Nursing Elites

1. When reviewing a client’s fluid and electrolyte status, what should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Potassium 5.4
• B. Sodium 140
• C. Calcium 8.6
• D. Magnesium 2.0

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Potassium 5.4'. A potassium level of 5.4 is elevated (normal range is typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and may indicate hyperkalemia, which can have serious cardiac implications. Elevated potassium levels can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, so immediate reporting and intervention are necessary. Choice B, 'Sodium 140', falls within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L) and does not require immediate reporting. Choice C, 'Calcium 8.6', falls within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and is not an immediate concern. Choice D, 'Magnesium 2.0', is within the normal range (1.5-2.5 mEq/L) and does not need urgent reporting. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize reporting the elevated potassium level as it poses the most immediate risk.

2. After repositioning a client who reports shortness of breath, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

• A. Observe the rate, depth, and character of the client's respirations.
• B. Take the client’s blood pressure.
• C. Assess the client's pulse.
• D. Offer supplemental oxygen.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Observing the rate, depth, and character of the client's respirations is crucial after repositioning a client experiencing shortness of breath. This action provides immediate information about the client's respiratory status. Checking blood pressure (Choice B) is not the priority in this situation, as assessing respirations is more urgent. Assessing the pulse (Choice C) is also important but does not provide direct information about the client's respiratory status. Offering supplemental oxygen (Choice D) may be necessary based on the assessment of respirations, but it should not be the first action taken without assessing the client's breathing pattern.

3. When performing nasotracheal suctioning for a client with a respiratory infection, what technique should the nurse use?

• A. Apply intermittent suction when withdrawing the catheter
• B. Suction continuously while inserting the catheter
• C. Suction intermittently while inserting the catheter
• D. Use a Yankauer suction device

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When performing nasotracheal suctioning for a client with a respiratory infection, the nurse should apply intermittent suction when withdrawing the catheter. This technique helps minimize mucosal damage and is considered best practice. Choice B, suctioning continuously while inserting the catheter, is incorrect as continuous suctioning can cause trauma to the airway. Choice C, suctioning intermittently while inserting the catheter, is also incorrect as it can increase the risk of hypoxia and mucosal damage. Choice D, using a Yankauer suction device, is not appropriate for nasotracheal suctioning as it is typically used for oral suctioning. Therefore, the correct technique is to apply intermittent suction when withdrawing the catheter to ensure effective and safe suctioning.

4. A client with a history of severe anxiety is scheduled for surgery. Which preoperative medication is the most appropriate for the LPN/LVN to administer to this client?

• A. Lorazepam (Ativan)
• B. Morphine sulfate
• C. Meperidine (Demerol)
• D. Promethazine (Phenergan)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lorazepam (Ativan) is the most appropriate preoperative medication for a client with severe anxiety. Lorazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class and is commonly used to manage anxiety before surgical procedures due to its anxiolytic properties. Morphine sulfate and Meperidine (Demerol) are opioid analgesics, not typically indicated for preoperative anxiety. Promethazine (Phenergan) is an antihistamine used for nausea and vomiting, not anxiety management.

5. A client has a terminal diagnosis and their health is declining. The client requests information about advance directives. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Offering to discuss advance directives and provide brochures respects the client's request and provides information.
• B. Informing the client that advance directives are not necessary at this time is incorrect as they play a crucial role in end-of-life care.
• C. Scheduling a meeting with the family to discuss advance directives is not the most appropriate response as the client directly requested information.
• D. Directing the client to ask their provider about advance directives does not directly address the client's request for information.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client with a terminal illness asks about advance directives, it is essential to provide the information they seek. Choice A is the correct response as it acknowledges the client's request and offers to discuss advance directives while providing additional resources in the form of brochures. This approach empowers the client to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the client's request or provide the information the client is seeking. Choice B dismisses the importance of advance directives, which are crucial in end-of-life care planning. Choice C involves the family unnecessarily when the client directly requested information. Choice D deflects the responsibility back to the client to seek information from their provider instead of addressing their immediate request.

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