Nursing Elites

1. A client is newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and prescribed levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Take the medication in the evening.
• C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• D. Take the medication only when experiencing symptoms.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction is to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach. This is necessary for proper absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Taking it with food can interfere with absorption. Timing is also crucial; it is usually recommended to take levothyroxine in the morning to prevent potential interactions with food and other medications throughout the day. Taking the medication in the evening may lead to sleep disturbances. Lastly, waiting to take the medication only when symptoms occur is not appropriate as levothyroxine is typically taken regularly to maintain thyroid hormone levels within the body.

2. A client is receiving IV moderate sedation with midazolam and has a respiratory rate of 9/min. What should the nurse do?

• A. Place the client in a prone position
• B. Implement positive pressure ventilation
• C. Perform nasopharyngeal suctioning
• D. Administer flumazenil

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Administer flumazenil. Flumazenil is the reversal agent for midazolam, a benzodiazepine, and should be administered to counteract respiratory depression. Placing the client in a prone position (choice A) could further compromise their breathing. Implementing positive pressure ventilation (choice B) is not indicated as the first step when dealing with respiratory depression due to sedation. Performing nasopharyngeal suctioning (choice C) is not appropriate in this situation where the client is experiencing respiratory depression due to medication sedation.

3. A nurse is teaching a client who is taking prednisone about the adverse effects of this medication. Which of the following should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Insomnia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hypertension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct adverse effect of prednisone that the nurse should emphasize is hyperglycemia. Prednisone is known to increase blood sugar levels, leading to hyperglycemia. While weight gain and other metabolic changes are possible side effects, hyperglycemia is a more critical concern due to the risk of uncontrolled blood sugar levels and its impact on overall health. Insomnia and hypertension are not typically associated with prednisone use, making them less relevant to emphasize during client education.

4. When reinforcing teaching about self-care with a patient who has pelvic inflammatory disease and does not speak English, what action by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. Provide written instructions in English.
• B. Use family members as translators.
• C. Seek assistance from a facility-approved interpreter.
• D. Use online translation tools.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When communicating with a patient who does not speak English, it is crucial to seek assistance from a facility-approved interpreter. Using family members as translators can lead to inaccuracies, breaches in confidentiality, and discomfort for the patient. Online translation tools may not provide accurate or context-specific translations, which can result in misunderstandings. Providing written instructions in English would not be effective if the patient does not understand the language.

5. A nurse is planning care for a client who has chronic kidney disease. Which finding indicates the need for hemodialysis?

• A. BUN 14 mg/dL
• B. Serum potassium 4.2 mEq/L
• C. Serum creatinine 5 mg/dL
• D. Serum calcium 9 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL is significantly elevated and indicates the need for hemodialysis to help filter waste products from the blood. Elevated creatinine levels suggest impaired kidney function and the inability to effectively filter waste from the body. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not indicate the need for immediate hemodialysis in a client with chronic kidney disease.

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