Nursing Elites

1. The client is on furosemide (Lasix) and has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Administer potassium supplements.
• B. Hold the furosemide and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Continue the current dose of furosemide.
• D. Decrease the dose of furosemide.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer potassium supplements. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss. Therefore, the priority action is to administer potassium supplements to correct the imbalance. Option B is incorrect because holding the furosemide without addressing the low potassium level could further worsen the imbalance. Option C is incorrect as continuing the current dose of furosemide without addressing the low potassium level could lead to complications. Option D is incorrect because decreasing the dose of furosemide does not directly address the low potassium level that needs immediate correction.

2. The client on warfarin has an INR of 5.5. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Administer vitamin K as an antidote.
• B. Hold the next dose of warfarin.
• C. Increase the dose of warfarin.
• D. Administer fresh frozen plasma.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An INR of 5.5 is significantly elevated, indicating an increased risk of bleeding. The priority nursing action in this situation is to administer vitamin K as an antidote to reverse the effects of warfarin and lower the INR. Holding the next dose of warfarin (choice B) is important but not as immediate as administering vitamin K. Increasing the dose of warfarin (choice C) would further elevate the INR, worsening the bleeding risk. Administering fresh frozen plasma (choice D) is not the first-line treatment for high INR due to warfarin.

3. In cases of myocardial infarction leading to shock, which medication is appropriate to counteract shock?

• A. Atropine
• B. Dopamine
• C. Digoxin
• D. Adenosine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In cases of myocardial infarction leading to shock, dopamine is the drug of choice. Dopamine helps increase blood pressure and improve blood flow to vital organs, making it beneficial in managing shock. Atropine is mainly used for symptomatic bradycardia, not for shock. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used in heart failure and atrial fibrillation, not for managing shock. Adenosine is typically used for diagnosing and treating supraventricular tachycardias, not for shock associated with myocardial infarction.

4. What test uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart, allowing doctors to see how well the heart is functioning?

• A. Echocardiogram
• B. MRI
• C. CT scan
• D. X-ray

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is an echocardiogram. This test utilizes sound waves to generate images of the heart, enabling doctors to evaluate both the function and structure of the heart. Choice B, MRI, uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body's organs and structures, not specifically focused on the heart. Choice C, CT scan, employs X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, not primarily for the heart. Choice D, X-ray, uses electromagnetic radiation to produce images of internal structures, but it does not provide the detailed pictures of the heart's function that an echocardiogram does.

5. What is the condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms?

• A. Pulmonary embolism
• B. Pneumothorax
• C. Pleural effusion
• D. Aneurysm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. This condition is life-threatening and requires prompt treatment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they refer to different medical conditions: Pneumothorax is a collapsed lung, Pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid around the lungs, and an Aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel.

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