Nursing Elites

1. Which electrolyte imbalance is most concerning in a patient taking digoxin?

• A. Monitor potassium levels
• B. Monitor calcium levels
• C. Monitor sodium levels
• D. Monitor magnesium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor potassium levels. Patients taking digoxin are at risk of developing toxicity due to hypokalemia. Low potassium levels can potentiate the toxic effects of digoxin on the heart, leading to serious arrhythmias. Monitoring calcium levels (Choice B) is not the primary concern in patients taking digoxin. While calcium levels play a role in cardiac function, hypocalcemia is not directly associated with digoxin toxicity. Monitoring sodium levels (Choice C) is important for other conditions but is not the primary concern in a patient taking digoxin. Monitoring magnesium levels (Choice D) is also essential, but hypomagnesemia is not as directly linked to digoxin toxicity as hypokalemia.

2. What is the priority intervention for a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Administer anticoagulants
• C. Prepare for surgery
• D. Monitor oxygen saturation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. Administering oxygen is the priority intervention for a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism to improve oxygenation levels. In pulmonary embolism, there is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries, leading to decreased oxygen exchange. Administering oxygen helps increase oxygen saturation levels. Anticoagulants (Choice B) are essential in the treatment of pulmonary embolism but are not the initial priority intervention. Surgery (Choice C) is not typically the first-line treatment for pulmonary embolism. Monitoring oxygen saturation (Choice D) is important but administering oxygen takes precedence as the immediate action to address hypoxemia.

3. A nurse is completing a dietary assessment for a client who is Jewish and observes kosher dietary practices. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect to find?

• A. Leavened bread may be eaten during Passover.
• B. Shellfish is commonly consumed in the diet.
• C. Meat and dairy products are eaten separately.
• D. Fasting from meat occurs during Hanukkah.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Kosher dietary laws require the separation of meat and dairy products. Choice A is incorrect because leavened bread is not eaten during Passover in Jewish dietary practices. Choice B is incorrect as shellfish is not considered kosher and is not consumed in Jewish dietary practices. Choice D is incorrect as fasting from meat does not occur during Hanukkah.

4. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who is receiving opioid analgesics. Which of the following findings should the professional report to the provider?

• A. Oxygen saturation of 94%
• B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
• C. Respiratory rate of 12/min
• D. Heart rate of 88/min

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 12/min may indicate respiratory depression, a potential side effect of opioid analgesics. Respiratory depression can be a serious complication that requires immediate intervention. Monitoring the respiratory rate is crucial in clients receiving opioids to prevent adverse events. Oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and heart rate are important parameters to assess, but a low respiratory rate is a more critical finding that warrants immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.

5. A client with Parkinson's disease is receiving physical therapy. Which statement by the client indicates the need for a referral to physical therapy?

• A. I have been experiencing more tremors in my left arm than before
• B. I noticed that I am having a harder time holding onto my toothbrush
• C. Lately, I feel like my feet are freezing up, as they are stuck to the ground
• D. Sometimes, I feel I am making a chewing motion when I'm not eating

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because freezing of feet while walking is a sign of impaired mobility, indicating the need for physical therapy in clients with Parkinson's disease. Choices A, B, and D are symptoms commonly associated with Parkinson's disease but do not specifically indicate the need for immediate referral to physical therapy.

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