Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is providing care for a client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?

• A. Serum sodium of 140 mEq/L.
• B. Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L.
• C. Serum osmolality of 280 mOsm/kg.
• D. Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L. In SIADH, there is excess release of antidiuretic hormone leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L indicates severe hyponatremia, which can result in neurological symptoms, such as confusion, seizures, and coma. Therefore, immediate intervention is required to prevent further complications. Choice A, a serum sodium of 140 mEq/L, is within the normal range and does not require immediate intervention. Choice B, serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L, is also within the normal range and is not directly related to SIADH. Choice C, serum osmolality of 280 mOsm/kg, is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the blood and may not be the most critical parameter to address in a client with SIADH and severe hyponatremia.

2. During a repeat home visit to see an 84-year-old widow, the nurse discovers that the client is unkempt, smells of stale urine, and does not recognize her neighbors or the nurse. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Call the pharmacy to determine what medications she is taking
• B. Seek the family's assistance in taking care of the client
• C. Complete a physical and mental exam on the client
• D. Call the adult protective services to obtain emergency nursing home placement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize completing a physical and mental exam on the client. This action is crucial to assess the client's health status comprehensively and identify any underlying issues contributing to her unkempt appearance, odor of stale urine, and confusion. Calling the pharmacy to determine medications (Choice A) may be important but is not the immediate priority. Seeking family assistance (Choice B) can be helpful, but the client's condition requires a thorough assessment first. While adult protective services (Choice D) may be necessary in the future, the immediate action should be to assess the client's physical and mental health status.

3. A client with a history of hypertension is admitted with a blood pressure of 200/120 mm Hg. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?

• A. Metoprolol (Lopressor).
• B. Furosemide (Lasix).
• C. Lisinopril (Zestril).
• D. Nitroprusside (Nipride).

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Nitroprusside (Nipride). In this scenario of severe hypertension (200/120 mm Hg), a hypertensive emergency is present, requiring rapid reduction of blood pressure. Nitroprusside is a vasodilator that acts quickly to lower blood pressure in such emergencies. Options A, B, and C are incorrect: A) Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure but is not indicated for hypertensive emergencies requiring rapid reduction. B) Furosemide is a diuretic that helps with fluid retention but does not rapidly lower blood pressure. C) Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used for long-term management of hypertension, not for immediate reduction in hypertensive emergencies.

4. During a home visit, the nurse observes that a client with limited mobility has difficulty accessing the bathroom. What should the nurse do first?

• A. suggest the client install a bedside commode
• B. assist the client in modifying the home environment
• C. refer the client to an occupational therapist
• D. educate the client on mobility aids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suggest that the client installs a bedside commode. This option provides an immediate solution to the client's difficulty accessing the bathroom. While modifying the home environment (Choice B) and referring the client to an occupational therapist (Choice C) are important steps, suggesting a bedside commode addresses the immediate need efficiently. Educating the client on mobility aids (Choice D) can be beneficial but may not be the most urgent action required in this scenario.

5. The healthcare professional is providing education on healthy eating habits to a group of adolescents. Which strategy is most likely to be effective?

• A. lecturing about the dangers of unhealthy eating
• B. distributing pamphlets on healthy food choices
• C. involving the adolescents in meal planning and preparation
• D. showing a documentary on the benefits of a healthy diet

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Involving adolescents in meal planning and preparation is a more effective strategy as it actively engages them in the learning process. This approach allows adolescents to have hands-on experience, make informed choices, and develop a sense of ownership over their dietary decisions. Lecturing about dangers or showing documentaries may not be as engaging or interactive, making it less likely for adolescents to retain and apply the information provided. Distributing pamphlets can be informative but lacks the interactive and experiential aspect that involving them in meal planning and preparation offers.

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