a patients serum potassium level is 22 meql which nursing action is the highest priority for this patient
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

HESI Leadership and Management Quizlet

1. A patient's serum potassium level is 2.2 mEq/L. Which nursing action is the highest priority for this patient?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate cardiac monitoring. Severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, making cardiac monitoring the priority to detect and manage any cardiac complications. Starting oxygen, seizure precautions, or bed rest are not the immediate priority actions for severe hypokalemia.

2. A client is in DKA, secondary to infection. As the condition progresses, which of the following symptoms might the nurse see?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), as the condition progresses, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate, leading to Kussmaul's respirations. The accumulation of ketones in the body causes a fruity odor on the breath. Option A is correct because Kussmaul's respirations and a fruity odor on the breath are classic signs of DKA. Option B is incorrect because shallow respirations are not typically seen in DKA, and severe abdominal pain is more commonly associated with conditions like pancreatitis. Option C is incorrect as decreased respirations are not a typical finding in DKA, and increased urine output is more commonly seen in conditions like diabetes insipidus. Option D is incorrect because Cheyne-Stokes respirations are not characteristic of DKA, and foul-smelling urine is not a prominent symptom in this condition.

3. Which of the following differentiates ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Crohn's disease is characterized by noncontiguous, segmented involvement, meaning it can affect different areas with healthy tissue in between, while ulcerative colitis involves continuous areas of inflammation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, can present with shallow ulcerations or deep fissures, and is transmural, meaning it affects the entire thickness of the bowel wall. On the other hand, ulcerative colitis typically affects the colon and rectum, presents with a continuous pattern of inflammation, and primarily involves the mucosal lining of the colon.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased level of consciousness. In a client with meningitis, a decreased level of consciousness is a critical finding that should be reported immediately. This could indicate increased intracranial pressure or neurological deterioration, requiring prompt intervention. Choices A, B, and D are important in the assessment of meningitis but are not as immediately concerning as a decreased level of consciousness. A generalized rash over the trunk can be seen in meningococcal meningitis, an increased temperature is expected due to the inflammatory response, and photophobia is a common symptom due to meningeal irritation.

5. Why is patient confidentiality significant in healthcare?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patient confidentiality is significant in healthcare because it involves protecting patient privacy. Maintaining confidentiality ensures that patients feel safe and secure when sharing sensitive information with healthcare providers. Choice A is incorrect because sharing patient information freely would violate confidentiality. Choice C is incorrect because ignoring patient consent goes against ethical principles. Choice D is incorrect because limiting patient access to their own records does not relate directly to the concept of patient confidentiality.

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