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. During auscultation of a client experiencing chest pain worsened by inspiration, a nurse hears a high-pitched scratching sound in both systole and diastole with the diaphragm of the stethoscope placed at the left sternal border. Which of the following heart sounds should the nurse document?

• A. Pericardial friction rub
• B. Murmur
• C. S1 and S2
• D. Bruit

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Pericardial friction rub.' A pericardial friction rub is a high-pitched, scratching sound heard in both systole and diastole, which is characteristic of pericardial inflammation. This sound is different from a murmur, which is a swooshing or blowing sound due to turbulent blood flow. S1 and S2 are normal heart sounds, and a bruit is a whooshing sound caused by turbulent blood flow in an artery, not related to pericardial inflammation.

3. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will take my pulse before taking the medication.
• B. I will take the medication at the same time every day.
• C. I should avoid taking antacids at the same time as this medication.
• D. I should eat foods high in potassium while taking this medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Clients taking digoxin should avoid eating foods high in potassium, as this can affect the medication's efficacy. Choices A, B, and C are correct statements regarding digoxin administration and precautions, indicating the client's understanding of the medication and its management.

4. A client has had their diet prescription changed to a mechanical soft diet. Which of the following food items should the nurse remove from the client's breakfast tray?

• A. smoothie
• B. sliced banana
• C. pancakes
• D. sunny side up (fried) eggs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: sunny side up (fried) eggs.' Fried eggs should be removed as they are not suitable for a mechanical soft diet due to their texture. The yolk of a fried egg is usually too hard and can be difficult for a client on a mechanical soft diet to chew and swallow. Poached or scrambled eggs are better alternatives for this diet as they are softer and easier to consume. Choices A, B, and C are all suitable for a mechanical soft diet as they are softer in texture and easier to chew and swallow.

5. A client with a terminal illness is being educated by a healthcare provider about her decision to decline resuscitation in her living will. The client asks about the scenario of having difficulty breathing upon arrival at the emergency department.

• A. “We will apply oxygen through a tube in your nose.”
• B. “We will perform resuscitation efforts regardless of your wishes.”
• C. “You will receive only palliative care.”
• D. “We will ensure your comfort measures are met as per your advance directives.”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is correct because applying oxygen through a tube in the nose provides comfort and aligns with the client's wishes for palliative care without resuscitation. This intervention can help alleviate breathing difficulties and maintain comfort without initiating full resuscitation efforts, respecting the client's decision. Choice B is incorrect as it goes against the client's expressed wish to decline resuscitation in her living will. Choice C is not the most appropriate response as it does not directly address the client's immediate concern of difficulty breathing and lacks specificity. Choice D, although focusing on comfort measures, is less specific than the correct choice A in addressing the client's immediate need for assistance with breathing.

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