Nursing Elites

1. A client is prescribed digoxin and has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer digoxin without any modifications
• B. Administer the medication at a lower dose
• C. Monitor serum potassium levels
• D. Discontinue the medication if potassium levels rise

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. In this case, the nurse should administer the digoxin without any modifications. Lowering the dose (Choice B) may not be necessary if the potassium level is not critically low. Monitoring serum potassium levels (Choice C) is important but should not delay the administration of digoxin. Discontinuing the medication (Choice D) is not the initial action to take unless the potassium levels become severely low and life-threatening.

2. While reviewing the medical record of a client with unstable angina, which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. BP 106/62 mm Hg, Temp 38°C (100.4°F), HR 112/min, Resp rate 26/min, urine output 90 mL/hr
• B. Skin is cool and moist with pallor
• C. Bilateral breath sounds with crackles heard at bases of lungs
• D. Creatinine kinase 100 units/L, C-reactive protein 0.8 mg/dL, Myoglobin 88 mcg/L

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The nurse should report these vital signs to the provider immediately as they indicate increased temperature, tachycardia, and tachypnea, which are signs of possible infection or systemic inflammatory response. This could exacerbate the client's unstable angina and needs prompt evaluation. Choices B, C, and D are not as urgent as the vital signs in option A and do not directly indicate a worsening condition in the context of unstable angina.

3. A nurse is caring for a client in preterm labor who is receiving magnesium sulfate. Which of the following is an indication of magnesium toxicity?

• A. Blood glucose of 160 mg/dL
• B. Urine output of 20 mL/hour
• C. Systolic BP of 140 mm Hg
• D. Respiratory rate of 20/min

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Urine output of 20 mL/hour. Urine output below 30 mL/hour is a sign of magnesium toxicity due to the risk of accumulation in the body. Choices A, C, and D are not indicative of magnesium toxicity. Elevated blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, and normal respiratory rate are not specific signs of magnesium toxicity.

4. A nurse is reviewing a prescription for doxazosin with a client. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Decrease caloric intake to reduce weight gain
• B. Increase dietary fiber to prevent constipation
• C. Rise slowly when sitting up
• D. Take this medication each morning

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Rise slowly when sitting up.' Doxazosin can cause orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, leading to dizziness or fainting. Instructing the client to rise slowly helps prevent this adverse effect. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A decrease in caloric intake to reduce weight gain, an increase in dietary fiber to prevent constipation, and taking the medication each morning are not specific instructions related to managing the side effects of doxazosin.

5. A nurse is caring for a client newly prescribed doxazosin mesylate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in client education regarding taking the first dose of this medication?

• A. Change positions slowly and lie down if dizziness occurs
• B. There is no need to avoid normal activities
• C. Avoid dairy products while taking this medication
• D. Do not eat green leafy vegetables

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Doxazosin can cause first-dose orthostatic hypotension, which may lead to dizziness or fainting when the client stands up too quickly. The nurse should advise the client to change positions slowly and lie down if dizziness occurs to prevent falls and other injuries. Choice B is incorrect because while the client can continue normal activities, caution should be taken with position changes. Choice C is incorrect as doxazosin does not interact with dairy products. Choice D is incorrect as there is no need to avoid green leafy vegetables specifically while taking doxazosin.

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