Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a male client, the nurse finds that he is fatigued and is experiencing muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Based on these findings, the nurse plans to check the client's laboratory values to validate the existence of which condition?

• A. Hyperphosphatemia
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Hypermagnesemia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The symptoms of muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias are indicative of hypokalemia, a condition characterized by low potassium levels. Checking the client's laboratory values for potassium will help confirm this diagnosis. Hyperphosphatemia (Choice A) is an elevated phosphate level in the blood, which is not consistent with the symptoms described. Hypocalcemia (Choice B) is a low calcium level and typically presents with different symptoms than those mentioned in the scenario. Hypermagnesemia (Choice C) is an excess of magnesium in the blood and does not align with the symptoms of muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias observed in the client.

2. A client is prescribed a buccal medication. Which of the following client statements indicates that the client understands how to take this medication?

• A. “I will first dissolve the tablet in water.”
• B. “I will insert the tablet between my cheek and teeth.”
• C. “I will place the tablet under my tongue.”
• D. “I will chew the tablet.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct way to take buccal medications is to insert the tablet between the cheek and gums where it will dissolve slowly. Option A is incorrect because buccal medications are not meant to be dissolved in water. Option C is incorrect as sublingual medications are placed under the tongue. Option D is incorrect because chewing a buccal tablet is not the correct administration method.

3. While instructing a male client's wife in the performance of passive range-of-motion exercises to his contracted shoulder, the nurse observes that she is holding his arm above and below the elbow. What nursing action should the LPN/LVN implement?

• A. Acknowledge that she is supporting the arm correctly.
• B. Encourage her to keep the joint covered to maintain warmth.
• C. Reinforce the need to grip directly under the joint for better support.
• D. Instruct her to grip directly over the joint for better motion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Acknowledging that the client's wife is supporting the arm correctly is the appropriate nursing action in this scenario. By doing so, the nurse reinforces correct technique and promotes confidence. Choice B is incorrect as the issue is not about maintaining warmth. Choice C is incorrect as gripping directly under the joint is not necessary in this case. Choice D is incorrect as instructing to grip directly over the joint may not provide the best support for passive range-of-motion exercises.

4. What intervention should be taken to minimize the risk for injury in a client with dementia?

• A. Use a bed exit alarm system.
• B. Place the client in restraints for safety.
• C. Ensure the client has frequent visitors to reduce isolation.
• D. Keep the client's room dark and quiet at night.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention to minimize the risk for injury in a client with dementia is to use a bed exit alarm system. Bed exit alarms are effective tools to alert healthcare providers when a client attempts to get out of bed, helping prevent falls and injuries. Placing the client in restraints (Choice B) is not the preferred method as it can lead to physical and psychological harm, restrict mobility, and increase agitation. While social interaction is important for clients with dementia, ensuring frequent visitors (Choice C) is not directly related to preventing physical injuries. Keeping the client's room dark and quiet at night (Choice D) may be soothing for some clients but does not directly address the risk for injury associated with dementia.

5. A client has been on bed rest for several weeks. Which finding should the nurse identify as the priority during assessment?

• A. Musculoskeletal weakness
• B. Loss of appetite
• C. Increased heart rate during physical activity
• D. Left lower extremity tenderness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize assessing left lower extremity tenderness as it could indicate deep vein thrombosis, a serious condition that requires immediate attention. Musculoskeletal weakness, loss of appetite, and increased heart rate during physical activity are important but not as critical as a potential thrombotic event that could lead to life-threatening complications. Deep vein thrombosis is a common risk for individuals on prolonged bed rest due to reduced mobility and blood stasis.

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