Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is reviewing the serum laboratory findings for a client who has hypertension and is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?.
A. Potassium 2.3 mEq/L.
Potassium 2.3 mEq/L is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L1. Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, can cause hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium.
B. Chloride 99 mEq/L.
Chloride 99 mEq/L is within the normal range of 96 to 106 mEq/L2, so it’s not a concern.
C. Sodium 136 mEq/L.
Sodium 136 mEq/L is within the normal range of 135 to 145 mEq/L3, so it’s not a concern.
D. Calcium 10 mg/dL.
Calcium 10 mg/dL is within the normal range of 8.6 to 10.2 mg/dL4, so it’s not a concern.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI RN Med Surg Custom Proctored Exam 2. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Potassium 2.3 mEq/L is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L1. Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic, can cause hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium.
Choice B rationale:
Chloride 99 mEq/L is within the normal range of 96 to 106 mEq/L2, so it’s not a concern.
Choice C rationale:
Sodium 136 mEq/L is within the normal range of 135 to 145 mEq/L3, so it’s not a concern.
Choice D rationale:
Calcium 10 mg/dL is within the normal range of 8.6 to 10.2 mg/dL4, so it’s not a concern.
Similar Questions
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The nurse should recognize that the client understands the teaching when he identifies which of the following as manifestations of hypoglycemia? (Select all that apply.).
A. Polydipsia.
Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is a symptom of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia.
B. Polyuria.
Polyuria, or frequent urination, is also a symptom of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia.
C. Blurred vision.
Blurred vision can be a symptom of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, but it’s more commonly associated with hyperglycemia.
D. Moist, clammy skin.
Moist, clammy skin is a symptom of hypoglycemia.
E. Tachycardia.
Tachycardia, or a fast heartbeat, is a symptom of hypoglycemia.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is a symptom of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale:
Polyuria, or frequent urination, is also a symptom of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia.
Choice C rationale:
Blurred vision can be a symptom of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, but it’s more commonly associated with hyperglycemia.
Choice D rationale:
Moist, clammy skin is a symptom of hypoglycemia.
Choice E rationale:
Tachycardia, or a fast heartbeat, is a symptom of hypoglycemia.
A nurse is caring for a client who has peripheral vascular disease and reports difficulty sleeping because of cold feet.
Which of the following nursing actions should the nurse take to promote the client's comfort?
A. Obtain a pair of slipper-socks for the client.
Providing warm slipper-socks can help increase the client’s comfort by keeping their feet warm.
B. Increase the client's oral fluid intake.
Increasing the client’s oral fluid intake would not directly affect the temperature of their feet.
C. Rub the client's feet briskly for several minutes.
Rubbing the client’s feet briskly for several minutes could potentially harm the client, especially if they have decreased sensation in their feet due to peripheral vascular disease.
D. Place a moist heating pad under the client's feet.
Placing a moist heating pad under the client’s feet could potentially burn the client, especially if they have decreased sensation in their feet due to peripheral vascular disease.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Providing warm slipper-socks can help increase the client’s comfort by keeping their feet warm.
Choice B rationale:
Increasing the client’s oral fluid intake would not directly affect the temperature of their feet.
Choice C rationale:
Rubbing the client’s feet briskly for several minutes could potentially harm the client, especially if they have decreased sensation in their feet due to peripheral vascular disease.
Choice D rationale:
Placing a moist heating pad under the client’s feet could potentially burn the client, especially if they have decreased sensation in their feet due to peripheral vascular disease.
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing prostatic hypertrophy. Which of the following findings associated with urinary retention should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.).
A. Distended bladder.
A distended bladder is a common sign of urinary retention, which can occur with prostatic hypertrophy. The enlarged prostate can block the flow of urine, causing the bladder to become distended.
B. Dysuria.
Dysuria, or painful urination, is not typically associated with urinary retention. It is more commonly seen in urinary tract infections.
C. Report of feeling pressure.
Feeling pressure is a common symptom of urinary retention. The pressure is caused by the buildup of urine in the bladder.
D. Voiding 30 mL frequently.
Voiding small amounts frequently can be a sign of urinary retention. The bladder is not able to fully empty, so small amounts of urine are passed frequently.
E. Tenderness over the symphysis pubis.
Tenderness over the symphysis pubis can be a sign of a distended bladder. The bladder is located just behind the symphysis pubis, so distention can cause tenderness in this area.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A distended bladder is a common sign of urinary retention, which can occur with prostatic hypertrophy. The enlarged prostate can block the flow of urine, causing the bladder to become distended.
Choice B rationale:
Dysuria, or painful urination, is not typically associated with urinary retention. It is more commonly seen in urinary tract infections.
Choice C rationale:
Feeling pressure is a common symptom of urinary retention. The pressure is caused by the buildup of urine in the bladder.
Choice D rationale:
Voiding small amounts frequently can be a sign of urinary retention. The bladder is not able to fully empty, so small amounts of urine are passed frequently.
Choice E rationale:
Tenderness over the symphysis pubis can be a sign of a distended bladder. The bladder is located just behind the symphysis pubis, so distention can cause tenderness in this area.