Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis and a new prescription for lactulose. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following therapeutic effects of this medication?

• A. Improved mental status.
• B. Increased urine output.
• C. Decreased serum ammonia.
• D. Decreased bilirubin levels.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased serum ammonia. Lactulose is prescribed to decrease serum ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. By reducing serum ammonia, lactulose helps improve the mental status of these clients. Therefore, monitoring for decreased serum ammonia is crucial to assess the effectiveness of lactulose therapy. Choice A (Improved mental status) is indirectly related as it is the desired outcome of decreasing ammonia levels. Choices B (Increased urine output) and D (Decreased bilirubin levels) are not directly associated with the therapeutic effects of lactulose in cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.

2. A client reports that the medication appears different than what they take at home. Which of the following responses should the nurse take?

• A. Did the healthcare provider discuss with you that there was a change in this medication?
• B. I recommend that you take this medication as prescribed.
• C. Do you know why this medication is being prescribed to you?
• D. I will call the pharmacist now to check on this medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Contacting the pharmacist is the most appropriate action to ensure the correct medication is being administered. This response addresses the client's concern directly and prioritizes patient safety. The other options do not directly address the issue of the medication discrepancy. Option A focuses on the healthcare provider's discussion, not the medication itself. Option B assumes that the current medication is correct without verification. Option C addresses the reason for the prescription but does not verify the medication's correctness.

3. A nurse is discussing group treatment and therapy with a client. The nurse should include which of the following as being a characteristic of a therapeutic group?

• A. The group is organized in an autocratic structure
• B. The group encourages members to focus on a particular issue
• C. The group must be led by a licensed psychiatrist
• D. The group encourages clients to form dependent relationships

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Therapeutic groups indeed encourage members to focus on particular issues. This focus helps individuals address specific concerns, work through challenges, and support one another in a structured setting. Choice A is incorrect because therapeutic groups typically promote a democratic structure that values input from all members rather than an autocratic one. Choice C is incorrect as therapeutic groups can be led by various mental health professionals, not solely by licensed psychiatrists. Choice D is incorrect; therapeutic groups aim to foster independent growth and self-reliance rather than promoting dependent relationships.

4. What is the appropriate intervention for a patient with hypertension refusing medication?

• A. Educate the patient on the importance of medication
• B. Respect the patient's decision
• C. Inform the healthcare provider
• D. Explore alternative treatment options

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Educate the patient on the importance of medication. Providing education to the patient is crucial in promoting understanding of the condition and the necessity of medication. By enhancing the patient's knowledge, healthcare providers can empower them to make informed decisions regarding their health. Choice B, respecting the patient's decision, may not be appropriate in this scenario as untreated hypertension can lead to serious complications. Choice C, informing the healthcare provider, is important but should be done after attempting to educate the patient. Choice D, exploring alternative treatment options, may be considered if the patient has concerns or side effects related to the medication, but initially, educating the patient about the importance of medication is key.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has severe hypertension and is receiving nitroprusside. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Administer oxygen and assess the client's response.
• B. Monitor blood pressure every 2 hours.
• C. Limit light exposure to the IV infusion.
• D. Attach an inline filter to the IV tubing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a client receiving nitroprusside for severe hypertension is to limit light exposure to the IV infusion. Nitroprusside is light-sensitive, and exposure to light can lead to degradation of the medication, reducing its effectiveness. Administering oxygen (Choice A) may be necessary for some clients but is not directly related to the administration of nitroprusside. Monitoring blood pressure every 2 hours (Choice B) is a general nursing intervention for clients with hypertension but does not specifically address the administration of nitroprusside. Attaching an inline filter to the IV tubing (Choice D) is not necessary to address the specific concern of light exposure related to nitroprusside administration.

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