Nursing Elites

1. A client in the postanesthesia care unit has an as-needed prescription for ondansetron (Zofran). Which of the following occurrences would prompt the nurse to administer this medication to the client?

• A. Paralytic ileus
• B. Incisional pain
• C. Urine retention
• D. Nausea and vomiting

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron is an antiemetic used to manage postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. It is not indicated for treating paralytic ileus, incisional pain, or urine retention. Paralytic ileus is a condition of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by the paralysis of intestinal muscles, which would not be treated with ondansetron. Incisional pain is typically managed with analgesics, not antiemetics. Urine retention is a urinary issue that does not involve nausea and vomiting, making ondansetron an inappropriate choice for this condition.

2. A woman has been scheduled for a routine mammogram. What should the nurse tell the client?

• A. That mammography takes about 1 hour
• B. Not to eat or drink on the morning of the test
• C. That there is no discomfort associated with the procedure
• D. That deodorants, powders, or creams used in the axillary or breast area must be washed off before the test

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid using deodorants, powders, or creams on the day of the mammogram. These products used in the axillary or breast area can interfere with the mammogram results and must be washed off before the test. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because mammography typically takes less than 30 minutes, there is no need for fasting before the test, and some discomfort may be experienced during the procedure.

3. The patient is being educated on taking hydrochlorothiazide. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I may need additional sodium and calcium while taking this medication.
• B. I should consume plenty of fruits and vegetables while taking this drug.
• C. I should be cautious when getting up from a bed or chair while on this medication.
• D. I will take the medication in the morning to reduce certain side effects.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because patients do not require extra sodium or calcium while taking hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. This medication actually promotes the excretion of sodium and water. Choices B, C, and D are correct statements regarding the use of hydrochlorothiazide. Patients are encouraged to have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, be careful with position changes due to potential orthostatic hypotension, and take the medication in the morning to reduce the need for frequent urination during nighttime.

4. A child who weighs 10 kg will begin taking oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). The liquid preparation contains 40 mg of TMP and 200 mg of SMX per 5 mL. The nurse determines that the child’s dose should be 8 mg of TMP and 40 mg of SMX/kg/day divided into two doses. Which order for this child is correct?

• A. 5 mL PO BID
• B. 5 mL PO daily
• C. 10 mL PO BID
• D. 10 mL PO daily

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: '5 mL PO BID.' To calculate the child’s daily dose requirement, you multiply the child's weight (10 kg) by the prescribed dosage per kg, which is 8 mg for TMP and 40 mg for SMX. This results in a total daily requirement of 80 mg of TMP and 400 mg of SMX. To divide this into two doses, each dose should contain half of the total daily requirement, which is 40 mg TMP and 200 mg SMX. Since the liquid preparation contains 40 mg of TMP and 200 mg of SMX per 5 mL, the correct dose per administration is 5 mL. Therefore, 5 mL PO BID is the correct order. Choice B, '5 mL PO daily,' is incorrect as the total daily dose needs to be divided into two doses. Choices C and D, '10 mL PO BID' and '10 mL PO daily,' respectively, are incorrect as they do not align with the calculated dosage requirements based on the child's weight and the prescribed dosage per kg.

5. Laboratory findings indicate that a client's serum potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Inform the healthcare provider of the need for potassium replacement.
• B. Prepare to administer a glucose-insulin-potassium replacement.
• C. Change the plan of care to include hourly urinary output measurement.
• D. Instruct the client to increase daily intake of potassium-rich foods.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is critically low, indicating severe hypokalemia. The immediate action the nurse should take is to inform the healthcare provider of the need for potassium replacement. Option B, preparing to administer glucose-insulin-potassium replacement, is not the first-line intervention; it may be considered in specific situations but requires a healthcare provider's prescription. Option C, changing the plan of care to include hourly urinary output measurement, is not the priority when managing critically low potassium levels. Option D, instructing the client to increase daily intake of potassium-rich foods, is not appropriate in this acute situation where immediate intervention is needed to address the dangerously low potassium level.

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