Nursing Elites

1. A client is prescribed Atorvastatin. Which of the following laboratory values should be monitored to assess for potential adverse effects?

• A. Blood glucose
• B. Creatine kinase
• C. Hemoglobin
• D. Sodium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Creatine kinase should be monitored in clients taking Atorvastatin as it can indicate muscle damage, a serious adverse effect of statins. Elevated creatine kinase levels can suggest myopathy or rhabdomyolysis, which are potential complications associated with statin therapy. Monitoring creatine kinase levels helps in early detection of muscle damage and guides appropriate management to prevent severe complications.

2. What is the primary use of lithium?

• A. Lower blood glucose
• B. Slow the heart rate
• C. Stabilize mood
• D. Heal ulcers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Stabilize mood. Lithium is primarily used to stabilize mood, especially in conditions like bipolar disorder. It helps in reducing the frequency and severity of manic episodes, making it an essential medication for mood stabilization. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as lithium is not used to lower blood glucose, slow the heart rate, or heal ulcers.

3. A client has a new prescription for clonidine to treat hypertension. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Discontinue the medication if a rash develops.
• B. Expect increased salivation during the first few weeks of therapy.
• C. Avoid driving until the client's reaction to the medication is known.
• D. Stop the medication if you experience a dry mouth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client starting clonidine therapy for hypertension is to avoid driving until their reaction to the medication is known. Clonidine can cause drowsiness, so engaging in activities like driving that require alertness should be avoided until the individual understands how the medication affects them. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific side effect of drowsiness associated with clonidine that could impair driving abilities. Discontinuing the medication if a rash develops, expecting increased salivation, or stopping the medication for dry mouth are not primary concerns related to clonidine therapy for hypertension.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to initiate IV therapy for an older adult client. Which of the following actions should the professional plan to take?

• A. Use an electric shaver to remove excess hair on the extremity.
• B. Select the antecubital area to insert the IV catheter.
• C. Distend the veins by using a blood pressure cuff.
• D. Instruct the client to keep the extremity still during the procedure.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Distending the veins using a blood pressure cuff is essential for facilitating visualization and access to the veins during IV catheter insertion. This technique helps healthcare professionals identify suitable veins, reducing the risk of complications like infiltration or hematoma formation. Using an electric shaver to remove hair on the extremity (Choice A) may increase the risk of micro-cuts and introduce infection. Selecting the antecubital area (Choice B) may not always be appropriate, as vein condition and accessibility vary among older adult clients. Instructing the client to keep the extremity still (Choice D) is important but is not directly related to preparing for IV therapy.

5. A healthcare provider is educating a client who has a new prescription for Simvastatin. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare provider include?

• A. Take this medication with food.
• B. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
• C. Take this medication in the morning.
• D. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction that the healthcare provider should include is to 'Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.' Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of Simvastatin, leading to potential side effects like muscle pain and liver damage. Instructing the client to avoid grapefruit juice helps prevent these adverse effects and ensures the medication's efficacy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because taking Simvastatin with food, at a specific time, or increasing potassium-rich foods intake are not essential instructions for this medication.

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