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. What is an acute respiratory infection that inflames the alveoli in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Bronchitis
• C. Tuberculosis
• D. Asthma

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pneumonia is the correct answer because it is an acute respiratory infection that inflames the alveoli in one or both lungs, leading to the accumulation of fluid or pus. This condition presents with symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the alveoli. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but does not always result in alveolar inflammation. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, not alveolar inflammation.

3. What is the condition where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, causing shortness of breath, chest pain, and other symptoms?

• A. Pulmonary embolism
• B. Pneumothorax
• C. Pleural effusion
• D. Aneurysm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. This condition is life-threatening and requires prompt treatment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they refer to different medical conditions: Pneumothorax is a collapsed lung, Pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid around the lungs, and an Aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel.

4. Which valve opens during ventricular systole and closes during ventricular diastole?

• A. Aortic valve
• B. Pulmonary valve
• C. Mitral valve
• D. Tricuspid valve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pulmonary valve. The pulmonary valve opens during ventricular systole to allow blood to flow from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery. The aortic valve opens during ventricular systole to allow blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. The mitral valve and tricuspid valve are atrioventricular valves that open during ventricular diastole to allow blood to flow from the atria into the ventricles.

5. The client is on amiodarone and reports blurred vision. What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
• B. Instruct the client to report this symptom to the healthcare provider immediately.
• C. Advise the client to stop taking the medication.
• D. Discontinue the amiodarone immediately.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Blurred vision is a potential side effect of amiodarone. Instructing the client to report this symptom to the healthcare provider immediately is the most appropriate response. Choice A is incorrect because although blurred vision can be a common side effect of amiodarone, it should not be dismissed without further evaluation. Choice C is incorrect as advising the client to stop taking the medication without consulting the healthcare provider can be dangerous and is not the first course of action. Choice D is too drastic as discontinuing the medication should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider after proper evaluation.

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