Nursing Elites

1. Which lab value should be monitored in patients receiving furosemide?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor potassium levels in patients receiving furosemide. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss in the urine, potentially causing hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications associated with low potassium levels, such as cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring sodium levels (choice B) is not typically necessary with furosemide use, as it primarily affects potassium levels. Calcium levels (choice C) and glucose levels (choice D) are not directly impacted by furosemide and require monitoring for other conditions or medications.

2. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who has been receiving lithium carbonate for the past 12 months. The nurse notes a lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L. Which of the following orders from the provider should the nurse expect?

• A. Withhold the next dose.
• B. Increase the dosage.
• C. Discontinue the medication.
• D. Administer the medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering the medication is appropriate for a stable lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L. A level of 0.8 mEq/L falls within the therapeutic range for lithium, indicating that the client is receiving an adequate dose to maintain therapeutic effects. Withholding the next dose, increasing the dosage, or discontinuing the medication would not be indicated at this lithium level as it is within the desired range for therapeutic benefit. Therefore, the correct action would be to continue administering the medication to ensure the client maintains the therapeutic level of lithium.

3. What is the appropriate nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a suspected stroke?

• A. Administer thrombolytics
• B. Perform a neurological assessment
• C. Perform a CT scan
• D. Administer oxygen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Performing a neurological assessment is the appropriate nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a suspected stroke. This assessment helps determine the severity of the stroke, identify potential deficits, and guide further interventions. Administering thrombolytics (Choice A) should only be done after a CT scan to confirm the type of stroke and rule out hemorrhagic stroke. Performing a CT scan (Choice C) is important but is typically done after stabilizing the patient. Administering oxygen (Choice D) is essential to maintain adequate oxygenation, but performing a neurological assessment takes precedence in the immediate management of a suspected stroke.

4. How should a healthcare provider manage a patient with chronic pain?

• A. Administer analgesics
• B. Encourage physical activity
• C. Administer non-pharmacological interventions
• D. Encourage deep breathing exercises

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering prescribed analgesics is a crucial aspect of managing chronic pain effectively. Analgesics help alleviate pain symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. While physical activity and non-pharmacological interventions can also play a role in pain management, the immediate need for relief in chronic pain often requires pharmacological intervention. Encouraging deep breathing exercises may provide some relief in certain situations, but it may not be as effective as analgesics for managing chronic pain.

5. A client with heart failure is receiving discharge teaching from a nurse. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should weigh myself once a week.
• B. I should limit my fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
• C. I should report a weight gain of 2 pounds in one day.
• D. I should reduce my protein intake to prevent fluid retention.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Reporting a sudden weight gain of 2 pounds in one day is crucial in managing heart failure because it can indicate fluid retention, a common symptom in heart failure. Option A is incorrect as weighing oneself once a week may not provide timely information about fluid retention. Option B is incorrect because fluid intake restriction is individualized and generally involves more specific guidance. Option D is incorrect as protein intake is important but reducing it solely to avoid fluid retention is not the primary focus in heart failure management.

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