Nursing Elites

1. A diabetic patient who has reported burning foot pain at night receives a new prescription. Which information should the nurse teach the patient about amitriptyline (Elavil)?

• A. Amitriptyline decreases the depression caused by your foot pain.
• B. Amitriptyline helps prevent transmission of pain impulses to the brain.
• C. Amitriptyline corrects some of the blood vessel changes that cause pain.
• D. Amitriptyline improves sleep and reduces awareness of nighttime pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps in reducing the transmission of pain impulses to the brain. Choice A is incorrect because amitriptyline primarily works on pain transmission rather than directly on depression. Choice C is inaccurate as amitriptyline's mechanism of action is not related to correcting blood vessel changes. Choice D is partially true as amitriptyline can improve sleep, but the primary mechanism related to pain relief is by preventing pain impulses from reaching the brain.

2. What is the main purpose of a healthcare proxy?

• A. To manage financial affairs
• B. To make medical decisions on behalf of the patient
• C. To provide legal representation
• D. To oversee patient discharge planning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main purpose of a healthcare proxy is to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient when they are unable to do so. Choice A is incorrect as managing financial affairs is typically handled by a power of attorney for finances. Choice C is incorrect as a healthcare proxy is not meant to provide legal representation. Choice D is incorrect as overseeing patient discharge planning is a responsibility of healthcare providers, not a healthcare proxy.

3. When a client is receiving pain medication through a PCA pump, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Educate the family not to push the button for the client while the client is asleep.
• B. Explain to the client that vital signs will be monitored regularly due to being on a PCA pump.
• C. Instruct the client to push the button only when pain is above a 7 on a scale of 0 to 10.
• D. Adjust the basal rate and decrease the lock-out interval time if the client's pain level is too high.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client is receiving pain medication through a PCA pump, it is essential to adjust the settings if their pain level is not adequately controlled. Increasing the basal rate and shortening the lock-out interval time can help manage the client's pain more effectively. This adjustment should be made by the healthcare provider based on the client's pain assessment and response to the current settings. It is crucial to individualize the PCA pump settings to optimize pain management for each client. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because educating the family not to push the button, explaining vital sign monitoring, and setting a specific pain level for button pushing are not direct actions the nurse should take to adjust the PCA pump settings for effective pain management.

4. Which information is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider before a patient with type 2 diabetes is prepared for a coronary angiogram?

• A.
• B.
• C. The patient took the prescribed metformin (Glucophage) today
• D. The patient took the prescribed captopril (Capoten) this morning.

Correct answer: C

Rationale:

5. In which order will the nurse take these steps to prepare NPH 20 units and regular insulin 2 units using the same syringe? (Put a comma and a space between each answer choice [A, B, C, D, E]).

• A. Rotate NPH vial, Inject 20 units of air into NPH vial, Withdraw regular insulin, Inject 2 units of air into regular insulin vial, Withdraw 20 units of NPH.
• B. Rotate NPH vial, Inject 20 units of air into NPH vial, Withdraw regular insulin, Inject 2 units of air into regular insulin vial, Withdraw 20 units of NPH.
• C. Rotate NPH vial, Inject 20 units of air into NPH vial, Inject 2 units of air into regular insulin vial, Withdraw regular insulin, Withdraw 20 units of NPH.
• D. Rotate NPH vial, Inject 20 units of air into NPH vial, Withdraw 20 units of NPH, Inject 2 units of air into regular insulin vial, Withdraw regular insulin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct order to prepare NPH 20 units and regular insulin 2 units using the same syringe is to start by rotating the NPH vial, then injecting 20 units of air into the NPH vial. Next, inject 2 units of air into the regular insulin vial, followed by withdrawing the regular insulin. Finally, withdraw 20 units of NPH. This sequence ensures proper mixing and preparation of the insulin doses. Choices A, B, and D have incorrect sequences that may lead to incorrect dosages or inadequate mixing of the insulins.

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