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. When a client with dementia frequently becomes agitated, what should the nurse prioritize investigating?

• A. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
• B. Medication history
• C. Environmental factors
• D. Cognitive functioning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to prioritize investigating the client's medication history. This is important because certain medications can contribute to agitation in clients with dementia. Understanding the medication history can help identify potential causes of agitation and guide appropriate interventions. Checking for fluid and electrolyte imbalances is important in healthcare but may not directly relate to the client's agitation. While environmental factors can influence behavior, investigating the medication history is more pertinent in this case. Cognitive functioning assessment is crucial in dementia care but may not be the priority when addressing acute agitation.

3. A client with multiple fractures following a motor-vehicle crash is struggling with opening a milk carton. Which of the following client statements should the nurse recommend a referral to an occupational therapist?

• A. I can't brush my teeth properly
• B. I am so frustrated I can't open my milk carton
• C. I can't hold a pencil
• D. I can't write anymore

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Struggling to open a milk carton indicates difficulty with fine motor skills and activities of daily living. This statement suggests a need for assistance from an occupational therapist to improve hand strength, coordination, and independence in performing essential tasks. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to the need for occupational therapy services in this context. In contrast, the inability to open a milk carton highlights specific challenges that occupational therapy can address effectively.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take to minimize the risk for injury for this client?

• A. Use a bed exit alarm system
• B. Raise all four side rails while the client is in bed
• C. Apply soft wrist restraints
• D. Dim the lights in the client's room

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Using a bed exit alarm system. A bed exit alarm alerts staff when a client with dementia attempts to leave the bed, reducing the risk of falls. Choice B is incorrect because raising all four side rails can lead to restraint-related injuries and is not recommended. Choice C is incorrect as applying wrist restraints should be avoided due to the risk of injury and decreased mobility. Choice D is incorrect as dimming the lights in the client's room does not directly address the risk of injury associated with dementia.

5. A client is being taught by a nurse how to ascend stairs while using crutches. Which of the following actions should the nurse instruct the client to take first?

• A. Move both crutches up first
• B. Step up with the unaffected leg first
• C. Lean forward on the crutches before stepping up
• D. Hold onto the handrail for support

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to step up with the unaffected leg first. This action is crucial as it ensures proper balance and safety when ascending stairs with crutches. By stepping up with the unaffected leg first, the client can maintain stability and reduce the risk of falls. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Moving both crutches up first (Choice A) may lead to imbalance and difficulty in weight distribution. Leaning forward on the crutches before stepping up (Choice C) can compromise the client's stability and increase the risk of falling. While holding onto the handrail for support (Choice D) is important, stepping up with the unaffected leg first takes precedence to establish a secure and safe movement up the stairs.

Similar Questions