Nursing Elites

1. In a client with chronic renal failure receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit), which laboratory result would indicate a therapeutic effect of the medication?

• A. Hematocrit of 32%
• B. Platelet count of 400,000 cells/mm³
• C. White blood cell count of 6000 cells/mm³
• D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 15 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A hematocrit of 32% indicates a therapeutic effect of epoetin alfa in a client with chronic renal failure. Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia in these patients by stimulating red blood cell production, leading to an increase in the hematocrit level. Monitoring the hematocrit is essential to assess the response to epoetin alfa therapy.

2. A client who had a kidney transplant is receiving therapy with cyclosporine (Sandimmune). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?

• A. I need to obtain a yearly influenza vaccine.
• B. I need to have dental checkups every 3 months.
• C. I need to self-monitor my blood pressure at home.
• D. I need to call the health care provider (HCP) if my urine volume decreases or my urine becomes cloudy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. Clients should avoid vaccinations without consulting their health care provider to prevent potential complications or reduced efficacy of the vaccines.

3. A client has been taking isoniazid (INH) for 2 months. The client complains to a nurse about numbness, paresthesias, and tingling in the extremities. The nurse interprets that the client is experiencing:

• A. Hypercalcemia
• B. Peripheral neuritis
• C. Small blood vessel spasm
• D. Impaired peripheral circulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client's symptoms of numbness, paresthesias, and tingling in the extremities indicate peripheral neuritis, a common side effect of isoniazid (INH). This condition can be managed by supplementing with pyridoxine (vitamin B6) to minimize the symptoms.

4. A client is receiving furosemide (Lasix) and is being discharged. What should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

• A. Consume potassium-rich foods.
• B. Take the medication in the morning.
• C. Change positions slowly to prevent dizziness.
• D. Maintain an adequate fluid intake.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to change positions slowly to prevent dizziness. Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic that can lead to orthostatic hypotension, causing dizziness. Consuming potassium-rich foods is essential to prevent hypokalemia when taking furosemide. Taking the medication in the morning helps reduce the need for frequent urination at night. Encouraging the client to maintain an adequate fluid intake is crucial to prevent dehydration while on this medication.

5. The healthcare provider is reviewing the history and physical examination of a client who will be receiving asparaginase (Elspar), an antineoplastic agent. The healthcare provider consults with the registered nurse regarding the administration of the medication if which of the following is documented in the client's history?

• A. Pancreatitis
• B. Diabetes mellitus
• C. Myocardial infarction
• D. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Asparaginase is contraindicated in clients with a history of pancreatitis due to the risk of impairing pancreatic function and causing complications. Therefore, the healthcare provider should consult with the registered nurse to assess the client's history of pancreatitis before administering asparaginase.

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