Nursing Elites

1. The charge nurse of the medical-surgical unit is making staff assignments. Which staff member should be assigned to a client with chronic kidney disease who is exhibiting a low-grade fever and a pericardial friction rub?

• A. Registered nurse who just floated from the surgical unit
• B. Registered nurse who just floated from the dialysis unit
• C. Registered nurse who was assigned the same client yesterday
• D. Licensed practical nurse with 5 years of experience on this floor

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client is exhibiting symptoms of pericarditis, which can occur with chronic kidney disease. Continuity of care is crucial to assess subtle changes in clients' conditions. Therefore, the registered nurse (RN) who previously cared for this client should be assigned again. Float nurses may lack knowledge of the unit and its clients, potentially leading to oversight of critical details. The licensed practical nurse, while experienced, may not possess the advanced assessment skills and education level of an RN to effectively evaluate and manage pericarditis in this client.

2. A healthcare professional is reviewing laboratory results for a client who is at risk for nephrotoxicity due to medications. Which of the following serum creatinine results does the healthcare professional document as normal?

• A. 0.2 mg/dL
• B. 1.0 mg/dL
• C. 2.8 mg/dL
• D. 3.9 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The normal serum creatinine level typically ranges from 0.6 to 1.3 mg/dL. A result of 1.0 mg/dL falls within this normal range. A serum creatinine level of 0.2 mg/dL is abnormally low and may indicate decreased muscle mass or malnutrition. On the other hand, results of 2.8 mg/dL and 3.9 mg/dL are elevated, signifying impaired kidney function and potential nephrotoxicity from medications.

3. A middle-aged adult with a family history of CAD has the following: total cholesterol 198 (11 mmol/L); LDL cholesterol 120 (6.7 mmol/L); HDL cholesterol 58 (3.2 mmol/L); triglycerides 148 (8.2 mmol/L); blood sugar 102 (5.7 mmol/L); and C-reactive protein (CRP) 4.2. The health care provider prescribes a statin medication and aspirin. The client asks the nurse why these medications are needed. Which is the best response by the nurse?

• A. The labs indicate severe hyperlipidemia and the medications will lower your LDL, along with a low-fat diet.
• B. The triglycerides are elevated and will not return to normal without these medications.
• C. The CRP is elevated indicating inflammation seen in cardiovascular disease, which can be lowered by the medications prescribed.
• D. These medications will reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: CRP is a marker of inflammation, which is elevated in cardiovascular disease. Statins and aspirin help lower CRP and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

4. A client with Diabetes Insipidus (DI) is being cared for by a nurse. Which data warrants the most immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Serum sodium of 185 mEq/L (185 mmol/L)
• B. Dry skin with poor skin turgor
• C. Apical rate of 110 beats per minute
• D. Polyuria and excessive thirst

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A serum sodium level of 185 mEq/L (185 mmol/L) is dangerously high and indicates severe dehydration, requiring immediate intervention to prevent neurological damage. The other options are not as critical as high serum sodium levels, which can lead to serious complications such as seizures, coma, and death if not promptly addressed. Dry skin with poor skin turgor and polyuria with excessive thirst are common findings in clients with Diabetes Insipidus and should be managed but do not pose an immediate threat to the client's life. An apical heart rate of 110 beats per minute may indicate tachycardia, which could be related to dehydration but is not as urgent as addressing the severe hypernatremia.

5. A client with functional urinary incontinence is being taught by a nurse. Which statement should the nurse include in this client’s teaching?

• A. Clean around your catheter daily with soap and water.
• B. Wash the vaginal weights with a 10% bleach solution after each use.
• C. Informing about available operations to repair your bladder.
• D. Buy slacks with elastic waistbands that are easy to pull down.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Functional urinary incontinence is not related to bladder issues but rather to difficulties with ambulation or accessing the toilet. The goal is to help the client manage clothing independently. Elastic waistband slacks that are easy to pull down facilitate timely access to the toilet. Choices A and B are unrelated and not applicable to functional urinary incontinence. Choice C is incorrect as surgeries to repair the bladder are not indicated for functional urinary incontinence.

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