Nursing Elites

1. What is the best nursing intervention for a patient with hyperkalemia?

• A. Administer potassium-wasting diuretics
• B. Encourage a low-potassium diet
• C. Administer potassium supplements
• D. Administer IV fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer potassium-wasting diuretics. Hyperkalemia, which is high potassium levels, is managed by promoting the excretion of potassium from the body. Potassium-wasting diuretics help the kidneys eliminate excess potassium. Encouraging a low-potassium diet (choice B) is important for long-term management but not the immediate intervention for hyperkalemia. Administering potassium supplements (choice C) would worsen the condition by further increasing potassium levels. Administering IV fluids (choice D) may help with hydration but does not directly address the high potassium levels characteristic of hyperkalemia.

2. What is the process for taking a telephone order from a provider?

• A. Patient name, drug, dose, route, frequency
• B. Read back for accuracy
• C. Have a witness listen to the order
• D. Write down the order and follow up

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct process for taking a telephone order from a provider involves reading back the information for accuracy. This step ensures that the order is correctly understood and reduces the risk of errors. While listing patient information (Choice A) is essential, it does not encompass the complete process of verifying the order. Having a witness listen to the order (Choice C) may not always be practical or necessary, as direct verification is more efficient. Writing down the order and following up (Choice D) is not as crucial as the immediate read-back process, which allows for real-time clarification and confirmation.

3. A nurse is caring for a client post-abdominal surgery who has an NG tube. The client reports nausea and a decrease in gastric output. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Turn the client onto their left side
• B. Irrigate the NG tube with sterile water
• C. Increase the suction pressure to relieve the blockage
• D. Remove the NG tube and replace it with a new one

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to irrigate the NG tube with sterile water first. This action helps to relieve blockages that may be causing the decrease in gastric output and nausea. Turning the client onto their left side may not directly address the issue with the NG tube. Increasing the suction pressure can further exacerbate the problem and should not be done without assessing the situation first. Removing the NG tube and replacing it with a new one is a more invasive step that should be considered only if other measures are unsuccessful.

4. What is the main symptom of left-sided heart failure?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Edema
• C. Increased heart rate
• D. Decreased urine output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Shortness of breath is the main symptom of left-sided heart failure because it results from pulmonary congestion due to fluid buildup in the lungs. Edema, increased heart rate, and decreased urine output are associated with right-sided heart failure rather than left-sided heart failure.

5. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement for a client with dementia who is at risk of falling?

• A. Keep the bed in the lowest position
• B. Raise all four side rails to prevent falls
• C. Assist with ambulation every 2 hours
• D. Use a bed exit alarm to notify staff of attempts to leave the bed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with dementia at risk of falling is to use a bed exit alarm to notify staff of attempts to leave the bed. This intervention helps in preventing falls by alerting the staff when the client tries to get out of bed. Keeping the bed in the lowest position (Choice A) may not prevent falls and could make it challenging for staff to provide care. Raising all four side rails (Choice B) can be a restraint and is not recommended as it may lead to entrapment or other risks. Assisting with ambulation every 2 hours (Choice C) may not be feasible or effective in preventing falls, as the client may attempt to get out of bed at any time.

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