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. A client reports pain after medication administration. What is the next best step for the nurse?

• A. Reassess the client’s pain
• B. Increase the pain medication dose
• C. Apply a cold compress
• D. Contact the healthcare provider

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to reassess the client’s pain. Reassessment is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the initial intervention. By reassessing, the nurse can determine if the current pain management plan is adequate or if further interventions are required. Increasing the pain medication dose without reassessment can lead to overmedication and potential adverse effects. Applying a cold compress may not address the underlying cause of the pain and should be based on a proper assessment. Contacting the healthcare provider should be considered if the reassessment indicates a need for further evaluation or intervention beyond the nurse's scope of practice.

3. What are the final factors that contribute to blood pressure? (Select all that apply)

• A. Heart rate
• B. Stroke volume
• C. Peripheral resistance
• D. Neuroendocrine hormones

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Neuroendocrine hormones play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by influencing factors like fluid balance, blood volume, and vessel constriction. While heart rate, stroke volume, and peripheral resistance are important factors affecting blood pressure, the final parameters that directly produce blood pressure are influenced by neuroendocrine hormones. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are involved in the regulation of blood pressure but are not the final parameters that directly produce it.

4. The nurse is preparing a client for discharge after a major surgical procedure. What is the priority instruction to include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Signs of infection to monitor for
• B. Pain management techniques
• C. Activity restrictions and safety measures
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: All of the above. Providing comprehensive discharge instructions covering signs of infection to monitor for, pain management techniques, activity restrictions, and safety measures is crucial after a major surgical procedure. Each of these components plays a vital role in the client's recovery and well-being. It is important for the client to understand how to identify signs of infection, manage pain effectively, and adhere to activity restrictions to prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery process. While each instruction is important on its own, combining all aspects into the discharge teaching ensures that the client has a holistic understanding of their post-operative care, empowering them to take charge of their health and know when to seek further assistance if needed. Choices A, B, and C are essential components of discharge teaching and should all be included to provide the client with comprehensive care instructions.

5. A client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) is prescribed nitroglycerin. What is the primary action of this medication?

• A. Increases heart rate
• B. Lowers blood pressure
• C. Dilates coronary arteries
• D. Reduces myocardial oxygen demand

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nitroglycerin dilates coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. This helps increase oxygen supply to the heart tissue. Option A, 'Increases heart rate,' is incorrect because nitroglycerin does not directly affect heart rate. Option B, 'Lowers blood pressure,' is also incorrect as while nitroglycerin can lower blood pressure, its primary action in the context of MI is related to coronary artery dilation. Option D, 'Reduces myocardial oxygen demand,' is not the primary action of nitroglycerin in the treatment of myocardial infarction; its main action is to increase oxygen supply by dilating coronary arteries.

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