Nursing Elites

1. A client in a coronary care unit is being admitted after CPR post cardiac arrest. The client is receiving IV lidocaine at 2 mg/min. When the client asks the nurse why he is receiving that medication, the nurse should explain that it has which of the following actions?

• A. Prevents dysrhythmias
• B. Slows intestinal motility
• C. Dissolves blood clots
• D. Relieves pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lidocaine is administered to prevent dysrhythmias by delaying conduction in the heart and reducing the automaticity of heart tissue. This action helps stabilize the heart's electrical activity and prevent life-threatening arrhythmias post-cardiac arrest. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as lidocaine is not used for slowing intestinal motility, dissolving blood clots, or relieving pain in this context.

2. A patient is receiving spironolactone for heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperkalemia. Spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, can lead to hyperkalemia due to its mechanism of action. Hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium levels, can result in serious cardiac complications and requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, the nurse should promptly report any signs or symptoms of hyperkalemia to prevent potential adverse outcomes in the patient. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because spironolactone is not associated with hypernatremia, hyponatremia, or hypokalemia. Hyperkalemia is the critical finding that the nurse should report in a patient receiving spironolactone.

3. A client with cancer and a prescription for methotrexate PO reports bleeding gums while being assessed by a nurse in a provider's clinic. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Explain to the client that this is an expected adverse effect.
• B. Check the value of the client's current platelet count.
• C. Instruct the client to use an electric toothbrush.
• D. Have the client make an appointment to see the dentist.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client on methotrexate reports bleeding gums is to check the client's current platelet count. Bleeding gums may indicate thrombocytopenia, a decreased platelet count which can be a severe side effect of methotrexate therapy. Monitoring the platelet count is crucial for early detection and management of this potentially life-threatening complication. Choice A is incorrect as bleeding gums in this context may not be an expected adverse effect of methotrexate. Choice C is irrelevant and does not address the potential underlying issue of thrombocytopenia. Choice D is not the primary action needed at this point; checking the platelet count is more urgent to assess the severity of the situation.

4. A client has a prescription for Nitroglycerin, and a nurse is providing teaching. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take one tablet every 15 minutes until pain is relieved.
• B. Take one tablet every 5 minutes, up to three doses.
• C. Take one tablet at bedtime.
• D. Take one tablet on an empty stomach.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for taking Nitroglycerin is to take one tablet at the onset of chest pain, then repeat every 5 minutes for up to three doses. Option A is incorrect because taking a tablet every 15 minutes until pain is relieved may lead to delayed intervention. Option C is incorrect as taking Nitroglycerin at bedtime is not indicated for chest pain. Option D is incorrect as Nitroglycerin should be taken sublingually at the onset of chest pain, not on an empty stomach.

5. When administering digoxin (Lanoxin) to a patient, the healthcare provider observes various signs and symptoms of an overdose. Which of the following should the healthcare provider give to reverse digoxin toxicity?

• A. Naloxone
• B. Vitamin K
• C. Digibind
• D. Flumazenil

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Digibind, also known as Digoxin immune Fab, is the specific antidote used to treat digoxin toxicity. It works by binding to digoxin in the body, forming a complex that can be excreted by the kidneys, thereby reversing the toxic effects of digoxin overdose. Naloxone is used for opioid overdoses, not digoxin toxicity. Vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of warfarin overdose. Flumazenil is used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine overdose, not digoxin toxicity.

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