A nurse cares for a client with arthritis who reports frequent asthma attacks. What action would the nurse take first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ask about medications the client is currently taking. This is the first action the nurse should take because asthma attacks can be triggered or exacerbated by certain medications. By inquiring about the client's current medications, the nurse can identify any potential triggers and make necessary adjustments. Reviewing pulmonary function test results (A) can provide valuable information but should not be the first step. Assessing bronchodilator use (C) is important but does not address potential medication triggers. Consulting the primary health care provider and requesting arterial blood gases (D) may be necessary but is not the initial action to take in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Thiazide diuretics can lead to potassium loss, causing hypokalemia. Anorexia and fatigue are common symptoms of hypokalemia due to potassium's role in muscle and nerve function. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is unlikely with thiazide diuretics. Hyponatremia (choice C) and hypernatremia (choice D) are related to sodium levels, not potassium imbalance as seen with thiazide diuretics.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ensuring that an x-ray is completed to confirm placement is crucial after the insertion of a central venous access line to verify proper positioning within the vein and rule out potential complications such as pneumothorax. This step is essential for patient safety before any infusion is initiated. Checking medication calculations with a second RN (Choice C) is important for medication safety but not the immediate next step. Beginning the prescribed infusion (Choice A) without confirming placement can lead to serious complications. Ensuring the solution is appropriate for a central line (Choice D) is important but not the immediate priority.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the American Nurses Association (ANA) believes that it is the nursing profession itself that should have the authority to determine the scope of nursing practice. This principle emphasizes the importance of nursing professionals being actively involved in defining and regulating their own practice. Choice B is incorrect because while RNs may have a role in supervising unlicensed assistive personnel, it is not solely the responsibility of the RN to define and supervise the education and training of NAPs. Choice C is incorrect because ultimate responsibility and accountability for nursing practice lies with the licensed nurse, not the unlicensed NAP. Choice D is incorrect because the purpose of the RN is not just to work in a supportive role to assistive personnel; rather, it is to provide comprehensive nursing care and lead the nursing team.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Continuity of care refers to seamless coordination and transition of care across different healthcare settings for a patient. Choice C, facilitating transition between settings, best describes this concept. It ensures that a patient receives consistent and uninterrupted care as they move from one healthcare setting to another. Choice A focuses on acute care in a specific setting, not on continuity. Choice B is too narrow in scope, as continuity of care is not limited to serving only children. Choice D refers to providing care for a single episode, which does not capture the holistic and continuous nature of continuity of care.