Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare professional is preparing to administer potassium chloride intravenously to a client with hypokalemia. Which action is most important?

• A. Monitor the client's respiratory rate
• B. Check the client's urine output
• C. Administer the potassium chloride as a rapid IV push
• D. Dilute the potassium chloride in an appropriate IV solution

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to dilute the potassium chloride in an appropriate IV solution. Potassium chloride should never be administered as a rapid IV push as it can lead to severe complications, including cardiac arrhythmias. Diluting the medication and administering it slowly helps reduce the risk of adverse effects. Monitoring the client's respiratory rate (Choice A) and checking urine output (Choice B) are important aspects of patient assessment but not the most crucial when administering potassium chloride. Administering potassium chloride as a rapid IV push (Choice C) is dangerous and can result in serious harm to the client.

2. A caregiver of an immobile client requiring assistance with repositioning is being taught by a nurse on preventing back strain. Which statement by the caregiver indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will place the bed in the lowest position
• B. I will tighten my abdominal muscles prior to moving
• C. I will keep my legs straight to provide more power in the lift
• D. I will twist at the waist while pulling the draw sheet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Tightening the abdominal muscles before moving helps protect the back by providing core support. Keeping the legs straight (choice C) is incorrect as bending the legs is recommended to provide a stable base and prevent strain on the back. Twisting at the waist (choice D) while moving can cause back injury due to the strain on the spine. Placing the bed in the lowest position (choice A) is not directly related to preventing back strain during client repositioning, although it may be necessary for other reasons.

3. When caring for a client with a tracheostomy, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Clean the skin around the stoma with normal saline.
• B. Secure the tracheostomy ties with two fingers' width underneath.
• C. Soak the outer cannula in warm tap water.
• D. Use a cotton tip applicator to clean the inside of the inner cannula.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a client with a tracheostomy, the nurse should clean the skin around the stoma with normal saline to prevent infection and ensure cleanliness. This action helps in maintaining skin integrity and preventing skin breakdown. Securing the tracheostomy ties with two fingers' width underneath is essential to allow for proper fit, prevent skin irritation, and ensure the ties are not too tight. Soaking the outer cannula in warm tap water is not recommended as it can lead to contamination and is not a standard practice. Using a cotton tip applicator to clean the inside of the inner cannula is discouraged as it can leave fibers behind, increasing the risk of aspiration and respiratory complications.

4. A nurse manager is overseeing the care on a unit. Which of the following should the nurse manager identify as a violation of HIPAA guidelines?

• A. A nurse who is caring for a client reviews the client's medical chart with the nursing student who is working with the nurse.
• B. A nurse asks a nurse from another unit to assist with her documentation.
• C. A nurse who is caring for a client returns a call to the client's durable power of attorney for health care designee to discuss the client's care.
• D. A nurse discusses a client's status with the physical therapist who is caring for the client at the bedside.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. HIPAA guidelines specify that only healthcare professionals directly involved in a patient's care should access their medical information. Asking a nurse from another unit to assist with documentation involves sharing patient information with someone not directly caring for the patient, which violates HIPAA guidelines. Choices A, C, and D involve individuals directly involved in the client's care, making them appropriate actions in line with HIPAA regulations. Choice A involves educating a nursing student under the supervision of the nurse, which is permissible. Choice C involves communicating with the client's designated healthcare decision-maker, which is also allowed under HIPAA. Choice D involves discussing the client's status with another healthcare professional directly involved in the client's care, which is within HIPAA guidelines.

5. A client returning from the surgical suite following a vaginal hysterectomy is awake and asking for something to drink. Her post-op diet prescription reads: 'clear liquids, advance diet as tolerated.' Which of the following is appropriate for the nurse to tell the patient?

• A. ''I am going to listen to your abdomen.''
• B. ''You need to wait until the surgeon evaluates your condition.''
• C. ''You can have clear liquids, but let me check with the surgeon first.''
• D. ''It is best to start with small sips of clear liquids and observe how you feel.''

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: ''I am going to listen to your abdomen.'' Listening to the abdomen helps assess bowel sounds and ensure that the client’s gastrointestinal system is ready for oral intake. Choice B is incorrect because the client does not necessarily need to wait for the surgeon to evaluate before starting with clear liquids. Choice C is incorrect because unless there are specific contraindications, clear liquids are usually allowed after surgery. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the immediate assessment needed before initiating oral intake post-operatively.

Similar Questions