Nursing Elites

1. When providing care for an unconscious client who has seizures, which nursing intervention is most essential?

• A. Ensure oral suction is available.
• B. Maintain the client in a semi-Fowler's position.
• C. Provide frequent mouth care.
• D. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During seizures in an unconscious client, ensuring oral suction is available is crucial to managing secretions and preventing aspiration. This intervention helps maintain a clear airway and reduce the risk of complications. Maintaining the client in a semi-Fowler's position (Choice B) may be important for airway management but is not as critical as having oral suction ready. Providing frequent mouth care (Choice C) and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature (Choice D) are important aspects of overall care but are not as urgently needed as ensuring oral suction for managing secretions during seizures.

2. A client with histoplasmosis has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.30, PCO2 58 mm Hg, PO2 75 mm Hg, HCO3 27 mEq/L. Which of the following acid-base disturbances does the nurse recognize in these results?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Respiratory acidosis
• D. Respiratory alkalosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client's ABG results show a low pH (acidosis) and an elevated PCO2, indicating respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, there is inadequate excretion of CO2, leading to increased PCO2 levels and a decrease in pH. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Metabolic acidosis'. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by elevated pH and bicarbonate levels. Respiratory acidosis involves low pH and high PCO2 levels, as seen in this case. Respiratory alkalosis is associated with high pH and low PCO2 levels.

3. A client with chronic renal failure is receiving sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following?

• A. Hyponatremia.
• B. Hypokalemia.
• C. Hyperkalemia.
• D. Hypocalcemia.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: The correct answer is C, 'Hyperkalemia.' Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is a medication used to treat high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, leading to potassium removal from the body. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for changes in potassium levels to assess the effectiveness of the medication and prevent potential complications related to hyperkalemia. Choice A, 'Hyponatremia,' is incorrect as Kayexalate does not primarily affect sodium levels. Choice B, 'Hypokalemia,' is incorrect as Kayexalate is used to treat high potassium levels, not low. Choice D, 'Hypocalcemia,' is incorrect as Kayexalate does not directly impact calcium levels.

4. A healthcare professional is monitoring the respiratory status of a client who has just undergone surgery and is wearing a pulse oximeter. Which of the following coexisting problems is cause for the healthcare professional to suspect that the oxygen saturation readings are not entirely accurate?

• A. Infection
• B. Hypertension
• C. Low blood pressure
• D. Loss of cough reflex

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Low blood pressure (hypotension), shock, and the use of peripheral vasoconstricting medications can lead to inaccurate pulse oximetry readings due to impaired peripheral perfusion. Hypertension and infection are not typically associated with inaccurate pulse oximetry readings, while the loss of cough reflex does not directly affect oxygen saturation readings.

5. After checking the client’s gag reflex following an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which action should the nurse take?

• A. Taking the client’s vital signs
• B. Giving the client a drink of water
• C. Monitoring the client for a sore throat
• D. Being alert to complaints of heartburn

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), the nurse's priority is to assess the client's airway by checking the gag reflex. Once this assessment is done, the next step is to take the client's vital signs to monitor for any signs of complications such as bleeding or changes in respiratory status. Giving the client water immediately after the procedure may not be appropriate, as the client may still have a compromised gag reflex and is at risk for aspiration. Monitoring for a sore throat is important but not the immediate priority post-procedure. Being alert to complaints of heartburn is relevant for assessing the client's symptoms but is not the priority immediately after checking the gag reflex.

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