Nursing Elites

1. A client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been taking riluzole for two weeks. The nurse notes that the client remains weak with observable muscle atrophy. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Explain that the medication may take time to show improvement in symptoms
• B. Withhold the medication and notify the healthcare provider
• C. Advise the client to undergo liver function tests
• D. Document the assessment findings in the electronic health record

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's priority is to document the assessment findings in the electronic health record. This action is crucial for maintaining an accurate record of the client's health status and can provide valuable information for the healthcare team. While it is important to monitor the client's response to riluzole, explaining that the medication may take time to show improvement (Choice A) would be more appropriate if the client was expecting immediate results. Withholding the medication and notifying the healthcare provider (Choice B) should not be the initial action without further assessment or guidance. Advising the client to undergo liver function tests (Choice C) is not directly related to the current situation of weakness and muscle atrophy.

2. A client with chronic kidney disease is prescribed erythropoietin. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypotension
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Erythropoietin is a medication commonly used to stimulate red blood cell production in individuals with chronic kidney disease. One of the potential adverse effects of erythropoietin therapy is hypertension. The increased production of red blood cells can lead to elevated blood pressure levels. Therefore, monitoring for hypertension is essential to ensure the client's safety and well-being while on this medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hypotension, tachycardia, and bradycardia are not typically associated with erythropoietin therapy. Hypertension is the primary adverse effect to monitor in this case.

3. The practical nurse administered 15 units of NPH insulin subcutaneously to a client before they consumed their breakfast at 7:30 AM. At what time is the client at an increased risk for a hypoglycemic reaction?

• A. 8:30 to 11:30 AM
• B. 3:30 to 7:30 PM
• C. 9:30 PM to midnight
• D. 1:00 to 5:00 AM

Correct answer: B

Rationale: NPH insulin, an intermediate-acting type, peaks approximately 8 to 12 hours after subcutaneous administration. Considering this, the client is most likely to experience a hypoglycemic reaction between 3:30 and 7:30 PM, making option B the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they fall outside the peak time for a hypoglycemic reaction after administering NPH insulin.

4. A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed fluvoxamine. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication may have which potential side effect?

• A. Drowsiness
• B. Dry mouth
• C. Insomnia
• D. Headache

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drowsiness. Fluvoxamine is known to cause drowsiness as a potential side effect. Patients should be advised to avoid activities like driving that require alertness until they understand how the medication affects them. Dry mouth, insomnia, and headache are potential side effects of other medications used for anxiety disorders but are not typically associated with fluvoxamine.

5. A client who received a renal transplant three months ago is readmitted to the acute care unit with signs of graft rejection. While taking the client's history, the nurse determines the client has been self-administering St. John's wort, an herbal preparation, on the advice of a friend. What information is most significant about this finding?

• A. Wort can decrease plasma concentration of Cyclospora
• B. Wort can decrease plasma concentration of Tacrolimus
• C. Wort can decrease plasma concentration of Cyclosporine
• D. Wort can decrease plasma concentration of Mycophenolate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most significant information about the client self-administering St. John's wort, an herbal preparation, is that it can decrease the plasma concentration of Cyclosporine. St. John's wort is known to reduce the efficacy of Cyclosporine, which is a common immunosuppressant drug used to prevent transplant rejection. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because St. John's wort does not affect the plasma concentration of Cyclospora, Tacrolimus, or Mycophenolate.

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