Nursing Elites

1. What is the function of aldosterone?

• A. Regulates body temperature.
• B. Decreases blood pressure.
• C. Increases sodium reabsorption.
• D. Promotes water excretion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Aldosterone increases the reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys, which leads to an increase in blood volume and blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect as aldosterone does not regulate body temperature. Choice B is incorrect as aldosterone increases blood pressure by increasing sodium reabsorption. Choice D is incorrect as aldosterone promotes water retention by increasing sodium reabsorption.

2. During a visit to an 84-year-old woman recovering from hip surgery, the nurse notices signs of confusion and poor skin turgor. The woman mentions she limits water intake to avoid nighttime bathroom trips. The nurse should explain to the woman that:

• A. She will need her medications adjusted and be readmitted for a complete workup.
• B. Limiting fluids can lead to body imbalances causing confusion; perhaps adjusting fluid intake timing is necessary.
• C. Post-surgical confusion is common, and it's safe not to urinate at night.
• D. Confusion after surgery is typical in the elderly due to sleep loss.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In elderly patients, fluid and electrolyte imbalances can manifest with subtle signs like confusion. Limiting fluids can lead to such imbalances, affecting cognitive function. Adjusting the timing of fluid intake can help maintain hydration without causing nighttime disruptions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A suggests unnecessary hospital readmission and medication adjustments without addressing the root cause. Choice C wrongly normalizes the confusion and fails to address the potential issue of fluid restriction. Choice D incorrectly attributes confusion solely to sleep loss without considering the impact of fluid balance.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has just experienced a 90-second tonic-clonic seizure. The clients arterial blood gas values are pH 6.88, PaO2 50 mm Hg, PaCO2 60 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. . Apply oxygen by mask or nasal cannula
• B. Apply a paper bag over the clients nose and mouth.
• C. Administer 50 mL of sodium bicarbonate intravenously.
• D. Administer 50 mL of 20% glucose and 20 units of regular insulin.

Correct answer: . Apply oxygen by mask or nasal cannula

Rationale:

4. The nurse is admitting a patient with a suspected fluid imbalance. The most sensitive indicator of body fluid balance is:

• A. Daily weight
• B. Serum sodium levels
• C. Measured intake and output
• D. Blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Daily weight is the most sensitive indicator of body fluid balance because it can show trends over time, helping in assessing the effectiveness of interventions and medications. While serum sodium levels provide objective data on electrolyte balance, they may not accurately reflect fluid balance, especially if a patient is dehydrated. Measured intake and output are crucial for assessing fluid balance, but it can be challenging to match the two due to various ways fluid is lost from the body. Blood pressure and other vital signs may not always be reliable indicators of fluid balance as they can be influenced by other factors beyond fluid status.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is having a subclavian central venous catheter inserted. The client begins to report chest pain and difficulty breathing. After administering oxygen, which action should the nurse take next?

• A. Administer a sublingual nitroglycerin tablet
• B. Prepare to assist with chest tube insertion.
• C. . Place a sterile dressing over the IV site
• D. Re-position the client into the Trendelenburg position.

Correct answer: Prepare to assist with chest tube insertion.

Rationale:

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