Nursing Elites

1. A client with Addison's disease is being admitted for a total hip arthroplasty. The client takes hydrocortisone for Addison's disease. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administering a supplemental dose of hydrocortisone
• B. Instructing the client about coughing and deep breathing
• C. Collecting additional information from the client about his history of Addison's disease
• D. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse's priority in this situation is to administer a supplemental dose of hydrocortisone. Clients with Addison's disease taking hydrocortisone are at risk of acute adrenal insufficiency during times of stress such as surgery. Administering supplemental doses of hydrocortisone helps prevent acute adrenal insufficiency (adrenal crisis) in these situations, making it the priority action to ensure the client's safety. Instructing the client about coughing and deep breathing is important postoperatively but not the priority at this time. Collecting additional information about the client's history of Addison's disease is important but not the priority action before surgery. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority in this situation.

2. A client with renal failure and an elevated phosphorus level is prescribed aluminum hydroxide 300 mg PO three times daily. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse inform the client?

• A. Constipation
• B. Metallic taste
• C. Headache
• D. Muscle spasms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct. Aluminum hydroxide is known to cause constipation as a common side effect. Instructing the client about this potential adverse effect is important for their awareness and management. The other options, metallic taste, headache, and muscle spasms, are not typically associated with aluminum hydroxide use. Therefore, the nurse should focus on educating the client about the increased risk of constipation and provide guidance on managing this side effect to improve the client's comfort and treatment adherence.

3. A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's medication history and notes a new prescription for Enalapril. The healthcare professional should monitor the client for which of the following as an adverse effect of this medication?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Hypocalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, can cause hyperkalemia as an adverse effect due to decreased aldosterone levels, which leads to potassium retention. Monitoring potassium levels is essential to prevent potential complications associated with hyperkalemia. The other options, bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and hypocalcemia, are not typically associated with Enalapril use and are less likely to occur as adverse effects.

4. When teaching a client with a prescription for Loperamide for diarrhea, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
• B. Avoid activities that require alertness.
• C. Expect abdominal pain and bloating.
• D. Take an additional dose after each loose stool.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include when teaching a client with a prescription for Loperamide is to 'Avoid activities that require alertness.' Loperamide can cause drowsiness, so clients should avoid such activities until they know how the medication affects them.

5. A client has a new prescription for lisinopril. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as an adverse effect of this medication?

• A. Cough
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Headache
• D. Dry mouth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A common adverse effect of lisinopril is a persistent dry cough. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause irritation in the respiratory tract, leading to a cough. Monitoring for a persistent cough is essential as it may indicate a serious adverse effect that requires medical attention. Hyperglycemia (Choice B) is not a common adverse effect of lisinopril. Headache (Choice C) and dry mouth (Choice D) are not typically associated with lisinopril use. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Cough.

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