Nursing Elites

1. A client has a prescription for Phenytoin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication at bedtime.
• B. Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods.
• C. Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
• D. Avoid eating foods high in potassium.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Brush and floss your teeth regularly.' Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, a condition that leads to overgrowth of gum tissue. Good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing can help prevent or minimize this side effect. In contrast, choices A, B, and D are not directly related to managing the side effects of Phenytoin. Taking the medication at bedtime (choice A) is not a specific instruction related to oral hygiene. Increasing calcium-rich foods intake (choice B) may be beneficial for bone health but is not directly related to preventing gingival hyperplasia. Avoiding foods high in potassium (choice D) is not a necessary instruction for a client taking Phenytoin.

2. What information should you provide to your patient if they are taking sennosides? Select All That Apply.

• A. Sennosides should be used for short-term therapy
• B. The medication does not cure hypothyroidism
• C. The color of the urine may change to pink, red, violet, yellow, or brown
• D. Make sure to use other forms of bowel regulation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When educating a patient taking sennosides, it is important to emphasize that these laxatives should be used for short-term therapy only. The medication does not address hypothyroidism, so this information is not relevant. Patients should be informed that the color of their urine may change to various colors like pink, red, violet, yellow, or brown, which is a common side effect of sennosides. It is advisable to incorporate other forms of bowel regulation alongside sennosides for optimal bowel health. Choice A is correct as it provides essential guidance on the duration of sennosides use. Choice B is incorrect because sennosides are not used to cure hypothyroidism. Choice C is correct as it highlights a common side effect of sennosides. Choice D is incorrect because it does not specifically relate to sennosides but rather suggests using other forms of bowel regulation in general.

3. A client is receiving Cefotaxime IV for a severe infection. Which finding indicates a potentially serious adverse reaction to this medication that the nurse should report to the provider?

• A. Diaphoresis
• B. Epistaxis
• C. Diarrhea
• D. Alopecia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Diarrhea is an adverse effect of cefotaxime and other cephalosporins that requires reporting to the provider. Severe diarrhea might indicate the client has developed antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis, which could be life-threatening. Diaphoresis, epistaxis, and alopecia are not typically associated with cefotaxime use and are less likely to indicate a serious adverse reaction necessitating immediate reporting.

4. When educating a client with a new prescription for Atorvastatin to treat Hyperlipidemia, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication in the morning.
• B. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
• C. Increase your intake of green, leafy vegetables.
• D. Expect your stools to turn clay-colored.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include when educating a client with a new prescription for Atorvastatin to treat Hyperlipidemia is to avoid drinking grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of atorvastatin, leading to an elevated risk of serious side effects such as liver damage and muscle problems. It is essential for the client to be aware of this potential interaction and to follow the nurse's advice to avoid grapefruit juice while taking Atorvastatin. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking Atorvastatin in the morning is a common recommendation but not the priority over avoiding grapefruit juice. Increasing intake of green, leafy vegetables is generally a healthy dietary choice but is not specific to the medication. Expecting stools to turn clay-colored is not a common side effect of Atorvastatin.

5. A healthcare provider is caring for a client who is prescribed Furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the healthcare provider monitor?

• A. Serum potassium
• B. Serum calcium
• C. Serum sodium
• D. Serum magnesium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) due to increased potassium excretion in the urine. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, the healthcare provider should closely monitor the client's serum potassium levels when they are prescribed Furosemide. While monitoring other electrolytes like sodium and magnesium may also be important in certain situations, the priority for a client prescribed Furosemide is to monitor serum potassium levels due to the risk of hypokalemia.

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