Nursing Elites

1. Before administration of a stat dose of potassium chloride IV for a client with hypokalemia, what is the most important action for the nurse?

• A. Ensure the IV is flowing freely
• B. Mix the medication thoroughly
• C. Check the client’s electrolyte levels
• D. Obtain a baseline ECG

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most crucial action for the nurse before administering a stat dose of potassium chloride IV to a client with hypokalemia is to ensure the IV is flowing freely. A freely flowing IV is essential to safely and effectively deliver potassium chloride, helping to prevent infusion-related issues. Checking the client's electrolyte levels or obtaining a baseline ECG may be important but are not the most critical actions before administering the medication. Mixing the medication thoroughly is not applicable in this scenario as potassium chloride is typically provided ready to use.

2. During a community health fair, a nurse is providing education on the effects of smoking. What is the most important information to include?

• A. Smoking can lead to cosmetic issues like tooth staining.
• B. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
• C. Smoking temporarily elevates mood and alertness.
• D. Smoking is an expensive habit.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide.' This information is crucial as it highlights the severe health risks associated with smoking, emphasizing the importance of cessation for overall health. Choice A is incorrect because cosmetic issues like tooth staining are not as significant as the life-threatening consequences of smoking. Choice C is incorrect because although smoking may temporarily elevate mood and alertness due to nicotine, this does not outweigh the serious health implications. Choice D is incorrect as while smoking is indeed an expensive habit, the focus should be on the health-related consequences to stress the urgency of quitting.

3. What is the most important action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter?

• A. Irrigate the catheter daily.
• B. Change the catheter every 72 hours.
• C. Apply antibiotic ointment at the insertion site.
• D. Ensure the catheter bag is always below bladder level.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most crucial action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter is to ensure that the catheter bag is always below bladder level. This positioning helps prevent backflow of urine, reducing the risk of CAUTIs. Irrigating the catheter daily (Choice A) is unnecessary and can introduce pathogens. Changing the catheter every 72 hours (Choice B) is not recommended unless clinically indicated to prevent introducing new pathogens. Applying antibiotic ointment at the insertion site (Choice C) is not the most important action to prevent CAUTIs; proper hygiene and maintaining a closed system are more critical.

4. After delivering a healthy newborn, a client is experiencing postpartum hemorrhage. What initial intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Administer IV fluids
• B. Perform a uterine massage
• C. Monitor the newborn's vital signs
• D. Notify the healthcare provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct initial intervention for postpartum hemorrhage is to perform a uterine massage. This action helps the uterus contract, controlling bleeding. Administering IV fluids may be necessary but is not the initial intervention. Monitoring the newborn's vital signs is important but not the priority when managing postpartum hemorrhage. Notifying the healthcare provider can be done after initiating immediate interventions to address the hemorrhage.

5. The healthcare professional is developing a care plan for a client with depression. What should be included in the plan?

• A. Regular physical activity
• B. Scheduled sleep patterns
• C. Social interaction with family and friends
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A comprehensive care plan for a client with depression should include multiple components to address various aspects of health. Regular physical activity can help improve mood and overall well-being. Scheduled sleep patterns are essential as sleep disturbances are common in depression and can worsen symptoms. Social interaction with family and friends provides emotional support and reduces feelings of isolation. Therefore, including all these aspects in the care plan can help support the client's recovery. Choice D, 'All of the above,' is the correct answer because all the options are important components of a holistic care plan for depression. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because each of these elements plays a crucial role in managing depression.

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