Nursing Elites

1. A client is prescribed Clopidogrel. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to assess for potential adverse effects?

• A. White blood cell count
• B. Platelet count
• C. Hemoglobin
• D. Blood glucose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that works by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client's platelet count to assess for potential bleeding complications. Changes in platelet count can indicate the effectiveness of Clopidogrel therapy and help prevent adverse effects related to clotting or bleeding. Monitoring white blood cell count, hemoglobin, or blood glucose levels is not directly related to the action or side effects of Clopidogrel.

2. A client has a new prescription for Warfarin. The nurse should identify that the concurrent use of which of the following medications increases the client's risk of bleeding?

• A. Vitamin K
• B. Calcium carbonate
• C. Acetaminophen
• D. Ranitidine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen, especially in high doses, can increase the risk of bleeding in clients taking warfarin. Warfarin works by inhibiting the clotting factors dependent on vitamin K, so Vitamin K intake should be consistent but not excessive. Calcium carbonate and ranitidine do not significantly increase the risk of bleeding when used concurrently with Warfarin.

3. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who is receiving heparin therapy. Which of the following laboratory tests should the healthcare professional monitor to evaluate the therapeutic effect of heparin?

• A. PT/INR
• B. Platelet count
• C. aPTT
• D. WBC count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct test to monitor the therapeutic effect of heparin is the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Heparin's action is to prolong the clotting time, and aPTT reflects this effect. Monitoring aPTT helps ensure that the client is within the therapeutic range to prevent clot formation while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications. PT/INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy, platelet count assesses for potential thrombocytopenia, and WBC count evaluates for signs of infection or inflammation, not the therapeutic effect of heparin.

4. A client has a new prescription for Iron supplements. Which of the following instructions should be included in the teaching?

• A. Take the medication with a glass of orange juice.
• B. Avoid taking the medication with milk.
• C. Increase fiber intake to prevent constipation.
• D. Expect stools to be dark.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase fiber intake to prevent constipation when taking iron supplements. Iron supplements can lead to constipation as a common side effect. Increasing fiber intake helps promote healthy bowel movements and counteracts the constipating effects of iron. Choice A is incorrect because iron absorption is hindered by calcium found in milk. Choice B is incorrect as orange juice enhances iron absorption due to its vitamin C content. Choice D is incorrect as iron supplements can cause stools to appear dark, not bright red.

5. A client who has been taking prednisone to treat asthma is advised to discontinue the medication. The client should be instructed to reduce the dose gradually to prevent which of the following adverse effects?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Adrenocortical insufficiency
• C. Severe dehydration
• D. Rebound pulmonary congestion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Abruptly stopping prednisone can result in adrenocortical insufficiency due to suppression of the adrenal glands. Gradually tapering the dose helps the body adjust and resume its natural cortisol production, preventing adrenal insufficiency. Choice A, hyperglycemia, is a possible adverse effect of prednisone, but it is not the primary reason for gradual tapering. Severe dehydration (Choice C) and rebound pulmonary congestion (Choice D) are not typically associated with discontinuing prednisone.

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