Nursing Elites

1. After 5 days of diuretic therapy with 20mg of furosemide (Lasix) daily, a patient begins to exhibit fatigue, muscle cramping, and muscle weakness. These symptoms probably indicate that the patient is experiencing:

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Anorexia
• D. Dysphagia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The symptoms of fatigue, muscle cramping, and muscle weakness in a patient after starting furosemide therapy are indicative of hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion, causing hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can manifest with muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue due to alterations in neuromuscular function and decreased ATP production.

2. A client with COPD expresses concerns about leaving the house due to continuous oxygen use. What is an appropriate response by the nurse?

• A. There are portable oxygen delivery systems that you can take with you.
• B. When you go out, you can remove the oxygen and then reapply it when you get home.
• C. You probably will not be able to go out as much as you used to.
• D. Home health services will come to see you so you will not need to get out.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For a client with COPD concerned about leaving the house while on continuous oxygen, the nurse should provide reassurance by mentioning the availability of portable oxygen delivery systems. These systems allow the client to maintain their oxygen therapy while being mobile, enabling them to go out and engage in activities outside the home. This response promotes independence and quality of life for the client, addressing their immediate concerns and offering a practical solution to their perceived limitation.

3. When a chest tube is accidentally removed from a client, which of the following actions should the nurse NOT take first?

• A. Obtain a chest x-ray
• B. Apply sterile gauze to the insertion site
• C. Place tape around the insertion site
• D. Assess respiratory status

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a chest tube is accidentally removed, the priority action for the nurse is to immediately seal the insertion site with a gloved hand, a sterile occlusive dressing, or petroleum gauze to prevent air from entering the pleural space and causing a pneumothorax. Applying sterile gauze to the insertion site is not the correct initial action. The first step is to prevent respiratory compromise by ensuring the site is sealed. Therefore, the nurse should not apply sterile gauze to the insertion site first.

4. A charge nurse is recommending postpartum client discharge following a local disaster. Which of the following should the nurse recommend for discharge?

• A. A 42-year-old client who has preeclampsia and a BP of 166/110 mm Hg
• B. A 15-year-old client who delivered via emergency cesarean birth 1 day ago
• C. A client who received 2 units of packed RBCs 6 hr ago for a postpartum hemorrhage
• D. A client who delivered precipitously 36 hr ago and has a second-degree perineal laceration

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate client to recommend for discharge following a local disaster in the postpartum unit is the one who delivered precipitously 36 hours ago and has a second-degree perineal laceration. This client's condition is stable enough for discharge, and the timing and extent of the perineal laceration are within expectations for a safe discharge. Clients with conditions such as preeclampsia, recent emergency cesarean birth, or recent administration of packed RBCs for postpartum hemorrhage require further monitoring and care before being considered for discharge.

5. What is the appropriate needle size for insulin injection?

• A. 18G, 1 ½” long
• B. 22G, 1” long
• C. 22G, 1 ½” long
• D. 25G, 5/8” long

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The appropriate needle size for insulin injection is 25G, 5/8” long. This size allows for accurate and comfortable insulin administration in subcutaneous tissue.

Similar Questions