Nursing Elites

1. A client is prescribed diazepam for muscle spasms. What instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?

• A. Avoid drinking alcohol
• B. Take with food to avoid gastrointestinal upset
• C. Increase fluid intake
• D. Take medication with grapefruit juice

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed diazepam for muscle spasms is to avoid drinking alcohol. Diazepam can cause drowsiness and enhance the effects of alcohol, leading to increased sedation and impaired cognitive function. Clients should be advised to avoid alcohol consumption while taking diazepam to prevent these adverse effects and ensure their safety.

2. A client with anxiety is prescribed alprazolam. What instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?

• A. Take this medication with food.
• B. Avoid activities that require alertness.
• C. Do not stop taking this medication abruptly.
• D. This medication may cause drowsiness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Do not stop taking this medication abruptly.' Alprazolam should not be stopped suddenly as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. It is important for clients to taper off the medication gradually under medical supervision to prevent adverse effects. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is irrelevant to alprazolam administration instructions. Choice B, 'Avoid activities that require alertness,' is not the priority teaching point for alprazolam. Choice D, 'This medication may cause drowsiness,' is a common side effect of alprazolam but not the most critical instruction to include in the teaching plan.

3. A practical nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is receiving theophylline. Which symptom indicates that the client may be experiencing theophylline toxicity?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Tremors
• C. Constipation
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tremors are a common symptom of theophylline toxicity. Other symptoms that may indicate theophylline toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and seizures. Bradycardia, constipation, and hypotension are not typically associated with theophylline toxicity. It is important for the nurse to monitor the client closely for these signs of toxicity and report them promptly to the healthcare provider to prevent further complications.

4. A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weight gain. When a client is prescribed risperidone, monitoring weight is crucial due to the potential side effect of weight gain associated with this medication. This side effect can be significant as it may lead to other health issues. Choice B, Tremors, is not typically associated with risperidone use. Choice C, Insomnia, is less likely to be a direct side effect of risperidone compared to weight gain. Choice D, Hyperglycemia, is a possible side effect of some antipsychotic medications, but it is not commonly associated with risperidone.

5. A client with a history of heart failure is prescribed spironolactone. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypernatremia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which can lead to an excess of potassium in the body, causing hyperkalemia. This medication inhibits the action of aldosterone, leading to decreased potassium excretion and potential retention. Monitoring potassium levels is essential to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, especially in clients with heart failure.

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