Nursing Elites

1. What are the early signs of hypokalemia on an ECG?

• A. Flattened T waves
• B. Elevated ST segments
• C. Prominent U waves
• D. Widened QRS complex

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Flattened T waves are an early sign of hypokalemia on an ECG. In hypokalemia, the T waves may flatten and eventually invert. Elevated ST segments are not typically associated with hypokalemia. Prominent U waves are seen in conditions like hypokalemia, but they are not considered an early sign. A widened QRS complex is more commonly associated with hyperkalemia rather than hypokalemia.

2. What is the first medication to administer to a patient experiencing wheezing due to an allergic reaction?

• A. Albuterol via nebulizer
• B. Methylprednisolone 100 mg IV
• C. Cromolyn 20 mg via nebulizer
• D. Aminophylline 500 mg IV

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Albuterol via nebulizer. Albuterol is the first-choice medication for wheezing due to its fast-acting bronchodilatory effect, which helps in relieving the symptoms quickly. Choice B, Methylprednisolone 100 mg IV, is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory effects and would be beneficial in reducing inflammation in allergic reactions but is not the first-line treatment for wheezing. Choice C, Cromolyn 20 mg via nebulizer, is a mast cell stabilizer used to prevent asthma attacks but is not the immediate treatment for wheezing during an allergic reaction. Choice D, Aminophylline 500 mg IV, is a bronchodilator but is not typically the initial medication of choice for wheezing in an allergic reaction.

3. What is the priority action when the nurse administers insulin for a misread blood glucose reading?

• A. Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia
• B. Monitor for hyperglycemia
• C. Administer glucose IV
• D. Document the incident

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority action when the nurse administers insulin for a misread blood glucose reading is to monitor for signs of hypoglycemia. Insulin administration based on a misread blood glucose could lead to hypoglycemia due to an unnecessary dose. Monitoring for signs of hypoglycemia is crucial for prompt intervention if blood glucose levels drop dangerously low. Option B, monitoring for hyperglycemia, is incorrect in this situation as the concern is over-treatment with insulin causing hypoglycemia. Option C, administering glucose IV, is only necessary if hypoglycemia occurs. Option D, documenting the incident, is important for reporting and learning purposes but is not the immediate priority when the focus is on patient safety and preventing complications.

4. What should a healthcare provider monitor for in a patient with hypokalemia?

• A. Monitor for muscle weakness
• B. Monitor for bradycardia
• C. Check deep tendon reflexes
• D. Monitor for hyperglycemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Muscle weakness is a common symptom of hypokalemia and should be closely monitored in affected patients. Hypokalemia is a condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, and even paralysis. While bradycardia (slow heart rate) can be associated with severe hypokalemia, monitoring for muscle weakness is more specific to the condition. Checking deep tendon reflexes is not typically a primary monitoring parameter for hypokalemia. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is not directly related to hypokalemia, as hypokalemia is primarily associated with potassium levels in the blood.

5. When planning care for a patient with diabetes insipidus, what should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Monitor serum albumin levels
• B. Avoid alcohol
• C. Teach the patient to increase fluids
• D. Increase exercise to reduce stress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Avoid alcohol.' Alcohol consumption can exacerbate dehydration in patients with diabetes insipidus, so it is essential to advise them to avoid alcohol. Monitoring serum albumin levels (choice A) is not directly related to managing diabetes insipidus. Teaching the patient to increase fluids (choice C) is not recommended as it can worsen the condition by further diluting the urine. Increasing exercise to reduce stress (choice D) is not a primary intervention for managing diabetes insipidus.

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