Nursing Elites

1. 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 a blood pressure cuff to distend the veins.
• B. Select the antecubital area to insert the IV catheter.
• C. Distend the veins by using a blood pressure cuff.
• D. Direct the client to lower his arm below his heart.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The healthcare professional should distend the veins using a blood pressure cuff to make the veins more visible and accessible for IV catheter insertion. This technique helps reduce the risk of overfilling the vein, which can lead to complications such as hematoma formation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while selecting the antecubital area is often appropriate for IV insertion in adults, the key action in this scenario is to distend the veins using a blood pressure cuff to facilitate the procedure.

2. A client has a new prescription for alendronate to treat osteoporosis. Which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Take the medication with food to reduce nausea.
• B. Take the medication first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
• C. Take the medication with a full glass of milk.
• D. Take the medication with meals.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alendronate should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to maximize absorption. Taking it with food, milk, or meals can reduce its effectiveness by impairing absorption. Therefore, advising the client to take it on an empty stomach is crucial for optimal therapeutic outcomes.

3. A client has a new prescription for Captopril for hypertension. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Neutropenia
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neutropenia is a serious adverse effect associated with ACE inhibitors like Captopril. It is characterized by a decreased level of neutrophils, which are important in fighting infections. Monitoring the client's complete blood count (CBC) is crucial to detect neutropenia early. The nurse should also educate the client on recognizing signs of infection and promptly reporting them to the healthcare provider for timely intervention. Hypokalemia is a potential adverse effect of diuretics, not ACE inhibitors. Hypernatremia is an electrolyte imbalance more commonly associated with conditions like dehydration. Bradycardia is not a typical adverse effect of Captopril.

4. A client is being discharged with a new prescription for Clopidogrel. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid taking aspirin while on this medication.
• B. Take this medication with food.
• C. Avoid eating foods high in potassium.
• D. Take this medication at bedtime.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed Clopidogrel is to avoid taking aspirin while on this medication. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that can increase the risk of bleeding. Aspirin and other NSAIDs can potentiate the risk of bleeding, so they should be avoided while taking Clopidogrel to prevent adverse effects. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Clopidogrel does not need to be taken with food, there is no specific dietary restriction related to potassium, and the timing of administration (bedtime) is not a critical instruction for this medication.

5. A client has a new prescription for Furosemide. What instruction should be included by the nurse during discharge?

• A. Take the medication at bedtime.
• B. Increase intake of foods high in potassium.
• C. Avoid sun exposure.
• D. Limit fluid intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to increase intake of foods high in potassium. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can lead to potassium depletion. Increasing the intake of foods rich in potassium can help prevent hypokalemia, a potential side effect of Furosemide. Choice A is incorrect as Furosemide is usually recommended to be taken in the morning to avoid disrupting sleep with frequent urination. Choice C is irrelevant to the medication. Choice D is also incorrect as Furosemide is a diuretic and may require increased, not limited, fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

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