Nursing Elites

1. A client in a long-term care facility has Hypothyroidism and a new prescription for Levothyroxine. Which of the following dosage schedules should the nurse expect for this client?

• A. The client will start at a high dose, and the dose will be tapered as needed.
• B. The client will remain on the initial dosage during the course of treatment.
• C. The client's dosage will be adjusted daily based on blood levels.
• D. The client will start on a low dose, which will be gradually increased.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Levothyroxine should be initiated at a low dose and titrated gradually over several weeks to achieve therapeutic levels. This approach helps to minimize the risk of adverse effects, particularly in older adult clients who may be more sensitive to medication changes. Starting at a low dose allows for close monitoring of the client's response and adjustment of the dosage as needed to optimize treatment outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because starting at a high dose can increase the risk of adverse effects and is not the recommended approach. Choice B is incorrect because maintaining the initial dosage throughout the treatment may not achieve optimal therapeutic levels. Choice C is incorrect because adjusting the dosage daily based on blood levels is not the standard practice for initiating Levothyroxine treatment.

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

• A. Monitor for signs of bleeding.
• B. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
• C. Expect to have increased urination.
• D. Take the medication with an antacid.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client starting Warfarin is to monitor for signs of bleeding. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding; therefore, it is crucial for the client to watch for any signs of bleeding, such as easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, blood in urine or stools, or unusual bleeding from gums or nose. If any of these signs occur, the client should promptly report them to their healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding foods high in vitamin K is related to other medications like Coumadin, increased urination is not a common side effect of Warfarin, and taking Warfarin with an antacid can potentially interfere with its absorption.

3. 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.

4. A client has a new prescription for Propranolol. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in teaching the client?

• A. You may experience a rapid heart rate while taking this medication.
• B. Take the medication with food.
• C. Avoid sudden changes in position.
• D. Increase your intake of high-sodium foods.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement to include when teaching a client about Propranolol is to avoid sudden changes in position. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, can lead to dizziness and lightheadedness, particularly when changing positions. Therefore, clients should be advised to change positions slowly to prevent falls and related injuries. Choice A is incorrect because Propranolol actually helps lower heart rate and blood pressure. Choice B is not a specific requirement for taking Propranolol. Choice D is also incorrect as increasing high-sodium foods is not recommended with Propranolol which can affect blood pressure control.

5. A client is receiving discharge instructions for long-term use of Prednisone. Which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Stop taking the medication if you experience swelling.
• B. The provider will monitor your weight regularly.
• C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• D. You may notice decreased appetite while on this medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because long-term use of Prednisone can lead to weight gain, necessitating regular weight monitoring by the healthcare provider to manage any potential complications. Prednisone often causes fluid retention, leading to weight gain, hence the need for weight monitoring. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because swelling is not a typical reason to stop Prednisone, taking it on an empty stomach is not usually required, and Prednisone commonly increases appetite rather than decreases it.

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