Nursing Elites

1. A 65-year-old female client arrives in the emergency department with shortness of breath and chest pain. The nurse accidentally administers 10 mg of morphine sulfate instead of the prescribed 4 mg. Later, the client's respiratory rate is 10 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation is 98%, and she states her pain has subsided. What is the legal status of the nurse?

• A. The nurse is guilty of negligence and will be sued.
• B. The client would not be able to prove malpractice in court.
• C. The nurse is protected by the Good Samaritan Act.
• D. The healthcare provider should have given the morphine sulfate dose.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because, in this scenario, the client would not be able to prove malpractice in court. Despite the nurse administering a higher dose of morphine than prescribed, the client's respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and pain relief indicate that no harm resulted from the error. Therefore, the client would not have legal grounds to pursue a malpractice case against the nurse.

2. The client is prescribed clozapine (Clozaril), and the nurse plans to educate them about its purpose. Which statement should the nurse provide?

• A. It will help you function better in the community.
• B. The medication will help you think more clearly.
• C. You will be able to cope with your symptoms.
• D. It will improve your grooming and hygiene.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clozapine (Clozaril) is an antipsychotic medication that is known to improve cognitive function and thought clarity in individuals with schizophrenia. It primarily helps in managing symptoms related to thought processes rather than focusing on community function, coping with symptoms, or grooming and hygiene.

3. A patient with coronary artery disease (CAD) is prescribed a statin medication. What should the nurse include in the patient education?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Report any muscle pain or weakness.
• C. Increase intake of grapefruit juice.
• D. Avoid foods high in potassium.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patients prescribed statin medications should be educated to report any muscle pain or weakness to their healthcare provider promptly. Muscle pain or weakness could be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect associated with statin use that requires medical attention. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking statins with food or increasing grapefruit juice intake are not necessary recommendations. Avoiding foods high in potassium is also not directly related to statin use.

4. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. What is an important teaching point for the nurse to provide?

• A. Take folic acid supplements as prescribed.
• B. Avoid alcohol completely.
• C. Expect to see immediate results.
• D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct teaching point for a patient prescribed methotrexate is to take folic acid supplements as prescribed. Methotrexate can lead to a folate deficiency, which is why supplementing with folic acid is essential to reduce the risk of side effects such as mouth sores, nausea, and liver problems.

5. A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is being treated with risperidone (Risperdal). Which finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Weight gain.
• B. Dry mouth.
• C. Muscle rigidity.
• D. Drowsiness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Muscle rigidity is a crucial finding to report immediately as it can indicate neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but potentially life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic medications. NMS is characterized by muscle rigidity, high fever, autonomic dysfunction, and altered mental status. Prompt recognition and intervention are essential to prevent serious complications or death.

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