Nursing Elites

1. The client is being educated by the nurse on home blood glucose monitoring. Which of the following blood glucose measurements indicates hypoglycemia?

• A. 59 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L)
• B. 75 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L)
• C. 108 mg/dL (6 mmol/L)
• D. 119 mg/dL (6.6 mmol/L)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A blood glucose level of 59 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L) is considered hypoglycemia, which is an abnormally low blood sugar level. This level requires immediate attention as it can lead to symptoms such as confusion, shakiness, and even loss of consciousness if left untreated. Choices B, C, and D have blood glucose levels within the normal range or slightly higher, indicating euglycemia or normal blood sugar levels, and not hypoglycemia.

2. When planning care for a client newly diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma, the nurse identifies a priority nursing problem of 'visual sensory/perceptual alterations.' This problem is based on which etiology?

• A. Blurred distance vision
• B. Limited eye movement
• C. Decreased peripheral vision
• D. Photosensitivity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: Decreased peripheral vision.' Open-angle glaucoma leads to a gradual loss of peripheral vision due to damage to the optic nerve. This loss of peripheral vision is a hallmark sign of the condition and a primary reason for the visual sensory/perceptual alterations experienced by the client. Blurred distance vision (choice A) may occur but is not the priority nursing problem. Limited eye movement (choice B) and photosensitivity (choice D) are not typically associated with the sensory/perceptual alterations seen in open-angle glaucoma.

3. The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving isotonic intravenous (IV) fluids at an infusion rate of 125 mL/hour. The nurse performs an assessment and notes a heart rate of 102 beats per minute, a blood pressure of 160/85 mm Hg, and crackles auscultated in both lungs. Which action will the nurse take?

• A. Decrease the IV fluid rate and notify the provider.
• B. Increase the IV fluid rate and notify the provider.
• C. Request an order for a colloidal IV solution.
• D. Request an order for a hypertonic IV solution.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The patient is showing signs of fluid volume excess, indicated by crackles in both lungs, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. To address this, the nurse should decrease the IV fluid rate and notify the provider. Increasing the IV fluid rate would worsen fluid overload. Requesting colloidal or hypertonic IV solutions would exacerbate the issue by pulling more fluids into the intravascular space, leading to further volume overload.

4. A client who has undergone pleural biopsy is being monitored by a nurse. Which finding indicates a potential complication for the client?

• A. Warm, dry skin
• B. Mild pain at the biopsy site
• C. Complaints of shortness of breath
• D. Capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Complaints of shortness of breath are a concerning finding post-pleural biopsy, as they may indicate a complication such as a pneumothorax or hemothorax. Shortness of breath can be a sign of respiratory distress that requires immediate attention. Warm, dry skin, mild pain at the biopsy site, and a capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds are not typically associated with immediate complications following a pleural biopsy. Warm, dry skin may be a normal finding, mild pain can be expected at the biopsy site, and a capillary refill time of less than 3 seconds is within normal limits.

5. The provider has ordered Kayexalate and sorbitol to be administered to a patient. The nurse caring for this patient would expect which serum electrolyte values prior to administration of this therapy?

• A. Sodium 125 mEq/L and potassium 2.5 mEq/L
• B. Sodium 150 mEq/L and potassium 3.6 mEq/L
• C. Sodium 135 mEq/L and potassium 6.9 mEq/L
• D. Sodium 148 mEq/L and potassium 5.5 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Severe hyperkalemia, with a potassium level of 6.9 mEq/L, requires aggressive treatment with Kayexalate and sorbitol to increase the body’s excretion of potassium. The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L, so patients with the other potassium levels would not be treated aggressively or would need potassium supplementation. Therefore, option C (Sodium 135 mEq/L and potassium 6.9 mEq/L) is the correct choice as it indicates severe hyperkalemia warranting the administration of Kayexalate and sorbitol. Options A, B, and D have either potassium levels within normal limits, which would not necessitate this aggressive treatment, or potassium levels that are lower than what would typically prompt the need for Kayexalate and sorbitol.

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