Nursing Elites

1. Which electrolyte imbalance is common in patients receiving diuretics?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hypercalcemia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypermagnesemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Hypokalemia. Diuretics, such as furosemide, commonly cause potassium loss in patients, leading to hypokalemia. This electrolyte imbalance should be closely monitored to prevent complications like cardiac arrhythmias. Hypercalcemia (Choice B) is not typically associated with diuretic use. Hyponatremia (Choice C) involves low sodium levels and can occur in conditions like syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) but is not directly caused by diuretics. Hypermagnesemia (Choice D) is an excess of magnesium, usually not a common electrolyte imbalance induced by diuretics.

2. A nurse is planning care for a client who has osteoarthritis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Administer opioids routinely for chronic pain.
• B. Instruct the client to avoid weight-bearing exercises.
• C. Apply heat to affected joints to reduce stiffness.
• D. Avoid physical activity to prevent joint damage.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with osteoarthritis is to apply heat to affected joints to reduce stiffness. Heat application helps improve circulation, relax muscles, and reduce discomfort in joints affected by osteoarthritis. Administering opioids routinely (Choice A) is not the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis and carries risks of dependency and side effects. Instructing the client to avoid weight-bearing exercises (Choice B) may lead to muscle weakness and reduced joint flexibility. Avoiding physical activity altogether (Choice D) can lead to further joint stiffness and compromised overall health.

3. A nurse realizes that the wrong medication has been administered to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Notify the provider
• B. Report the incident to the nurse manager
• C. Monitor vital signs
• D. Fill out an incident report

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take after realizing that the wrong medication has been administered to a client is to monitor vital signs. Monitoring vital signs is crucial as it allows the nurse to promptly assess for any immediate adverse effects that may result from the wrong medication. This immediate assessment is essential for ensuring the client's safety and well-being. Notifying the provider (choice A) and reporting the incident to the nurse manager (choice B) are important steps to take, but they should come after ensuring the client's immediate safety. Filling out an incident report (choice D) is also necessary but should be done after addressing the client's immediate needs.

4. What is the best way to manage a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Administer anticoagulants
• B. Apply compression stockings
• C. Encourage ambulation
• D. Monitor oxygen saturation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer anticoagulants. Administering anticoagulants is crucial in managing patients with suspected DVT as it helps prevent further clot formation and reduces the risk of complications like pulmonary embolism. Choice B, applying compression stockings, is more focused on preventing DVT in high-risk patients rather than managing an established case. Encouraging ambulation, choice C, is beneficial in the prevention of DVT but is not the primary management for suspected cases. Monitoring oxygen saturation, choice D, is important in overall patient care but is not the primary intervention for suspected DVT.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous heparin infusion. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. aPTT
• C. INR
• D. Platelet count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: aPTT. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is monitored to assess the therapeutic effect of heparin and to adjust the infusion rate if needed. Monitoring hemoglobin levels (choice A) is important for assessing anemia but is not specific to heparin therapy. INR (choice C) is used to monitor the effects of warfarin, not heparin. Platelet count (choice D) is important to monitor for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, but aPTT is the primary laboratory value used to monitor heparin therapy.

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