Nursing Elites

1. During a routine clinic visit, a nurse is assessing a 48-year-old client with a history of smoking. The client, who exercises regularly, reports calf pain during exercise that disappears at rest. Which of the following findings requires further evaluation?

• A. Heart rate of 57 bpm.
• B. SpO2 of 94% on room air.
• C. Blood pressure of 134/82.
• D. Ankle-brachial index of 0.65.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An Ankle-Brachial Index of 0.65 suggests moderate arterial vascular disease in a client experiencing intermittent claudication, indicating compromised blood flow to the lower extremities during exercise. This finding requires further evaluation to assess the severity of arterial insufficiency and determine appropriate interventions. Choice A (Heart rate of 57 bpm) is within the normal range for an adult at rest and indicates good cardiovascular fitness. Choice B (SpO2 of 94% on room air) is slightly lower than the normal range but is generally acceptable in a healthy individual. Choice C (Blood pressure of 134/82) falls within the normal range and does not raise immediate concerns in this context.

2. A client presents with a urine specific gravity of 1.018. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Evaluate the client’s intake and output for the past 24 hours.
• B. Document the finding in the chart and continue to monitor.
• C. Obtain a specimen for a urine culture and sensitivity.
• D. Encourage the client to drink more fluids, especially water.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A urine specific gravity of 1.018 falls within the normal range, indicating adequate hydration. Therefore, the appropriate action is to document this finding in the client's chart and continue monitoring. There is no need to evaluate intake and output, as the specific gravity is normal. Obtaining a urine culture and sensitivity or encouraging increased fluid intake is unnecessary in this situation.

3. The nurse is caring for a newly admitted patient who will receive digoxin to treat a cardiac dysrhythmia. The patient takes hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) and reports regular use of over-the-counter laxatives. Before administering the first dose of digoxin, the nurse will review the patient’s electrolytes with careful attention to the levels of which electrolytes?

• A. Calcium and magnesium
• B. Sodium and calcium
• C. Potassium and chloride
• D. Potassium and magnesium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Before administering digoxin, the nurse must review the patient's electrolyte levels, focusing on potassium and magnesium. Hypomagnesemia, similar to hypokalemia, can enhance the action of digitalis and lead to digitalis toxicity. Laxatives and diuretics, like hydrochlorothiazide, can deplete both potassium and magnesium. Therefore, monitoring these electrolytes is crucial to prevent potential adverse effects associated with digoxin therapy. Choice A (Calcium and magnesium) is incorrect because calcium levels are not specifically mentioned as crucial for digoxin therapy. Choice B (Sodium and calcium) is incorrect as sodium is not typically monitored in relation to digoxin therapy. Choice C (Potassium and chloride) is incorrect because although potassium is vital, chloride is not typically associated with digoxin therapy.

4. When a patient is receiving high doses of a cephalosporin, which laboratory values will this patient's nurse monitor closely?

• A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and liver function tests
• B. Complete blood count and electrolytes
• C. Serum calcium and magnesium
• D. Serum glucose and lipids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient is receiving high doses of a cephalosporin, such as cefazolin, the nurse should closely monitor laboratory values that indicate renal and hepatic function. This includes checking the Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels to assess kidney function. Additionally, monitoring liver function tests, such as AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and bilirubin, is essential as cephalosporins can affect liver enzymes. Therefore, options B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically address the parameters that are most pertinent when administering high doses of cephalosporins.

5. The nurse is obtaining a health history from a new client who has a history of kidney stones. Which statement by the client indicates an increased risk for renal calculi?

• A. Eats a vegetarian diet with cheese 2 to 3 times a day
• B. Experiences additional stress since adopting a child
• C. Jogs more frequently than usual daily routine
• D. Drinks several bottles of carbonated water daily

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Drinking several bottles of carbonated water daily may contribute to renal calculi formation due to the high mineral content. Carbonated drinks can increase the risk of kidney stones due to their high levels of phosphoric acid and caffeine, which can lead to the formation of crystals in the urine. Choices A, B, and C are less likely to directly contribute to an increased risk of renal calculi compared to the excessive consumption of carbonated water.

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