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. An older adult client appears agitated when the nurse requests that the client’s dentures be removed prior to surgery and states, “I never go anywhere without my teeth.” Which of the following is an appropriate nursing response?

• A. You should comply with the request
• B. You seem worried. Are you concerned someone may see you without your teeth?
• C. I will call your family to discuss this
• D. It’s not a big deal; just remove them

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The appropriate nursing response in this situation is to acknowledge and address the client's concerns empathetically. By expressing understanding and asking if the client is worried about being seen without their teeth, the nurse shows empathy and attempts to alleviate the client's anxiety. Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the client's feelings. Choice C is inappropriate as it does not directly address the client's agitation. Choice D is not the best response as it minimizes the client's feelings and does not provide emotional support.

3. Three days following surgery, a male client observes his colostomy for the first time. He becomes quite upset and tells the LPN that it is much bigger than he expected. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. Reassure the client that he will become accustomed to the stoma's appearance in time.
• B. Instruct the client that the stoma will become smaller when the initial swelling diminishes.
• C. Offer to contact a member of the local ostomy support group to help him with his concerns.
• D. Encourage the client to handle the stoma equipment to gain confidence with the procedure.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is to instruct the client that the stoma will become smaller when the initial swelling diminishes. This explanation helps reassure the client about the temporary appearance of the stoma. Choice A is incorrect because simply reassuring the client that he will become accustomed to the stoma's appearance does not address the immediate concern about the stoma size. Choice C is incorrect because offering to contact a support group does not directly address the client's current distress about the stoma size. Choice D is incorrect because encouraging the client to handle stoma equipment does not directly address the client's concern about the stoma size and may not be appropriate at this time.

4. A client with a left leg cast is being taught how to use crutches. Which of the following statements should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the teaching?

• A. When descending stairs, I will first shift my weight to my right (unaffected) leg.
• B. I will use crutches to support my weight on my left leg.
• C. When ascending stairs, I will lead with my left leg.
• D. I will keep my crutches under my arms for support.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Shifting weight to the unaffected leg when descending stairs is crucial for maintaining balance and safety. This technique helps prevent falls and distributes weight appropriately. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because using crutches to support the weight on the injured leg, leading with the injured leg when ascending stairs, and keeping crutches under the arms are all potentially unsafe practices that could lead to further injury or accidents.

5. In an emergency situation, the charge nurse on the night shift at an urgent care center has to deal with admitting clients of higher acuity than usual due to a large fire in the area. Which style of leadership and decision-making would be best in this circumstance?

• A. Assume a decision-making role
• B. Seek input from staff
• C. Use a non-directive approach
• D. Shared decision-making with others

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In an emergency situation such as dealing with patients of higher acuity due to a large fire, it is crucial for the charge nurse to assume a decision-making role. This style of leadership allows for quick and efficient decision-making to manage the increased acuity of patients effectively. Seeking input from staff (Choice B) may delay critical decisions needed in emergencies. Using a non-directive approach (Choice C) or shared decision-making with others (Choice D) may not be suitable in urgent situations where immediate actions are required to address the high acuity of patients.

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