Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority nursing action for a client with dehydration?

• A. Administer oral fluids
• B. Monitor electrolyte levels
• C. Administer antiemetics as needed
• D. Encourage bed rest

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing action for a client with dehydration is to monitor electrolyte levels. Dehydration can cause imbalances in electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, affecting essential bodily functions. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial to promptly identify and correct any imbalances. While administering oral fluids (Choice A) is vital in treating dehydration, monitoring electrolyte levels takes precedence as it directly addresses the underlying imbalance. Administering antiemetics (Choice C) may be necessary for nausea and vomiting but is not the priority over electrolyte monitoring. Encouraging bed rest (Choice D) can conserve energy but is not as critical as monitoring electrolyte levels to prevent complications related to electrolyte imbalances.

2. A client with diabetes is experiencing hyperglycemia. What is the nurse's priority?

• A. Administer insulin
• B. Encourage the client to exercise to lower blood glucose
• C. Encourage the client to drink water
• D. Administer glucagon

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer insulin. In hyperglycemia, there is an excess of glucose in the blood, which needs to be lowered. Insulin is the primary medication used to lower blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Encouraging the client to exercise may further increase blood glucose levels due to the release of stress hormones, so it is not the priority. While staying hydrated is important, it will not directly address the high blood glucose levels seen in hyperglycemia. Glucagon is used to treat severe hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia, so it is not the priority in this situation.

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. Which assessment finding is expected with myxedema?

• A. Increased pulse rate
• B. Decreased temperature
• C. Fine tremors
• D. Weight loss

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Myxedema is characterized by a decreased metabolic rate, leading to manifestations such as decreased temperature. Therefore, the correct assessment finding expected with myxedema is a decreased temperature. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because myxedema typically presents with a decreased pulse rate, not an increased pulse rate, absence of fine tremors (which are more common in hyperthyroidism), and weight gain rather than weight loss.

5. A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has a chest tube connected to a closed drainage system. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Clamp the chest tube
• B. Maintain the drainage below the level of the chest
• C. Elevate the chest tube above chest level
• D. Avoid frequent dressing changes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with a chest tube connected to a closed drainage system is to maintain the drainage below the level of the chest. This position allows proper drainage of fluids and helps prevent complications such as backflow of blood or fluids into the chest cavity. Clamping the chest tube (Choice A) is incorrect as it can lead to a tension pneumothorax. Elevating the chest tube above chest level (Choice C) is also incorrect because it can impede proper drainage. Avoiding frequent dressing changes (Choice D) is important to prevent introducing infection, but it is not directly related to the position of the drainage system.

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