Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is reviewing a client's health record and notes that the client experiences permanent extrapyramidal effects caused by a previous medication. The healthcare provider should recognize that the medication affected which of the following systems in the client?

• A. Cardiovascular
• B. Immune
• C. Central nervous
• D. Gastrointestinal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Central nervous. Extrapyramidal effects are movement disorders that can be caused by certain medications affecting the central nervous system, such as typical antipsychotic medications. These effects can lead to symptoms like tremors, muscle rigidity, and involuntary movements, which are all related to disruptions in the central nervous system. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because extrapyramidal effects are specifically associated with the central nervous system and not the cardiovascular, immune, or gastrointestinal systems.

2. A healthcare professional is caring for a hospitalized client who has an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) greater than 1.5 times the expected reference range. Which of the following blood products should the healthcare professional prepare to transfuse?

• A. Whole blood
• B. Platelets
• C. Fresh frozen plasma
• D. Packed red blood cells

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fresh frozen plasma is the correct choice for a client with an elevated aPTT because it contains essential coagulation factors that can help correct coagulopathy and prevent bleeding. It is rich in clotting factors like fibrinogen, factors V and VIII, which are crucial in maintaining proper blood clotting function. Whole blood (Choice A) is not typically used to correct coagulopathy and is more suitable for situations requiring both volume and oxygen-carrying capacity. Platelets (Choice B) are indicated for thrombocytopenia, not for correcting coagulation factors. Packed red blood cells (Choice D) are used to increase oxygen-carrying capacity in cases of anemia, not for correcting coagulopathy.

3. Following a stroke, a client has been started on clopidogrel (Plavix). Why is this medication being administered?

• A. To prevent stroke in high-risk patients, such as those with prosthetic heart valves
• B. To decrease blood pressure
• C. To increase heart rate
• D. To provide antiplatelet activity in patients who cannot tolerate aspirin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an antiplatelet medication that inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of blood clots. It is commonly used in patients who have had a stroke and cannot tolerate aspirin due to allergies or intolerances. Choosing clopidogrel in these cases helps prevent further clot formation and reduces the risk of recurrent strokes.

4. A client has a new prescription for atenolol. Which of the following findings should the nurse instruct the client to monitor for as an adverse effect of this medication?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Hypertension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that works by slowing down the heart rate. An adverse effect of atenolol is bradycardia, characterized by a slower than normal heart rate. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for signs of bradycardia, such as a slow heart rate, while taking atenolol. Therefore, the correct answer is to monitor for bradycardia. Tachycardia (Choice A) is not an expected adverse effect of atenolol as it actually reduces heart rate. Hypoglycemia (Choice B) is not a typical adverse effect of atenolol. Hypertension (Choice D) is not an adverse effect of atenolol, as atenolol is commonly used to manage hypertension.

5. A client has a new prescription for Captopril to treat hypertension. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Avoid salt substitutes.
• C. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.
• D. Expect a dry cough to develop.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include is to advise the client to avoid salt substitutes. Salt substitutes often contain potassium, and captopril can cause hyperkalemia. By avoiding salt substitutes, the client can prevent elevated potassium levels and associated complications.

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