Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client who had a myocardial infarction 6 hours ago. The primary goal of care at this time is to

• A. Limit the effects of tissue damage
• B. Relieve pain and anxiety
• C. Prevent arrhythmias
• D. Reduce anxiety

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Limit the effects of tissue damage.' After a myocardial infarction, the primary goal of care is to limit the damage to the heart muscle. This includes interventions to improve blood flow, oxygenation, and prevent further complications. Choice B ('Relieve pain and anxiety') is important but secondary to addressing tissue damage. Choice C ('Prevent arrhythmias') is also crucial but falls under the broader goal of limiting tissue damage. Choice D ('Reduce anxiety') is essential for holistic care but is not the primary goal immediately after a myocardial infarction.

2. A nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client with congestive heart failure (CHF). Which dietary instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Limit sodium intake to reduce fluid retention
• B. Consume high-protein foods to strengthen the heart
• C. Increase potassium intake to manage blood pressure
• D. Increase fluid intake to promote hydration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Limit sodium intake to reduce fluid retention. Limiting sodium intake is crucial for managing congestive heart failure (CHF) as it helps reduce fluid retention. Excess fluid retention can worsen CHF by increasing the workload on the heart. Choice B is incorrect because while protein is essential for overall health, it is not directly related to managing CHF. Choice C is incorrect because potassium, although important, is not the primary focus in managing CHF. Choice D is incorrect because increasing fluid intake can exacerbate fluid retention in CHF patients.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic heart failure who is receiving digoxin therapy. The nurse reviews the client's lab results and notes that the serum potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L. What action should the nurse take next?

• A. Administer a potassium supplement
• B. Notify the healthcare provider
• C. Hold the next dose of digoxin
• D. Increase dietary potassium intake

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In clients receiving digoxin therapy, low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, when the nurse notes a serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L, it is crucial to hold the next dose of digoxin. Notifying the healthcare provider is essential to ensure appropriate interventions, such as potassium supplementation, can be implemented. Administering a potassium supplement without healthcare provider guidance may lead to rapid potassium level changes and potential adverse effects. Increasing dietary potassium intake alone may not promptly address the low serum potassium level in this acute situation.

4. When asking an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to assist a 69-year-old surgical client to ambulate for the first time, which statement by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. Have the client sit on the side of the bed for at least 2 minutes before helping him stand.
• B. If the client is dizzy on standing, ask him to take some deep breaths.
• C. Assist the client to the bathroom at least twice on this shift.
• D. After you assist him to the chair, let me know how he feels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Allowing the client to sit on the side of the bed before standing helps prevent dizziness and falls, especially during their first ambulation post-surgery. Choice B is incorrect because asking the client to take deep breaths when feeling dizzy may not address the underlying cause of the dizziness. Choice C is incorrect as it is unrelated to the task of assisting the client to ambulate for the first time. Choice D is incorrect because knowing how the client feels after sitting in the chair does not address the important step of assisting the client to stand up for the first time.

5. A client with chronic kidney disease is prescribed erythropoietin. What lab value should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?

• A. White blood cell count.
• B. Hemoglobin level.
• C. Serum creatinine level.
• D. Platelet count.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Erythropoietin therapy stimulates red blood cell production in clients with chronic kidney disease. Hemoglobin levels should be monitored to assess the effectiveness of the therapy and ensure the client is not developing anemia. Increased hemoglobin levels indicate successful treatment, whereas very high levels may suggest erythropoietin is overcorrecting the anemia. Monitoring the white blood cell count is not directly related to erythropoietin therapy for anemia. Serum creatinine level is used to assess kidney function rather than the effectiveness of erythropoietin therapy. Platelet count is not typically affected by erythropoietin therapy and is not a key indicator of its effectiveness.

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