Nursing Elites

1. What is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, often associated with infections or malignancies?

• A. Pleural effusion
• B. Pneumothorax
• C. Pulmonary edema
• D. Atelectasis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs, often caused by infections, cancer, or other diseases. Pneumothorax (choice B) is the presence of air in the pleural space, not fluid. Pulmonary edema (choice C) is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs' air sacs and tissue, not in the pleural space. Atelectasis (choice D) is the collapse or closure of a lung resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange.

2. When administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client, which lab value is most important to monitor?

• A. Potassium
• B. Sodium
• C. Calcium
• D. Chloride

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When administering furosemide (Lasix), it is crucial to monitor potassium levels closely. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, potentially causing hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels helps prevent adverse effects associated with low potassium, such as cardiac arrhythmias. While monitoring sodium, calcium, and chloride levels may also be important in certain situations, potassium is the most critical to monitor when administering furosemide.

3. The client is prescribed warfarin. What should the client be taught about this medication?

• A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
• B. Take the medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
• C. Take the medication at the same time every day.
• D. Increase the dose if a dose is missed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication, and vitamin K can counteract its effects. Therefore, it is important for clients taking warfarin to avoid foods high in vitamin K to maintain the medication's effectiveness. Choice B is incorrect because warfarin should be taken consistently as prescribed, regardless of food intake. Choice C is incorrect because while consistency in timing is important, it is not specific to the effectiveness of warfarin. Choice D is incorrect because clients should never increase the dose of warfarin on their own, especially to make up for a missed dose, as it can lead to serious bleeding risks.

4. What is the condition where the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively?

• A. Ventricular hypertrophy
• B. Atrial fibrillation
• C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
• D. Cardiomyopathy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Ventricular hypertrophy is the correct answer. In ventricular hypertrophy, the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, which decreases the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. Atrial fibrillation (choice B) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow. While restrictive cardiomyopathy (choice C) involves the heart muscle becoming rigid and less compliant, it is not specifically characterized by thickening of the ventricular walls. Cardiomyopathy (choice D) is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, which can present with various symptoms and causes.

5. When administering dobutamine to a client, what is the most important parameter to assess?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Oxygen saturation
• D. Respiratory rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When giving dobutamine, the most critical parameter to assess is blood pressure. Dobutamine is known to cause significant changes in blood pressure, making it essential to closely monitor this parameter to prevent adverse effects. While heart rate is also important to monitor, blood pressure takes precedence due to the potential for hemodynamic instability caused by dobutamine. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, although vital signs to monitor, are not typically affected directly by dobutamine administration.

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