Nursing Elites

1. A client is prescribed digoxin for heart failure. Which of the following should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Respiratory rate
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Apical pulse
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apical pulse. Digoxin's primary effect is to strengthen the force of the heart's contractions and slow the heart rate. Monitoring the apical pulse is crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of digoxin as it helps assess the medication's impact on the heart's function. Option A, respiratory rate, is not directly related to digoxin's mechanism of action and is not the most appropriate parameter to monitor for this medication. Option B, blood pressure, while important, may not be as sensitive as the apical pulse in assessing the effectiveness of digoxin. Option D, urine output, is more indicative of kidney function and fluid balance, rather than the direct effectiveness of digoxin in heart failure.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer ceftriaxone. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Reconstitute the medication with normal saline
• B. Reconstitute the medication with sterile water
• C. Administer the medication over 30 minutes
• D. Monitor for signs of toxicity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B. Ceftriaxone should be reconstituted with sterile water, not saline. Reconstituting it with normal saline can result in a chemical interaction and precipitation of the drug. Administering the medication over 30 minutes (choice C) is not necessary as ceftriaxone is usually given as an intravenous bolus or drip over a shorter period. Monitoring for signs of toxicity (choice D) is important but not the immediate action required for preparing the medication. The priority is to ensure proper reconstitution with the appropriate solvent, which is sterile water.

3. A client is taking levothyroxine. Which of the following findings should indicate that the medication is effective?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Decreased blood pressure
• C. Absence of seizures
• D. Decreased inflammation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Weight loss. Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism, which is characterized by symptoms such as weight gain. Therefore, weight loss in a client taking levothyroxine indicates that the medication is effective in managing hypothyroidism. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because levothyroxine primarily affects thyroid function and metabolism, not blood pressure, seizures, or inflammation.

4. A nurse is assisting with meal planning for a client who has been prescribed a mechanical soft diet. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of the following foods?

• A. Applesauce
• B. Mashed potatoes
• C. Orange slices
• D. Soft bread

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Orange slices. Orange slices contain membranes that are difficult to swallow, which can pose a risk to clients on a mechanical soft diet. This type of diet is designed for individuals who have difficulty chewing or swallowing. Choices A, B, and D are suitable for a mechanical soft diet as they are soft in texture and easy to chew and swallow.

5. A nurse is teaching a client with gestational diabetes about blood sugar control. Which of the following statements indicates understanding?

• A. I should test my blood sugar before each meal.
• B. I can eat any foods as long as I take my insulin.
• C. I should avoid all carbohydrates in my diet.
• D. I will only need to monitor my blood sugar at bedtime.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'I should test my blood sugar before each meal.' Monitoring blood sugar before meals is crucial for managing gestational diabetes as it helps in understanding how different foods affect blood sugar levels and adjusting insulin doses accordingly. Choice B is incorrect as food choices should be monitored carefully, not just relying on insulin. Choice C is incorrect because while it is important to manage carbohydrate intake, completely avoiding all carbohydrates is not recommended. Choice D is incorrect as blood sugar monitoring throughout the day is essential, not just at bedtime, to ensure proper control and management of gestational diabetes.

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