Nursing Elites

1. A client is prescribed Spironolactone. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse monitor and report to the provider?

• A. Sodium level of 138 mEq/L
• B. Potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L
• C. Chloride level of 100 mEq/L
• D. Calcium level of 9.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, causing potassium retention, potentially leading to elevated potassium levels. A potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is above the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), indicating hyperkalemia, a serious condition. Elevated potassium levels can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring and reporting high potassium levels promptly to the healthcare provider are crucial to prevent potential complications. Sodium, chloride, and calcium levels are not directly influenced by Spironolactone, making choices A, C, and D incorrect.

2. A client has a new prescription for a Nitroglycerin transdermal patch. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Apply the patch to the same site each day.
• B. Remove the patch at night.
• C. Cover the patch with a heating pad.
• D. Apply the patch to a hairless area of skin.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction is to apply the Nitroglycerin transdermal patch to a hairless area of skin. This ensures proper absorption of the medication. It is important to rotate the application site daily to prevent skin irritation and tolerance development. Applying the patch to the same site each day can lead to decreased efficacy and potential skin reactions. Removing the patch at night is not necessary as the patches are usually worn continuously to provide constant medication delivery. Covering the patch with a heating pad can increase the absorption of the medication and lead to an overdose, which is not recommended.

3. When educating a client with early Parkinson's disease about pramipexole, what adverse effect should the nurse advise the client to monitor for?

• A. Hallucinations
• B. Increased salivation
• C. Diarrhea
• D. Discoloration of urine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hallucinations. Pramipexole can lead to hallucinations, especially within 9 months of starting the medication, and may necessitate discontinuation. Hallucinations are a serious adverse effect that the client should be aware of and report promptly to their healthcare provider for evaluation and management. Increased salivation (choice B), diarrhea (choice C), and discoloration of urine (choice D) are not common adverse effects associated with pramipexole and are not typically emphasized in client education for this medication.

4. When teaching a client with a new prescription for Simvastatin, which instruction should be included?

• 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 for a client with a new prescription for Simvastatin is to avoid drinking grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can inhibit the metabolism of Simvastatin, leading to increased blood levels of the drug and a higher risk of adverse effects such as muscle pain and liver damage. It is important to educate the client about this potential interaction to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because taking Simvastatin with food or in the morning and increasing potassium-rich foods intake are not specifically related to the safe use of Simvastatin. Avoiding grapefruit juice is crucial to prevent drug interactions.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer Enoxaparin to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Administer the medication orally.
• B. Massage the injection site after administration.
• C. Insert the needle at a 45- to 90-degree angle.
• D. Aspirate before injecting the medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Enoxaparin should be administered subcutaneously at a 45- to 90-degree angle. This angle ensures proper delivery of the medication. Massaging the injection site should be avoided to prevent bruising and possible tissue damage. Aspiration is not required for subcutaneous injections like Enoxaparin. Therefore, the correct action for administering Enoxaparin is to insert the needle at a 45- to 90-degree angle.

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