The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate by IV infusion and notes that the magnesium level is 3.5 mg/dL.

Based on this laboratory result, the nurse would most likely expect to note which finding in the client?

Use the process of elimination, and note the strategic words most likely. Knowing that the level identified in the question is elevated will assist in eliminating option 4. Next, eliminate options 1 and 2 because they are comparable or alike. Remember to use nursing knowledge, focus on the information in the case event, identify what the question is asking (the subject), note the strategic words, read carefully, and use the process of elimination.

You need to know that the normal magnesium level is 1.6 to 2.6 mg/dL; therefore, the magnesium level presented in the question is elevated. Next you need to know the signs and symptoms indicative of an elevated magnesium level. You will learn normal laboratory values in your fundamentals nursing course. Learn the normal magnesium level and the signs and symptoms of a magnesium imbalance.

The health care provider prescribes an intravenous (IV) antibiotic to be administered in 50 mL 0.9% normal saline and to infuse in 30 minutes. The drop factor for the IV tubing is 15 gtt/mL.

The nurse should set the flow rate of the infusion at how many drops per minute?

Note the words set the flow rate in the query. Read the question carefully, focusing on the subject, drops per minute. Note that 50 mL fluid is to infuse in 30 minutes and the drop factor is 15. Use the formula for calculating an IV infusion to answer the question. Always double-check the calculation, and verify your answer using a calculator. Remember to use nursing knowledge, focus on the information in the case event, identify what the question is asking (the subject), and note the words in the query.

In this question, you need to know the formula for calculating an IV flow rate. You will most likely learn about medication calculations and IV flow rates in your fundamentals nursing course. The formula and the calculation for this question are as follows:

The nurse enters a hospitalized client’s room and discovers that the client is having a tonic-clonic seizure.

Which action(s) should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.

Read each option carefully and note the subject, the nursing actions in the event of a seizure. In this type of question, it is helpful to visualize the event to assist in determining the nurse’s actions. Remember that a patent airway and client safety are your priority. Use nursing knowledge, focus on the information in the case event, identify what the question is asking (the subject), note the strategic words, read carefully, and use the process of elimination.

You need to know that a seizure is an abnormal sudden excessive discharge of electrical activity within the brain. You also need to know what you would do if a client has a seizure. What you need to remember is that a patent airway and client safety are your priorities. You will learn about seizures when you study neurological disorders.

The nurse is preparing to change an abdominal dressing using sterile technique.

What is the order of priority that the nurse should take to perform this procedure? Arrange the actions in the order of priority that they should be performed. All options must be used.

The nurse is checking the arterial pulses on an adult client.

Select the area where the nurse would palpate the carotid pulse. Refer to figure.