Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is receiving supplemental oxygen. Which finding indicates the need for immediate intervention?

• A. Use of accessory muscles
• B. Oxygen saturation of 94%
• C. Carbon dioxide level of 45 mmHg
• D. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A carbon dioxide level of 45 mmHg is concerning in a client with COPD receiving supplemental oxygen, as it may indicate carbon dioxide retention and requires immediate intervention. Options A, B, and D are not the priority findings in this scenario. While the use of accessory muscles, an oxygen saturation of 94%, and a respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute are important to monitor in a client with COPD, they do not indicate an immediate need for intervention like an elevated carbon dioxide level does.

2. A client with type 2 diabetes is admitted with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS). Which clinical finding is most concerning?

• A. Serum glucose of 500 mg/dl
• B. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
• C. Serum osmolarity of 320 mOsm/kg
• D. Serum pH of 7.30

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A serum osmolarity of 320 mOsm/kg is the most concerning finding in a client with hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS). This level of osmolarity indicates severe dehydration and hyperosmolarity, putting the client at risk of complications like organ failure. Immediate intervention is crucial to address the dehydration and restore fluid balance. The other options, while important in the overall assessment of a client with HHS, do not directly indicate the severity of dehydration and hyperosmolarity seen with a high serum osmolarity level.

3. The client with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is scheduled for hemodialysis. Which laboratory value is most concerning?

• A. Serum potassium of 6.0 mEq/L
• B. Serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL
• C. Serum calcium of 8.0 mg/dL
• D. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L is most concerning in a client with ESRD scheduled for hemodialysis as it indicates hyperkalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac complications such as arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. Immediate intervention is required to lower potassium levels. Choice B, serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL, is elevated but expected in ESRD due to impaired kidney function. Choice C, serum calcium of 8.0 mg/dL, is within the normal range and not typically a priority in this situation. Choice D, hemoglobin of 10 g/dL, is slightly low but not an immediate concern for a client scheduled for hemodialysis unless significantly lower and causing severe symptoms.

4. A 10-year-old who has terminal brain cancer asks the nurse, 'What will happen to my body when I die?' How should the nurse respond?

• A. Your mother and father will be here soon. Talk to them about that.'
• B. Why do you want to know about what will happen to your body when you die?'
• C. The heart will stop beating and you will stop breathing.'
• D. Are you concerned about where your spirit will go?'

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response when a terminally ill child asks about what will happen to their body when they die is to provide a truthful and straightforward answer. Choice C, 'The heart will stop beating and you will stop breathing,' is the best response because it offers a simple and honest explanation without delving into spiritual or emotional aspects that may be confusing or distressing to the child. Choices A and D deflect the question and do not address the child's inquiry directly. Choice B, 'Why do you want to know about what will happen to your body when you die?' may come across as dismissive or evasive, rather than providing the clear information the child is seeking.

5. The nurse is reviewing a client's electrocardiogram and determines the PR interval (PRI) is prolonged. What does this finding indicate?

• A. Initiation of the impulses from a location outside the SA node
• B. Inability of the SA node to initiate an impulse at the normal rate
• C. Increased conduction time from the SA node to the AV junction
• D. Interference with the conduction through one or both ventricles

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the PR interval is prolonged, it signifies an increased conduction time from the SA node through the AV junction. This finding is characteristic of a first-degree heart block where there is a delay in the electrical conduction at the level of the AV node. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the significance of a prolonged PR interval.

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