Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid). What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach
• B. Take the medication with food
• C. Report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism
• D. Do not discontinue the medication abruptly

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism.' Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations or tremors, may indicate an excessive dose of levothyroxine and should be reported to the healthcare provider for proper adjustment of the medication. Choice A is incorrect because levothyroxine is usually taken in the morning on an empty stomach to maximize absorption. Choice B is incorrect because taking levothyroxine with food can interfere with its absorption. Choice D is incorrect because discontinuing levothyroxine abruptly can lead to a worsening of hypothyroidism symptoms.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which position should the nurse avoid?

• A. Keeping the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees
• B. Positioning the client in the prone position
• C. Placing the client in a lateral recumbent position
• D. Elevating the client's legs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positioning the client in the prone position. Placing the client in the prone position should be avoided in a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) as it can further raise ICP. The prone position can hinder venous return and increase pressure within the cranial vault, potentially worsening the client's condition. Keeping the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees helps promote venous drainage and reduce ICP. Placing the client in a lateral recumbent position can also assist in reducing ICP by optimizing cerebral perfusion. Elevating the client's legs can help improve venous return and maintain adequate cerebral blood flow, making it a suitable positioning intervention for managing increased ICP.

3. A healthcare provider is reviewing a client's medication list during a routine visit. Which action is most important to ensure medication safety?

• A. Ask the client about any allergies to medications
• B. Review the purposes of each medication
• C. Check for potential drug interactions
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A comprehensive review of allergies, medication purposes, and potential interactions is crucial for ensuring medication safety. Asking about allergies helps prevent adverse reactions, reviewing medication purposes ensures the correct use of each drug, and checking for potential drug interactions reduces the risk of harmful effects when medications interact. Choosing 'All of the above' is the correct answer because all three actions are essential steps to enhance medication safety. Options A, B, and C individually play vital roles in promoting medication safety, making option D the most appropriate choice.

4. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Which dietary recommendation is most appropriate?

• A. Increase fiber intake.
• B. Avoid spicy foods.
• C. Avoid dairy products.
• D. Consume a high-fat diet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate dietary recommendation for a client with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is to avoid spicy foods. Spicy foods can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate symptoms of PUD. Increasing fiber intake may be beneficial for other gastrointestinal conditions but is not the primary concern for PUD. Avoiding dairy products is not a general recommendation for PUD unless the individual has a specific intolerance. Consuming a high-fat diet can increase the risk of exacerbating PUD symptoms due to the delayed gastric emptying associated with high-fat meals.

5. The nurse is providing care for a client with a draining postoperative wound infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which is the most important action for the nurse to take?

• A. Encourage increased oral fluids.
• B. Provide high-protein snacks.
• C. Change the wound dressing.
• D. Administer prescribed antibiotics.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering prescribed antibiotics is crucial in treating MRSA infections. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics, including methicillin. Therefore, prompt administration of the appropriate antibiotics is essential to target the MRSA infection effectively. Encouraging increased oral fluids (Choice A) and providing high-protein snacks (Choice B) may be beneficial for overall recovery but are not the most important actions in treating an MRSA infection. Changing the wound dressing (Choice C) is important for wound care but does not directly address the infection caused by MRSA.

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