Nursing Elites

1. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention for a client receiving enteral feedings via a nasogastric tube?

• A. Auscultate the client's lungs for breath sounds
• B. Check the client's blood glucose level
• C. Monitor the client's bowel sounds
• D. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees is crucial for clients receiving enteral feedings via a nasogastric tube to prevent aspiration. Aspiration can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. Auscultating the client's lungs for breath sounds (choice A) is important but not as urgent as preventing aspiration. Checking the client's blood glucose level (choice B) and monitoring bowel sounds (choice C) are also essential aspects of care for a client receiving enteral feedings, but they do not take precedence over preventing aspiration.

2. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen). Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. White blood cell count
• C. Serum potassium
• D. Serum creatinine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serum potassium. When a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen), monitoring serum potassium levels closely is crucial. Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, which can lead to an increase in potassium levels. Hyperkalemia is a potential risk in these clients. Monitoring hemoglobin levels (choice A) is important in assessing the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy, but it is not the laboratory value that poses an immediate risk related to the medication. White blood cell count (choice B) and serum creatinine (choice D) are not directly affected by epoetin alfa therapy and are not the priority laboratory values to monitor in this case.

3. A nurse is caring for a client with Diabetes Insipidus. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Excessive thirst
• C. Elevated heart rate
• D. Poor skin turgor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypernatremia. In a client with Diabetes Insipidus, hypernatremia, an elevated sodium level in the blood, can lead to neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or coma. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent these serious complications. Excessive thirst (choice B) is a common symptom of Diabetes Insipidus but does not require immediate intervention. Elevated heart rate (choice C) and poor skin turgor (choice D) are important assessments but are not as critical as hypernatremia in this context.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who is receiving erythropoietin therapy. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?

• A. Serum potassium level
• B. Hemoglobin level
• C. White blood cell count
• D. Serum calcium level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum potassium level. When a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving erythropoietin therapy, the nurse should closely monitor the serum potassium level. Erythropoietin therapy can stimulate red blood cell production, leading to an increased demand for potassium. This increases the risk of hyperkalemia, making it crucial to monitor potassium levels closely. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because erythropoietin therapy primarily affects red blood cell production, not hemoglobin, white blood cell count, or serum calcium levels.

5. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the dietary modifications required with Cushing syndrome?

• A. I should increase my intake of foods high in calcium.
• B. I should avoid foods with high sodium content.
• C. I need to decrease my intake of vitamin D.
• D. I should consume more potassium-rich foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'I should avoid foods with high sodium content.' Clients with Cushing syndrome need to limit their sodium intake to help reduce fluid retention and manage hypertension, which are common complications of the syndrome. Increasing calcium intake (choice A) is not specifically indicated for Cushing syndrome. Decreasing vitamin D intake (choice C) is not a typical dietary modification for this condition. Consuming more potassium-rich foods (choice D) is not a primary focus of dietary modifications for Cushing syndrome.

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