Nursing Elites

1. A client is being discharged with a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Take your pulse daily before taking this medication.
• B. Take an extra dose if you miss a dose of this medication.
• C. Take this medication with food.
• D. Avoid eating foods high in potassium while taking this medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take your pulse daily before taking this medication.' It is essential for clients taking digoxin to monitor their pulse daily to detect bradycardia, a potential side effect. Choice B is incorrect because clients should never take an extra dose if a dose is missed; they should take the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it is close to the time for the next dose. Choice C is incorrect because digoxin is preferably taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Choice D is incorrect because digoxin itself can cause low potassium levels, so avoiding potassium-rich foods is not necessary.

2. A patient's hygiene schedule of bathing and brushing teeth is largely influenced by family customs. For which age group is the nurse most likely providing care?

• A. Adolescent
• B. Preschooler
• C. Older adult
• D. Adult

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Preschooler. Family customs have a significant impact on hygiene practices during childhood, especially in the early years. Preschoolers are at an age where they are learning and forming habits, and family customs play a crucial role in establishing routines such as bathing and brushing teeth. Adolescents, older adults, and adults are more likely to have established their own hygiene routines that may not be as heavily influenced by family customs as in early childhood. Therefore, the nurse is most likely providing care to a preschooler in this scenario.

3. After a renal biopsy, a client has returned to the unit. Which of the following nursing interventions is appropriate?

• A. Ambulate the client 4 hours after the procedure
• B. Maintain the client on NPO status for 24 hours
• C. Monitor vital signs
• D. Change the dressing every 8 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring vital signs is crucial after a renal biopsy to promptly detect any signs of bleeding or complications. Ambulating the client 4 hours after the procedure may increase the risk of bleeding, so it is not appropriate. Maintaining the client on NPO status for 24 hours is not necessary unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider. Changing the dressing every 8 hours is not typically indicated unless there is a specific concern or order to do so.

4. While administering a cleansing enema, the client reports abdominal cramping. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Have the client hold their breath briefly and bear down.
• B. Clamp the enema tubing.
• C. Remind the client that cramping is common at this time.
• D. Raise the level of the enema fluid container.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client reports abdominal cramping during a cleansing enema, it is important for the nurse to reassure the client that cramping is a common side effect. This reassurance helps the client understand that the cramping is normal and may subside once the enema is completed. Instructing the client to hold their breath and bear down (Choice A) is not appropriate and may cause discomfort. Clamping the enema tubing (Choice B) is unnecessary and could lead to complications. Raising the level of the enema fluid container (Choice D) does not address the client's discomfort due to cramping. Therefore, the most suitable action is to provide reassurance to the client about the common occurrence of cramping during the enema.

5. A client with a history of hypertension is prescribed a diuretic. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Monitor serum calcium levels.
• B. Monitor serum potassium levels.
• C. Monitor serum sodium levels.
• D. Monitor serum magnesium levels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor serum potassium levels. When a client is prescribed a diuretic, monitoring serum potassium levels is essential to evaluate the medication's effectiveness and to detect potential electrolyte imbalances. Diuretics can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia, which can have serious consequences such as cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring serum calcium levels (Choice A) is not typically required when assessing the effectiveness of diuretics. Similarly, monitoring serum sodium levels (Choice C) is important for other conditions but is not the primary concern when evaluating diuretic therapy. Monitoring serum magnesium levels (Choice D) is also important, but potassium levels are more critical in assessing diuretic effectiveness and preventing complications.

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