Nursing Elites

1. After multiple attempts to stop drinking, an adult male is admitted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) with delirium tremens. He is tachycardic, diaphoretic, restless, and disoriented. Which finding indicates a life-threatening condition?

• A. Widening QRS complexes and flat T waves
• B. Tachycardia and elevated blood pressure
• C. Restlessness and anxiety
• D. Diaphoresis and dehydration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Widening QRS complexes and flat T waves. In the context of an adult male with delirium tremens and symptoms like tachycardia, diaphoresis, restlessness, and disorientation, the presence of widening QRS complexes and flat T waves on an ECG suggests severe electrolyte imbalance, particularly hypokalemia. This severe electrolyte imbalance can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Tachycardia and elevated blood pressure (choice B) can be expected in delirium tremens but do not directly indicate a life-threatening condition as widening QRS complexes and flat T waves do. Restlessness and anxiety (choice C) are common symptoms of delirium tremens but do not specifically signify a life-threatening condition. Diaphoresis and dehydration (choice D) are also common in delirium tremens but do not directly point towards a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance as widening QRS complexes and flat T waves do.

2. A client is admitted for cellulitis surrounding an insect bite on the lower right arm, and intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy is prescribed. Which action should the nurse implement before performing venipuncture?

• A. Lower the right arm below the level of the heart.
• B. Elevate the right arm on a pillow.
• C. Apply a tourniquet above the insertion site.
• D. Apply a warm compress to the insertion site.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before performing venipuncture for IV therapy, the nurse should lower the right arm below the level of the heart. Lowering the arm helps dilate the veins, making it easier to locate and access a suitable vein for the procedure. Elevating the arm on a pillow, applying a tourniquet above the insertion site, or applying a warm compress to the insertion site are not appropriate actions before venipuncture as they can affect the venous blood flow and make the procedure more challenging.

3. A male client with cancer who has lost 10 pounds during the last months tells the nurse that beef, chicken, and eggs, which used to be his favorite foods, now taste 'bitter'. He complains that he simply has no appetite. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Suggest the use of alternative sources of protein such as dairy products and nuts.
• B. Encourage the client to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• C. Offer nutritional supplements between meals.
• D. Discuss the possibility of appetite stimulants with the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Offering alternative protein sources like dairy products and nuts can help maintain nutrition when the client finds certain foods unpalatable, as in this case where beef, chicken, and eggs taste 'bitter'. Encouraging smaller, more frequent meals may not address the issue of unpalatable foods. Offering nutritional supplements between meals may not specifically address the problem of protein intake. Discussing appetite stimulants should be considered after exploring less invasive options first.

4. After checking the fingerstick glucose at 1630, what action should be implemented?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer 8 units of insulin aspart SubQ.
• C. Give an IV bolus of Dextrose 50% 50 ml.
• D. Perform quality control on the glucometer.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering insulin aspart (rapid-acting insulin) is the appropriate action to manage the elevated glucose level of 1630. Choice A, notifying the healthcare provider, is not the immediate action needed for this glucose level. Choice C, giving an IV bolus of Dextrose 50%, would exacerbate hyperglycemia instead of treating it. Choice D, performing quality control on the glucometer, is not relevant to the management of the patient's glucose level at this time.

5. During the initial newborn assessment, the nurse finds that a newborn's heart rate is irregular. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Notify the pediatrician immediately.
• B. Teach the parents about congenital heart defects.
• C. Document the finding in the infant's record.
• D. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula at 3 L/min.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention when a nurse finds an irregular heart rate in a newborn is to document the finding in the infant's record. An irregular heart rate is a common occurrence in newborns and does not necessarily require immediate medical intervention. Notifying the pediatrician immediately is unnecessary unless there are other concerning symptoms. Teaching the parents about congenital heart defects is not the priority in this situation. Applying oxygen via nasal cannula at 3 L/min is not indicated for an irregular heart rate without further assessment or medical indication.

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