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. 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.

3. As a result of opioid administration, a child's respirations are slow and shallow. Which should the nurse anticipate when assessing the child's arterial blood gas?

• A. Increased PCO2 and respiratory acidosis
• B. Decreased PCO2 and respiratory alkalosis
• C. Low pH and low PCO2
• D. High pH and high PCO2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child's respirations are slow and shallow due to opioid administration, it results in hypoventilation. This leads to retaining carbon dioxide, indicated by an increased PCO2 level on arterial blood gas analysis, and subsequently causes respiratory acidosis due to the buildup of CO2 in the blood. Therefore, choice A, 'Increased PCO2 and respiratory acidosis,' is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because slow and shallow respirations would not lead to decreased PCO2 or respiratory alkalosis (choice B), low pH and low PCO2 (choice C), or high pH and high PCO2 (choice D).

4. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital secondary to dehydration. Laboratory tests indicate a high hemoglobin and hematocrit, and the serum sodium is below normal levels. Which condition does the nurse suspect based on the current data?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Metabolic acidosis
• C. Hypotonic dehydration
• D. Isotonic dehydration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is hypotonic dehydration. The combination of high hemoglobin and hematocrit with low serum sodium indicates hypotonic dehydration. In this condition, there is an excess of solutes relative to water, leading to higher red blood cell concentration (elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit) and low serum sodium levels.

5. A child with glomerulonephritis receiving corticosteroid treatment requires dietary teaching. What instruction should the nurse provide to the parent?

• A. Increase the child's intake of potassium-rich foods.
• B. Encourage the child to eat low-calorie snacks.
• C. Offer the child a variety of fresh fruits.
• D. Restrict the child's fluid intake.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to offer the child a variety of fresh fruits. Glomerulonephritis and corticosteroid use can lead to potassium depletion. Fresh fruits are a good source of potassium, which can help counteract the depletion caused by corticosteroids. Encouraging a variety of fresh fruits can provide necessary nutrients and help maintain a balanced diet for the child.

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