Nursing Elites

1. What should the nurse monitor for in a patient with hypokalemia?

• A. Monitor for muscle weakness
• B. Check deep tendon reflexes (DTRs)
• C. Monitor for seizures
• D. Monitor for bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor for muscle weakness in a patient with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia, which is low potassium levels, can lead to muscle weakness due to its effects on neuromuscular function. Checking deep tendon reflexes (Choice B) is not typically associated with hypokalemia. Seizures (Choice C) are more commonly associated with low calcium levels rather than low potassium levels. Bradycardia (Choice D) is a symptom of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) rather than hypokalemia.

2. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has unstable angina. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Breath sounds
• B. Temperature
• C. Blood pressure
• D. Creatine kinase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Breath sounds. When caring for a client with unstable angina, changes in breath sounds could indicate left ventricular failure and pulmonary edema due to decreased cardiac output and reduced cardiac perfusion. Reporting any abnormalities in breath sounds promptly to the provider is crucial to prevent further complications. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to the immediate management of unstable angina. Temperature, blood pressure, and creatine kinase levels are important parameters to monitor but are not the priority in this situation.

3. A patient reports abdominal cramping after enema administration. What is the appropriate action?

• A. Lower the height of the solution container
• B. Stop the procedure and remove tubing
• C. Increase the flow of enema solution
• D. Continue the enema at a slower rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lowering the height of the enema solution container is the appropriate action when a patient reports abdominal cramping after enema administration. This helps reduce the flow rate of the solution, potentially alleviating the cramping. Stopping the procedure and removing tubing (Choice B) would be too abrupt and may not address the issue. Increasing the flow of enema solution (Choice C) could exacerbate the cramping by adding more pressure. Continuing the enema at a slower rate (Choice D) might not provide immediate relief compared to lowering the height of the solution container.

4. A patient is admitted with an air leak in a chest tube system. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Tighten the connections of the chest tube system
• B. Continue monitoring the patient
• C. Replace the chest tube system
• D. Clamp the chest tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a patient with an air leak in the chest tube system, the nurse should tighten the connections of the chest tube system. This action can help resolve the air leak by ensuring there are no loose connections or leaks in the system. Continuing to monitor the patient (Choice B) is important, but addressing the air leak is a priority. Replacing the chest tube system (Choice C) may not be necessary if tightening the connections resolves the issue. Clamping the chest tube (Choice D) is not appropriate as it can lead to tension pneumothorax.

5. What should the nurse do when continuous bubbling is seen in the chest tube water seal chamber?

• A. Tighten the connections of the chest tube system
• B. Clamp the chest tube
• C. Replace the chest tube
• D. Continue monitoring the chest tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When continuous bubbling is observed in the chest tube water seal chamber, the nurse should tighten the connections of the chest tube system. This action can often resolve an air leak causing the continuous bubbling. Clamping the chest tube or replacing it would not address the underlying issue of an air leak and may lead to complications. Continuing to monitor the chest tube without taking corrective action may result in the deterioration of the patient's condition.

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