Nursing Elites

1. A client has been prescribed vasopressin for the treatment of diabetes insipidus. What is the expected pharmacological action of this medication?

• A. To stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin
• B. To slow the absorption of glucose in the intestine
• C. To increase reabsorption of water in the renal tubules
• D. To increase blood pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: To increase reabsorption of water in the renal tubules. Vasopressin mimics the action of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) by increasing the reabsorption of water in the renal tubules. This leads to decreased urine output, helping to manage symptoms of diabetes insipidus, which is characterized by excessive thirst and urination. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Vasopressin does not stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin, slow the absorption of glucose in the intestine, or directly increase blood pressure.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum, has a deep-vein thrombosis, and is receiving heparin therapy via subcutaneous injections. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Request a prescription for PRN aspirin from the provider.
• B. Massage the injection site thoroughly following administration.
• C. Instruct the client that they cannot breastfeed while receiving heparin.
• D. Administer the injection in the client's abdomen.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should administer the injection in the abdomen, as this is a common site for subcutaneous heparin administration. Massaging the injection site can lead to bruising or discomfort and should be avoided. Instructing the client not to breastfeed while on heparin is inaccurate, as heparin does not pass into breast milk in significant amounts. Aspirin is contraindicated for clients on heparin due to the increased risk of bleeding, so requesting a prescription for PRN aspirin would not be appropriate in this situation.

3. A 65-year-old client is taking methylprednisolone. What pharmacological action should the nurse expect with this therapy?

• A. Suppression of beta2 receptors.
• B. Suppression of airway mucus production.
• C. Fortification of bones.
• D. Suppression of candidiasis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Suppression of airway mucus production.' Methylprednisolone, a corticosteroid, is known to suppress airway mucus production. While corticosteroids can enhance the responsiveness of beta2 receptors, they are not directly involved in the suppression of these receptors (Choice A). Corticosteroids can lead to adverse effects such as bone loss, rather than fortification of bones (Choice C). They can also increase the risk of infections like candidiasis but do not directly suppress it (Choice D). Therefore, the most expected pharmacological action of methylprednisolone therapy is the suppression of airway mucus production.

4. A hospice nurse is providing teaching to a patient who has a new diagnosis of a terminal illness and her family. Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Hospice care will help provide rehabilitation for the patient.
• B. Hospice care focuses on extending life by any means necessary.
• C. Hospice care will help the patient transition to nursing care.
• D. Hospice care continues to help families with grief after a death occurs.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement that the nurse should include in the teaching is option D: 'Hospice care continues to help families with grief after a death occurs.' Hospice care not only focuses on providing comfort care for terminal patients but also offers bereavement support to families after the patient's death. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Option A is incorrect because hospice care does not provide rehabilitation for the patient; its focus is on comfort and quality of life. Option B is incorrect because hospice care does not aim to extend life but rather to provide quality end-of-life care. Option C is incorrect because hospice care does not transition patients to nursing care; it provides care focused on comfort and symptom management in the patient's preferred setting.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of digoxin. Which of the following should the nurse do first?

• A. Assess blood pressure
• B. Check heart rate
• C. Monitor potassium levels
• D. Review the medication order

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the heart rate first before administering digoxin. Digoxin is a medication that directly affects the heart, so it is crucial to ensure that the heart rate is within the appropriate range before giving the dose. If the heart rate is below 60 bpm, administering digoxin could lead to toxicity. Assessing blood pressure (Choice A) is important but not the first priority when preparing to administer digoxin. Monitoring potassium levels (Choice C) is also crucial for patients on digoxin, but it is not the initial step. Reviewing the medication order (Choice D) is necessary but can be done after checking the heart rate.

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