Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic heart failure is being discharged with a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin). Which instruction should the nurse reinforce?

• A. Take the medication at the same time each day.
• B. Avoid foods high in potassium.
• C. Skip a dose if you feel well.
• D. Take the medication on an empty stomach.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Taking digoxin at the same time each day is essential to maintain a consistent blood level of the medication. This consistency helps optimize the therapeutic effects of digoxin in managing chronic heart failure. Deviating from the scheduled time could lead to fluctuations in drug levels, affecting its effectiveness and potentially causing harm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding potassium-rich foods, skipping doses when feeling well, and taking the medication on an empty stomach are not relevant or appropriate instructions for a client prescribed digoxin.

2. When providing teaching to a client with a new prescription for atorvastatin, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication in the evening.
• B. Take the medication with food.
• C. Increase your intake of grapefruit juice.
• D. Avoid consuming dairy products.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with a new prescription for atorvastatin is to take the medication in the evening. Atorvastatin is more effective when taken at night because cholesterol synthesis is higher during this time. This timing helps optimize the drug's cholesterol-lowering effects and enhances its overall efficacy in managing lipid levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Taking atorvastatin with food can decrease its absorption, grapefruit juice can interact with atorvastatin leading to increased side effects, and there is no specific need to avoid dairy products while on atorvastatin unless instructed otherwise by the healthcare provider.

3. The nurse is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of enalapril (Vasotec) to a client with hypertension. Before administering the medication, the nurse should check which priority assessment?

• A. Heart rate
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before administering enalapril, an antihypertensive medication, the nurse should prioritize checking the client's blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure helps ensure it is at an acceptable level before giving the medication, as enalapril can further lower blood pressure. This assessment is crucial in preventing potential hypotensive episodes and adverse effects associated with excessive blood pressure reduction. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature are important assessments but are not the priority before administering enalapril, which primarily affects blood pressure levels.

4. The LPN/LVN is assisting in the care of a client with chronic heart failure who is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which instruction should the nurse reinforce with the client?

• A. Limit your fluid intake to avoid fluid overload.
• B. Increase your potassium intake by eating bananas and oranges.
• C. Weigh yourself once a week to monitor for fluid retention.
• D. Take the medication at night to avoid frequent urination during the day.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to reinforce with the client is to increase potassium intake by eating bananas and oranges. Furosemide can lead to potassium loss, potentially causing hypokalemia. By increasing potassium intake through diet, the client can help prevent this electrolyte imbalance and maintain overall health. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Limiting fluid intake is not the appropriate instruction, as furosemide is a diuretic that already helps in fluid management. Weighing once a week is not as crucial as monitoring potassium levels, and taking the medication at night does not impact potassium levels.

5. A client has a new prescription for amlodipine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Monitor blood pressure daily.
• C. Increase intake of potassium-rich foods.
• D. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor blood pressure daily.' When a client is prescribed amlodipine, it is essential to monitor their blood pressure regularly. Amlodipine is known to cause hypotension, so monitoring blood pressure helps ensure it stays within the desired range to prevent complications associated with low blood pressure. Choice A is incorrect because amlodipine can be taken with or without food. Choice C is incorrect as increasing potassium intake is not a specific instruction related to amlodipine. Choice D is incorrect as grapefruit juice interactions are not typically a concern with amlodipine.

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