Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a client with congestive heart failure who is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. Sodium level
• B. Potassium level
• C. Calcium level
• D. Chloride level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium level. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. Monitoring the potassium level is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium level (choice A) is not typically affected by furosemide. Calcium level (choice C) and chloride level (choice D) are also not the primary focus of monitoring when a client is on furosemide for heart failure.

2. Based on the documentation in the medical record, which action should the nurse implement next?

• A. Administer the rubella vaccine subcutaneously
• B. Observe the mother breastfeeding her infant
• C. Call the nursery for the infant's blood type result
• D. Administer Vicodin one tablet for pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to observe the mother breastfeeding her infant. This action is essential to ensure that the infant is feeding well and to assess maternal-infant bonding. Administering the rubella vaccine subcutaneously (Option A) is not the immediate priority in this scenario as assessing breastfeeding is more crucial. Calling the nursery for the infant's blood type result (Option C) is premature and not the next appropriate step, as it does not address the immediate needs of the newborn. Administering Vicodin one tablet for pain (Option D) is not indicated without further assessment or indication of pain, making it an incorrect choice at this time.

3. The nurse is caring for a client who has just undergone a total hip replacement. Which intervention is most important to prevent postoperative complications?

• A. Encourage early ambulation
• B. Apply ice to the surgical site
• C. Monitor the surgical site for signs of infection
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging early ambulation is crucial following a total hip replacement surgery as it helps prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by promoting circulation. Early ambulation also aids in preventing pneumonia, muscle atrophy, and pressure ulcers. Applying ice to the surgical site may help with pain and swelling, but it is not as critical in preventing complications as early ambulation. While monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection is important, it is not as crucial in preventing postoperative complications compared to early ambulation. Administering pain medication as prescribed is essential for comfort and pain management but does not directly prevent postoperative complications like early ambulation does.

4. The nurse is assessing an older resident with a history of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy and identifies a distended bladder. What should the nurse do?

• A. Stand the client to void and run tap water within hearing distance before catheterizing
• B. Straight catheterize and if the residual urine volume is greater than 100 mL, clamp catheter
• C. Catheterize q2h and place in an indwelling catheter at the end of the prescribed 24hr period
• D. Catheterize with an indwelling catheter and if the residual volume is greater than 100 mL, inflate the balloon

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Prompt and appropriate management of urinary retention prevents complications like infection and bladder damage.

5. A client with a diagnosis of chronic heart failure is receiving digoxin. What is the most important assessment before administering this medication?

• A. Check blood pressure.
• B. Assess heart rate.
• C. Monitor respiratory rate.
• D. Measure oxygen saturation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is essential to evaluate the heart rate as digoxin can cause bradycardia. While checking blood pressure, monitoring respiratory rate, and measuring oxygen saturation are important assessments in the care of a client with chronic heart failure, assessing the heart rate is particularly critical due to the medication's potential impact on heart rhythm.

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