Nursing Elites

1. The nurse obtains a heart rate of 92 and a blood pressure of 110/76 before administering a scheduled dose of verapamil (Calan) for a client with atrial flutter. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Administer the dose as prescribed.
• B. Hold the medication.
• C. Call the healthcare provider.
• D. Repeat the vital signs in 30 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action is to administer the dose as prescribed. Verapamil slows sinoatrial nodal automaticity and delays atrioventricular nodal conduction, which helps in slowing the ventricular rate. The heart rate of 92 and blood pressure of 110/76 are within an acceptable range for administering verapamil in a client with atrial flutter. Holding the medication, calling the healthcare provider, or repeating the vital signs in 30 minutes are not necessary based on the vital signs obtained and the action of verapamil in this scenario.

2. When developing a program to support caregivers of elderly patients, which topic should be prioritized in the first session?

• A. Managing medication schedules
• B. Recognizing signs of caregiver burnout
• C. Effective communication with healthcare providers
• D. Navigating insurance and financial issues

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Recognizing signs of caregiver burnout is the most critical topic to prioritize in the first session. Caregiver burnout can have detrimental effects on both the caregiver and the elderly patient's well-being. By addressing this issue early on, caregivers can learn to identify the signs of burnout, take necessary steps to prevent it, and ensure they can continue providing effective care for their loved ones. Managing medication schedules, effective communication with healthcare providers, and navigating insurance and financial issues are also important aspects to cover in the program. However, recognizing signs of caregiver burnout is essential for the overall health and quality of care provided by the caregivers.

3. The nurse is providing care for a client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Serum sodium of 140 mEq/L.
• B. Serum osmolality of 280 mOsm/kg.
• C. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours.
• D. Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The corrected answer is D. A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which requires immediate intervention in a client with SIADH. Hyponatremia can lead to serious complications such as seizures, coma, and cerebral edema. Choices A, B, and C are not the most critical findings in a client with SIADH. While a serum sodium of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range, a decrease to 130 mEq/L is concerning and requires prompt action to prevent complications.

4. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new colostomy. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will avoid foods that cause gas.
• B. I will change my colostomy bag every week.
• C. I will use a skin barrier to protect the skin around the stoma.
• D. I will empty my colostomy bag when it is one-third full.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Changing the colostomy bag every week is not sufficient; it should be changed more frequently to prevent leakage and skin irritation. Option A is correct as avoiding foods that cause gas can help manage colostomy-related symptoms. Option C is correct as using a skin barrier helps protect the skin around the stoma. Option D is correct as emptying the colostomy bag when it is one-third full helps prevent leakage and discomfort.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with Addison's disease. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Hyperpigmentation of the skin.
• B. Low blood pressure.
• C. Nausea and vomiting.
• D. Hypoglycemia.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Low blood pressure in a client with Addison's disease requires immediate intervention as it can indicate an Addisonian crisis, a life-threatening condition that necessitates prompt treatment. Hyperpigmentation of the skin is a characteristic finding in Addison's disease but does not require immediate intervention. Nausea and vomiting can be managed symptomatically in Addison's disease. While hypoglycemia needs attention, it is not the most critical finding requiring immediate intervention in this context.

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