Nursing Elites

1. A nurse caring for a client with hypocalcemia would expect to note which of the following changes on the electrocardiogram?

• A. Widened T wave
• B. Prominent U wave
• C. Prolonged QT interval
• D. Shortened ST segment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In hypocalcemia, a decreased level of calcium can lead to a prolonged QT interval on the ECG due to its role in myocardial repolarization. A widened T wave (Choice A) is typically seen in hyperkalemia. A prominent U wave (Choice B) is associated with hypokalemia. A shortened ST segment (Choice D) is not a typical ECG finding in hypocalcemia.

2. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer intravenous insulin
• B. Start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline
• C. Monitor serum potassium levels
• D. Obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first intervention in the treatment of a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is to start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline. This is essential for fluid resuscitation to restore intravascular volume and improve perfusion. Administering intravenous insulin can lead to further potassium depletion without first addressing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring serum potassium levels is important but should follow fluid resuscitation to avoid life-threatening hypokalemia. Obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) is necessary to assess the acid-base status but is not the initial priority when managing DKA.

3. A nurse manager in the emergency department considers policy changes in the organization and changes in the community, and tries to predict how these may impact the functioning of the unit. Which of the following decisional activities best describes this manager's actions?

• A. Resource allocation
• B. Monitoring
• C. Job analysis and redesign
• D. Planning for the future

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Planning for the future.' In this scenario, the nurse manager is engaging in strategic planning by considering policy changes and community dynamics to forecast potential impacts on the unit's functioning. This decisional activity involves anticipating future changes, challenges, and opportunities, and preparing the unit to adapt accordingly. Choice A, 'Resource allocation,' involves distributing resources effectively to support daily operations, which is not the primary focus of the nurse manager's actions described. Choice B, 'Monitoring,' typically involves overseeing current activities and performance to ensure adherence to standards and goals, rather than proactively planning for future changes as the nurse manager is doing. Choice C, 'Job analysis and redesign,' pertains to evaluating and modifying job roles and responsibilities within the unit, which is not directly related to the strategic forecasting and planning involved in anticipating organizational and community impacts.

4. A client with Addison's disease is receiving corticosteroid therapy. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following potential side effects?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Hypertension
• C. Weight loss
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with Addison's disease is receiving corticosteroid therapy, the nurse should monitor for hypertension as a potential side effect. Corticosteroids can lead to hypertension by causing fluid retention and increased blood volume. Hypoglycemia (Choice A) is not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy; instead, hyperglycemia is more likely. Weight loss (Choice C) is not a typical side effect of corticosteroid therapy; in fact, weight gain is more common due to fluid retention and increased appetite. Hyperkalemia (Choice D) is a potential side effect of Addison's disease itself due to adrenal insufficiency, but it is not directly caused by corticosteroid therapy.

5. During a class on exercise for diabetic clients, a female client asks the nurse educator how often to exercise. The nurse educator advises the clients to exercise how often to meet the goals of planned exercise?

• A. At least once a week
• B. At least three times a week
• C. At least five times a week
• D. Every day

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Exercising at least five times a week is recommended to meet the goals of planned exercise for diabetic clients. This frequency helps in managing blood sugar levels effectively and improving overall health. Exercising once a week (Choice A) may not provide sufficient benefits or consistency required for diabetic clients. Exercising three times a week (Choice B) is better but may still fall short of the recommended frequency for optimal outcomes. Exercising every day (Choice D) may lead to burnout or overtraining if not properly balanced with rest days, which could be counterproductive for diabetic clients.

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