Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with status epilepticus. The most important nursing assessment of this client is

• A. Intravenous fluid infusion
• B. Level of consciousness
• C. Pulse and respirations
• D. Extremities for injuries

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In status epilepticus, the most crucial nursing assessment is the level of consciousness. Assessing the client's level of consciousness is vital as prolonged seizures can result in hypoxia, brain damage, and require immediate intervention. Pulse and respirations (choice C) are important assessments, but in status epilepticus, the priority is to monitor the client's neurological status. Checking intravenous fluid infusion (choice A) and extremities for injuries (choice D) are not the primary assessments needed in managing a client experiencing status epilepticus.

2. A client with asthma is receiving albuterol (Proventil). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tachycardia. Albuterol can cause tachycardia as a side effect due to its stimulant effect on the heart. It acts as a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, leading to increased heart rate. Hypoglycemia (choice A) is not a common side effect of albuterol. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is also not typically associated with albuterol use. Hypotension (choice D) is less likely to occur as albuterol usually causes tachycardia rather than hypotension.

3. The nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased anteroposterior diameter
• B. Hyperresonance on percussion
• C. Increased breath sounds
• D. Prolonged expiratory phase

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prolonged expiratory phase. In COPD, there is airflow obstruction leading to difficulty in exhaling air. This results in a prolonged expiratory phase. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Decreased anteroposterior diameter is associated with conditions like barrel chest in emphysema, not COPD. Hyperresonance on percussion is typical in conditions like emphysema, not necessarily in COPD. Increased breath sounds are not a typical finding in COPD; instead, diminished breath sounds may be present due to air trapping.

4. A community health RN believes that immunization rates in a lower socioeconomic section of the city are probably below the target set by the state health department. What action should the RN take FIRST to intervene with this health problem?

• A. Take a health history of the members of the community
• B. Initiate an immunization program for the community
• C. Review current epidemiological population data that might document a low immunization rate
• D. Refer all clients to the local health department

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the community health RN to take in this situation is to review current epidemiological population data that might document a low immunization rate. By doing so, the RN can gather evidence to support further intervention strategies. Option A is incorrect because taking a health history would not provide immediate data on immunization rates in the community. Option B is incorrect as initiating an immunization program without confirming the actual immunization rates may not address the specific needs of the community. Option D is incorrect as a blanket referral without assessing the situation may not be the most effective first step.

5. A client with bipolar disorder is receiving lithium (Lithobid). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyponatremia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyponatremia. Lithium can lead to hyponatremia by affecting sodium balance in the body. Hypernatremia (Choice A) is unlikely with lithium use. Hyperglycemia (Choice C) and hypercalcemia (Choice D) are not typically associated with lithium therapy for bipolar disorder.

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