Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with hypokalemia. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Muscle weakness.
• B. Irregular heart rate.
• C. Increased urinary output.
• D. Decreased deep tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Decreased deep tendon reflexes are a critical finding in hypokalemia that indicates severe potassium deficiency affecting neuromuscular function. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrhythmias. Muscle weakness, irregular heart rate, and increased urinary output are also associated with hypokalemia but do not pose the same level of urgency as decreased deep tendon reflexes.

2. A client with a history of myocardial infarction is prescribed aspirin therapy. Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?

• A. Take aspirin with food.
• B. Take aspirin at the same time every day.
• C. Avoid taking aspirin with alcohol.
• D. Discontinue aspirin if you experience ringing in your ears.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include in the client's teaching plan is to avoid taking aspirin with alcohol. Combining aspirin with alcohol can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and other complications. Taking aspirin with food helps reduce stomach upset, but it is not the most crucial instruction in this scenario. While taking aspirin at the same time every day can help with consistency, it is not as critical as avoiding alcohol. Discontinuing aspirin if experiencing ringing in the ears is important to address potential side effects, but it is not directly related to preventing complications when combining with alcohol.

3. A community health nurse is applying for a federal grant to support a smoking cessation educational program. In which order should the nurse prioritize these nursing activities? Arrange in order top to bottom.

• A. Determine the target aggregate that will be served by the program
• B. Consider pros and cons of different methods of data gathering
• C. Select and train the data collection personnel
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D' - All of the above. The nurse should first determine the target aggregate that will be served by the program to understand the specific population in need. Subsequently, they should consider the pros and cons of different methods of data gathering to ensure the most appropriate data collection strategies are employed. Finally, selecting and training the data collection personnel is essential for the successful implementation of the program. These steps provide a logical progression from identifying the target group to analyzing the collected data. Choices A, B, and C are all crucial steps that must be taken in sequence to effectively develop and implement the smoking cessation educational program.

4. A client with a history of alcohol abuse is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Amylase of 120 U/L.
• B. Lipase of 150 U/L.
• C. Calcium of 8.5 mg/dL.
• D. Temperature of 101°F (38.3°C).

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with acute pancreatitis and a history of alcohol abuse, a temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) can indicate infection, which is a serious complication requiring immediate intervention. Elevated amylase and lipase levels are common in acute pancreatitis but do not directly indicate the need for urgent intervention. A calcium level of 8.5 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not require immediate action in this context.

5. The nurse is assessing a client with pneumonia who is receiving oxygen therapy. Which finding indicates that the therapy is effective?

• A. The client's respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute.
• B. The client's arterial blood gases show a pH of 7.35.
• C. The client's oxygen saturation is 92%.
• D. The client's breath sounds are clear.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute indicates effective oxygen therapy. In pneumonia, the respiratory rate typically increases due to the body's effort to improve oxygenation. Option B (pH of 7.35) is related to acid-base balance, not specifically indicating oxygen therapy effectiveness. Option C (oxygen saturation of 92%) is below the normal range (95-100%), suggesting the need for oxygen therapy. Option D (clear breath sounds) is a positive finding but not a direct indicator of oxygen therapy effectiveness.

Similar Questions