Nursing Elites

1. The client is taking Antabuse and should avoid eating foods that may trigger a disulfiram reaction. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid:

• A. Peanuts, dates, raisins
• B. Figs, chocolate, eggplant
• C. Pickles, salad with vinaigrette dressing, beef
• D. Milk, cottage cheese, ice cream

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client taking Antabuse should avoid foods that contain alcohol or vinegar as they can trigger a disulfiram reaction. Pickles and vinaigrette dressing often contain vinegar, which the client should avoid. Beef is safe to consume. Choices A, B, and D do not contain alcohol or vinegar, so they are allowed for the client taking Antabuse.

2. Which of the following arterial blood gas values indicates a patient may be experiencing a condition of metabolic acidosis?

• A. PaO2 90 mm Hg
• B. Bicarbonate 15 mEq/L
• C. CO2 47 mm Hg
• D. pH 7.34

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bicarbonate 15 mEq/L. In metabolic acidosis, the bicarbonate levels are lower than normal. A bicarbonate value of 15 mEq/L indicates a deficit in the buffer system, contributing to the acidosis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A, PaO2 90 mm Hg, reflects oxygen partial pressure and is not directly related to metabolic acidosis. Choice C, CO2 47 mm Hg, represents carbon dioxide levels and is more indicative of respiratory status. Choice D, pH 7.34, falls within the normal range (7.35-7.45) and does not confirm metabolic acidosis.

3. The client with peripheral vascular disease is reviewing self-care measures. Which of the following statements indicates proper self-care measures?

• A. "I like to soak my feet in the hot tub every day."?
• B. "I walk to the mailbox in my bare feet."?
• C. "I stopped smoking and only use chewing tobacco."?
• D. "I have my wife examine the soles of my feet each day."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is, "I have my wife examine the soles of my feet each day."? Clients with peripheral vascular disease should examine their feet daily for any signs of redness, dryness, or cuts. If the client is unable to do this themselves due to decreased sensation in their feet, a caregiver or family member should assist. Soaking feet in a hot tub should be avoided as the client may not be able to sense if the water is too hot, potentially causing burns. Walking barefoot can lead to injuries, so wearing shoes or slippers is recommended to minimize trauma. While quitting smoking is a positive step, using chewing tobacco can still constrict blood vessels, adversely affecting circulation in the extremities.

4. A healthcare professional is reviewing a patient's current Lithium levels. Which of the following values is outside the therapeutic range?

• A. 1.0 mEq/L
• B. 1.1 mEq/L
• C. 1.2 mEq/L
• D. 1.3 mEq/L

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 1.3 mEq/L. The therapeutic range for Lithium levels typically falls between 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Values below or above this range can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes or toxicity. Choices A, B, and C are within the therapeutic range of 1.0-1.2 mEq/L, making them appropriate levels for patient care.

5. While assessing a patient who has undergone a recent CABG, the nurse notices a mole with irregular edges and a bluish color. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Recommend a dermatological consult to the physician.
• B. Note the location of the mole and contact the physician via telephone.
• C. Note the location of the mole and follow-up with the attending physician through the medical record and a phone call.
• D. Remove the mole with a sharp debridement technique, following approval from the charge nurse.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should note the location of the mole and follow up with the attending physician through the medical record and a phone call. This action is appropriate because a mole with irregular edges and a bluish color raises concern for melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Recommending a dermatological consult (Choice A) might delay the evaluation and management of the mole. Contacting the physician via telephone (Choice B) may not provide a documented record of the observation. Removing the mole without proper evaluation (Choice D) could be dangerous and is not within the nurse's scope of practice.

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