all types of HPV.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because Gardasil does not cure existing HPV infections. Gardasil is a preventive vaccine and does not treat existing infections. Choice B is correct as regular Pap screenings are still necessary even after vaccination. Choice C is also correct as Gardasil can prevent genital warts. Choice D is correct as Gardasil does not protect against all types of HPV. Therefore, option A is the statement that indicates the need for more teaching.

5. Why is the specific gravity for infants lower than for older children?

• A. Infants have a greater body surface area.
• B. Infants have a higher basal metabolic rate.
• C. Infants have a greater percentage of body weight that is water.
• D. Infants' kidneys are less able to concentrate urine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because infants' kidneys are less developed compared to older children, making them less efficient at concentrating urine. This results in a lower specific gravity in infants. The other choices do not directly explain why the specific gravity is lower in infants.

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