Nursing Elites

1. A client who has osteoporosis is being discharged with a new prescription for alendronate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Take the medication at bedtime.
• B. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
• C. Take the medication with food.
• D. Lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to take the medication with a full glass of water. Alendronate should be taken with a full glass of water to prevent esophageal irritation. Additionally, the client should remain upright for 30 minutes after taking it to prevent potential adverse effects. Choice A is incorrect because alendronate should not be taken at bedtime, but rather in the morning on an empty stomach. Choice C is incorrect because alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach, not with food. Choice D is incorrect because the client should remain upright, not lie down, for 30 minutes after taking the medication.

2. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been in a motor vehicle crash and has a minor traumatic brain injury (TBI). What finding should the nurse recognize as a complication and report to the provider?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Vomiting
• C. Drainage from the ear
• D. Unequal pupils

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Unequal pupils are a sign of increased intracranial pressure or worsening brain injury, indicating a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention. Hypertension, vomiting, and drainage from the ear are not typically associated with minor traumatic brain injury complications; therefore, they are not the priority findings to report to the provider.

3. While documenting client care, which of the following entries should the nurse identify as an example of implementing client care?

• A. Contacting the provider to report client findings
• B. Administering medications as prescribed
• C. Reviewing the client's lab results
• D. Discussing the care plan with the family

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering medications as prescribed is a clear example of implementing client care because it involves carrying out a specific aspect of the care plan. Contacting the provider to report client findings is more related to assessment and communication. Reviewing the client's lab results is part of assessment and data collection. Discussing the care plan with the family is focused on collaboration and planning, rather than direct implementation.

4. A nurse is assessing a client with chronic kidney disease. Which laboratory value would indicate the need for hemodialysis?

• A. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 14 mL/min
• B. BUN 16 mg/dL
• C. Serum magnesium 1.8 mg/dL
• D. Serum phosphorus 4.0 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A GFR of 14 mL/min indicates significant kidney damage and a severe decrease in kidney function. This level of GFR typically indicates the need for hemodialysis to help the kidneys perform their function adequately. BUN, serum magnesium, and serum phosphorus levels are important in assessing kidney function and managing chronic kidney disease but do not specifically indicate the need for hemodialysis. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect.

5. A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who will be placed in halo traction following surgical repair of the cervical spine. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Inspect the pin site every 4 hours
• B. Monitor the client’s skin under the halo vest
• C. Ensure two personnel hold the halo device when repositioning the client
• D. Apply powder frequently to the client’s skin under the vest to decrease itching

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client’s skin under the halo vest. This is important to assess for signs of skin issues such as excessive sweating, redness, or blistering, which can lead to skin breakdown and infection. Choice A is incorrect because inspecting the pin site every 4 hours is necessary but not the priority in this case. Choice C is incorrect as it is not essential for two personnel to hold the halo device during repositioning. Choice D is incorrect because applying powder frequently can actually increase the risk of skin issues by clogging pores and causing irritation.

Similar Questions