Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a heart client on digoxin and notes a potassium level of 2.5. What is the appropriate priority nursing intervention?

• A. Do nothing as this is a normal potassium level.
• B. The potassium level is low so the nurse asks for an order for potassium.
• C. The nurse asks to check the digoxin level as low potassium can increase digoxin toxicity.
• D. The nurse stops the digoxin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When caring for a client on digoxin with a low potassium level, the priority nursing intervention is to check the digoxin level. Low potassium can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Checking the digoxin level will help determine if any adjustments to the medication regimen are needed to prevent potential harm. Choice A is incorrect as a potassium level of 2.5 is low, not normal. Choice B is not the priority as simply giving potassium may not address the underlying issue of potential digoxin toxicity. Choice D is not the initial action to take without assessing the digoxin level first.

2. Which condition is characterized by the lungs becoming scarred and stiff, leading to difficulty breathing and inadequate oxygen intake into the bloodstream?

• A. Pulmonary fibrosis
• B. Cystic fibrosis
• C. COPD
• D. Tuberculosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease where lung tissue is damaged and scarred, resulting in breathing difficulties and decreased oxygen transfer into the bloodstream. Cystic fibrosis (B) is a genetic disorder primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system, not causing lung scarring. COPD (C) includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema but doesn't specifically involve lung scarring. Tuberculosis (D) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but doesn't cause lung tissue scarring and stiffness as seen in pulmonary fibrosis.

3. What type of stroke is caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain?

• A. Ischemic stroke
• B. Hemorrhagic stroke
• C. Transient ischemic attack
• D. Embolism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain, leading to brain damage. Choice B, Hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by bleeding in the brain, not a blockage. Choice C, Transient ischemic attack, is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain with symptoms similar to a stroke but typically lasting only a few minutes. Choice D, Embolism, refers to a blood clot or other particle that travels through the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel.

4. What is a condition where the heart's electrical system malfunctions, leading to an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia?

• A. Arrhythmia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Ventricular fibrillation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Arrhythmia. Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat caused by the malfunction of the heart's electrical system. Bradycardia (choice B) is a condition characterized by a slow heart rate, while Tachycardia (choice C) is a condition characterized by a fast heart rate. Ventricular fibrillation (choice D) is a life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart's lower chambers quiver erratically.

5. What is a condition where the walls of the arteries in the lungs become thickened and stiff, leading to increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries?

• A. Pulmonary hypertension
• B. Pulmonary fibrosis
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Pulmonary edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pulmonary hypertension is a condition characterized by the thickening and stiffening of the arteries in the lungs, resulting in elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This condition is distinct from the other choices provided. Pulmonary fibrosis involves scarring of lung tissue, pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, and pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

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