Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder who is taking lithium. What is the most important information the nurse should provide?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Monitor sodium intake.
• C. Report any signs of weight gain.
• D. Avoid excessive caffeine intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor sodium intake.' Sodium levels can affect lithium levels in the body, so it is crucial to maintain a consistent sodium intake to prevent toxicity or subtherapeutic levels. Option A is incorrect because lithium is usually recommended to be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Option C, reporting signs of weight gain, is relevant but not as critical as monitoring sodium intake. Option D, avoiding excessive caffeine intake, is important for some individuals but not as essential as monitoring sodium levels when taking lithium.

2. A client with asthma is prescribed an albuterol inhaler. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Use the inhaler only during an asthma attack
• B. Rinse your mouth after using the inhaler
• C. Shake the inhaler before each use
• D. Exhale fully before inhaling the medication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to provide is to shake the inhaler before each use. Shaking the inhaler ensures proper mixing of the medication before administration, which is crucial for its effectiveness. Choice A is incorrect because albuterol inhalers are often used as a preventive measure, not just during asthma attacks. Choice B is a good practice to prevent oral fungal infections associated with inhaled corticosteroids, not typically with albuterol. Choice D is important for proper inhaler technique, but the primary step before inhaling is shaking the inhaler to ensure the medication is well mixed.

3. Based on the Nursing diagnosis of 'Potential for infection related to second and third degree burns,' which intervention has the highest priority?

• A. Application of topical antibacterial cream
• B. Use of careful hand washing technique
• C. Administration of plasma expanders
• D. Limiting visitors to the burned client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The highest priority intervention in this scenario is B, the use of careful hand washing technique. Proper hand hygiene is essential in preventing infection, especially in individuals with compromised skin integrity like those with burns. By practicing careful hand washing, healthcare providers reduce the risk of introducing harmful pathogens to the burn wound, thus lowering the chances of infections. Choice A, application of topical antibacterial cream, is important but should follow ensuring proper hand hygiene. Choice C, administration of plasma expanders, is not directly associated with preventing burn-related infections. Choice D, limiting visitors, is significant for infection control, but ensuring proper hand hygiene outweighs this intervention in terms of priority.

4. A terminally ill male client and his family request hospice care after discharge. What aspect of care should the nurse indicate is the focus of hospice?

• A. Enhance symptom management to improve end-of-life quality
• B. Facilitate assisted suicide with the client's consent
• C. Offer ways to postpone the death experience at home
• D. Provide training for family members to care for the client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Hospice care focuses on enhancing symptom management to improve the end-of-life quality for terminally ill patients and their families. Hospice aims to provide comfort, dignity, and support during the end-of-life journey. Choice B is incorrect as hospice care does not involve assisted suicide but focuses on providing palliative care. Choice C is incorrect as hospice care does not aim to postpone the death experience but rather to provide support and comfort during this time. Choice D is incorrect as while hospice care may involve educating family members on caring for the client, the primary focus is on symptom management and quality of life.

5. 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.

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