Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is teaching a client who has a new prescription for Clopidogrel. Which of the following laboratory values should the healthcare professional monitor to assess for potential adverse effects?

• A. White blood cell count
• B. Platelet count
• C. Hemoglobin
• D. Blood glucose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that works by preventing blood clots. Monitoring the patient's platelet count is essential because a decrease in platelet count can increase the risk of bleeding. By assessing the platelet count, the healthcare professional can detect any potential adverse effects related to the medication and take appropriate actions to prevent complications. White blood cell count, hemoglobin, and blood glucose levels are not directly affected by Clopidogrel, so they are not the primary values to monitor for potential adverse effects of this medication.

2. A client with chronic kidney disease has a new prescription for epoetin alfa. The nurse should instruct the client to increase dietary intake of which of the following substances?

• A. Iron
• B. Protein
• C. Potassium
• D. Sodium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients with chronic kidney disease are often prescribed epoetin alfa to treat anemia. Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, increasing the body's demand for iron to support this process. Therefore, clients taking epoetin alfa should be advised to increase their dietary intake of iron-rich foods to meet the increased demand and prevent iron deficiency anemia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while protein is essential for overall health, potassium and sodium intake may need to be restricted in clients with chronic kidney disease to manage electrolyte balance and blood pressure.

3. A client starting highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV infection is being educated by a nurse on preventing medication resistance. What information should the nurse provide the client about resistance?

• A. Taking low dosages of antiretroviral medication minimizes resistance.
• B. Taking one antiretroviral medication at a time minimizes resistance.
• C. Taking medication at the same time daily without missing doses minimizes resistance.
• D. Changing the medication regimen when adverse effects occur minimizes resistance.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To prevent the development of medication resistance, it is crucial for the client to take antiretroviral medication consistently at the same time daily without missing doses. This practice helps maintain effective drug levels in the body, reducing the risk of resistance development.

4. A healthcare professional is about to administer Propranolol to a patient. The healthcare professional takes the patient's apical pulse and documents it as 58 bpm. How should the healthcare professional proceed?

• A. Administer the medication as prescribed
• B. Administer half of the normal dose
• C. Consider the extended-release form of the medication
• D. Withhold administration of the medication and notify the healthcare provider

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a patient's apical pulse is 58 bpm, it is below the normal range. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that can further lower the heart rate. Therefore, it is crucial to withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider to evaluate the patient's condition. Administering Propranolol in this situation can exacerbate bradycardia, leading to serious complications. Choosing to administer the medication as prescribed (Choice A) can put the patient at risk. Administering half of the normal dose (Choice B) without healthcare provider guidance is not appropriate in this case. Considering the extended-release form of the medication (Choice C) does not address the immediate concern of bradycardia and is not the best course of action.

5. 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.

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