A client with a history of heart failure arrives at the emergency department describing an onset of fatigue and weakness.

The client has been taking spironolactone 50 mg tablets PO every day.

The nurse receives a report from the lab that the client has a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L (6.2 mmol/L). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Compare muscle strength bilaterally.

Observe color and amount of urine.

Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm.

Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is important in assessing overall physical health and detecting any potential neuromuscular disorders. However, in the context of a client with a history of heart failure and elevated potassium levels, this would not be the most critical intervention. High potassium levels can lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause serious heart rhythm disturbances.
Choice B rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide valuable information about the client’s hydration status and kidney function. In the case of heart failure, monitoring urine output can help assess the effectiveness of diuretic therapy and the progression of the disease. However, it is not the most immediate concern given the client’s high potassium levels.
Choice C rationale

Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention in this scenario. A serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is higher than the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and can cause life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing the client’s heart rhythm to detect any abnormalities caused by this electrolyte imbalance.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can help identify changes in neuromuscular function and is often used in neurological assessments. However, it is not the most critical intervention in the context of elevated potassium levels and heart failure.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Initiating a hearing and vision screening program for first graders is an example of secondary prevention. Secondary prevention aims to identify and treat an illness or disease at an early stage, which is exactly what a screening program does.

Choice B rationale
Observing a person with type I diabetes mellitus self-administer a dose of insulin is not an example of secondary prevention. This is more related to disease management, which falls under tertiary prevention.

Choice C rationale
Preparing a presentation on how to prevent the spread of lice is an example of primary prevention, which aims to prevent disease or injury before it ever occurs.

Choice D rationale
Collaborating with a science teacher to prepare a health lesson could be seen as primary prevention if the lesson is about preventing disease, or tertiary prevention if it’s about managing existing conditions.

A. Encourage the client to participate in a team sport for one hour. B. Assist the client in developing a list of daily affirmations. C. Schedule the client for a group session that focuses on self-esteem. D. Help the client in identifying goals for the day.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Encouraging the client to participate in a team sport for one hour might be beneficial for the client’s physical health, but it might not be the most important intervention for a client with severe depression who spends most of the day sitting and watching television.
Choice B rationale
Assisting the client in developing a list of daily affirmations can be a helpful strategy for improving self-esteem and promoting positive thinking, but it might not be the most important intervention for a client with severe depression who spends most of the day sitting and watching television.
Choice C rationale
Scheduling the client for a group session that focuses on self-esteem can be beneficial for the client’s mental health, but it might not be the most important intervention for a client with severe depression who spends most of the day sitting and watching television.
Choice D rationale
Helping the client in identifying goals for the day can be a very effective intervention for a client with severe depression. Setting daily goals can provide the client with a sense of purpose and can help to motivate the client to engage in activities other than sitting and watching television.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

What action should the school nurse take to provide secondary prevention for school-aged children?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client is admitted for an exacerbation of heart failure (HF) and is being treated with diuretics for fluid volume excess. In planning nursing care, which interventions should the nurse include? Select all that apply.

A client with a right hemopneumothorax has a chest tube connected to suction. While turning to the left side, the client becomes suddenly short of breath and anxious. What should the nurse do next?

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The nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which of these prescribed medications places the client at risk for cardiogenic shock?

A client who follows Mormon beliefs is on a clear liquid diet following abdominal surgery. Which menu items should the nurse request for this client? Select all that apply.

Which intervention should the nurse implement during the administration of a vesicant chemotherapeutic agent via an intravenous (IV) site in the client’s arm?