Nursing Elites

1. The client on furosemide (Lasix) has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Administer a potassium supplement.
• B. Hold the furosemide and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Continue the current dose of furosemide.
• D. Administer Digibind.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a potassium supplement. A potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications like cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, the priority action is to address the low potassium level by administering a potassium supplement. Holding the furosemide (Choice B) may be necessary in the long term to prevent further potassium loss, but the immediate need is to correct the low potassium level. Continuing the current dose of furosemide (Choice C) without addressing the low potassium level can worsen hypokalemia. Administering Digibind (Choice D) is not indicated for low potassium levels; Digibind is used to treat digoxin toxicity.

2. What does the PR interval measure?

• A. Time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles
• B. Measurement of ventricular depolarization
• C. Duration of ventricular repolarization
• D. Segment representing the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The PR interval measures the time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles. It is crucial in diagnosing heart rhythm disorders, as abnormalities in this interval can indicate conduction abnormalities between the atria and ventricles. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, the QT interval represents the duration of ventricular repolarization, and the ST segment represents the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization.

3. The client is on enalapril (Vasotec) for hypertension. What side effect is most commonly associated with this medication?

• A. Dry cough
• B. Hypotension
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Headache

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dry cough. A dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like enalapril. ACE inhibitors can cause the accumulation of bradykinin, leading to irritation of the respiratory tract and resulting in a persistent dry cough. Hypotension (choice B) is a possible side effect of ACE inhibitors but is less common than a dry cough. Hyperkalemia (choice C) is another side effect of ACE inhibitors, but it is not the most commonly associated one. Headache (choice D) is not a common side effect of enalapril compared to a dry cough. Therefore, the most commonly associated side effect with enalapril is a dry cough.

4. This is a branch of the left coronary arteries which supplies the LEFT ATRIUM, posterior lateral surface of the left ventricle.

• A. Right coronary artery
• B. Left circumflex artery
• C. Left anterior descending artery
• D. Posterior descending artery

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Left circumflex artery. The circumflex artery is a branch of the left coronary artery that supplies blood to the left atrium and the lateral wall of the left ventricle. Choice A, the Right coronary artery, does not supply the mentioned areas. Choice C, the Left anterior descending artery, supplies the anterior wall of the left ventricle. Choice D, the Posterior descending artery, is a branch of the right coronary artery and supplies the inferior wall of the left ventricle and the posterior septum.

5. What is a type of pneumonia that is contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets?

• A. Legionnaires' disease
• B. Tuberculosis
• C. Asbestosis
• D. Histoplasmosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Legionnaires' disease. Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria. This bacterium thrives in water systems such as air conditioning units, hot tubs, and water fountains. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Asbestosis is caused by asbestos fibers, and Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus found in bird and bat droppings.

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