Nursing Elites

1. How should a healthcare provider respond to a patient with a history of hypertension who is non-compliant with medication?

• A. Encourage compliance through education
• B. Contact the healthcare provider
• C. Document the refusal
• D. Explore alternative treatment options

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging compliance through education is crucial in helping patients understand the importance of consistent medication use. By providing education, the patient can make informed decisions about their health and better manage their condition. Contacting the healthcare provider (choice B) may be necessary in some cases, but the initial approach should focus on patient education. Documenting the refusal (choice C) is important for legal and medical records but does not address the root cause of non-compliance. Exploring alternative treatment options (choice D) should come after efforts to educate and encourage compliance with the current medication regimen.

2. How should a healthcare professional care for a patient with a central line?

• A. Flush the line daily
• B. Monitor for infection
• C. Change the dressing weekly
• D. Replace the central line every week

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a patient with a central line, monitoring for infection is crucial. This is because central lines can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to serious infections. While flushing the line daily and changing the dressing weekly are important aspects of central line care, monitoring for infection takes precedence. Infections can occur rapidly and have severe consequences, so early detection through vigilant monitoring is key. Replacing the central line every week is not a standard practice and should only be done when clinically indicated, such as in cases of infection or malfunction.

3. What is the best way to assess for fluid overload in a patient with heart failure?

• A. Check daily weight
• B. Check blood pressure
• C. Monitor heart sounds
• D. Assess for jugular vein distention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Check daily weight.' Monitoring daily weight is the most accurate method to assess for fluid overload in patients with heart failure. Weight gain can indicate fluid retention, a common issue in heart failure patients. Checking blood pressure (Choice B) can provide information about hemodynamic status but may not be as specific for fluid overload as monitoring weight. Monitoring heart sounds (Choice C) can provide information about cardiac function but may not directly assess fluid overload. Assessing for jugular vein distention (Choice D) can be a sign of increased central venous pressure but may not always correlate with fluid overload as accurately as daily weight checks.

4. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is taking spironolactone. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Sodium 144 mEq/L
• B. Potassium 5.2 mEq/L
• C. Bicarbonate 24 mEq/L
• D. Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Potassium 5.2 mEq/L.' When a client is taking spironolactone, which is a potassium-sparing diuretic, monitoring potassium levels is crucial. A potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is higher than normal and can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias, so it should be reported. Choices A, C, and D are within normal ranges and would not be of immediate concern when assessing a client taking spironolactone.

5. A client with heart failure has a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. You should weigh yourself once a week while taking this medication.
• B. You should eat foods rich in potassium while taking this medication.
• C. You should take this medication at bedtime.
• D. You should take this medication with food to avoid stomach upset.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Clients taking furosemide, a potassium-wasting diuretic, should increase their intake of potassium-rich foods to prevent hypokalemia. Option A is incorrect because weight monitoring is crucial for furosemide due to fluid loss. Option C is incorrect as furosemide is usually taken in the morning to prevent nighttime diuresis. Option D is incorrect because furosemide is best taken on an empty stomach for better absorption.

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