Nursing Elites

1. A client with deep vein thrombosis has been on heparin continuous infusion for 5 days. The provider prescribes warfarin PO without discontinuing the heparin. The client asks the nurse why both anticoagulants are necessary. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. Warfarin takes several days to work, so the IV heparin will be used until the warfarin reaches a therapeutic level.
• B. I will call the provider to get a prescription for discontinuing the IV heparin today.
• C. Both heparin and warfarin work together to dissolve the clots.
• D. The IV heparin increases the effects of the warfarin and decreases the length of your hospital stay.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because warfarin takes several days to reach a therapeutic level and exert its full anticoagulant effect. During this time, the IV heparin is continued to prevent clotting until the warfarin is effective. Both medications are used together temporarily for this reason. Discontinuing heparin prematurely can increase the risk of clot formation. Therefore, the nurse should explain to the client that the IV heparin will be continued until the warfarin reaches a therapeutic level.

2. A client is receiving discharge instructions for a new prescription of Enoxaparin. Which of the following instructions should the provider include?

• A. Inject the medication into the muscle.
• B. Massage the injection site after administration.
• C. Rotate injection sites between the arms and thighs.
• D. Administer the medication in the abdomen.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer the medication in the abdomen. Enoxaparin is administered as a subcutaneous injection in the abdomen to prevent bleeding complications. Injecting into the muscle or massaging the site can increase the risk of bleeding. Rotating sites between the arms and thighs is not recommended for Enoxaparin administration due to variations in absorption rates. Therefore, the provider should instruct the client to administer Enoxaparin in the abdomen for optimal effectiveness and safety.

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

• A. Take this medication at bedtime.
• B. Remain upright for 30 minutes after taking the medication.
• C. Take this medication with food.
• D. Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to remain upright for 30 minutes after taking Alendronate. Alendronate can cause esophageal irritation and even ulceration if it remains in contact with the esophagus. By staying upright, the medication is more likely to pass through the esophagus and into the stomach, reducing the risk of irritation and complications. Choice A is incorrect because Alendronate should be taken in the morning, not at bedtime, and the client should remain upright after taking it. Choice C is incorrect because Alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach, usually in the morning, to enhance absorption. Choice D is incorrect because while calcium intake is important, it is not directly related to the administration of Alendronate.

4. A client has a new prescription for Brimonidine ophthalmic drops and wears soft contact lenses. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. This medication can stain your contacts.
• B. This medication can cause your pupils to constrict.
• C. This medication can absorb into your contacts.
• D. This medication can slow your heart rate.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is that Brimonidine can absorb into soft contact lenses. To prevent this, the client should remove the contacts, instill the medication, and wait at least 15 minutes before putting the contacts back in to avoid any potential absorption of the medication into the lenses. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because Brimonidine is not known to stain contacts, cause pupil constriction, or slow heart rate.

5. What is the pharmacological action of metformin?

• A. Blocks stimulation of beta1 and beta2.
• B. Blocks vasoconstriction and aldosterone.
• C. Acts at many levels in the CNS to produce an anxiolytic effect.
• D. Decreases hepatic glucose production.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreases hepatic glucose production. Metformin's primary pharmacological action is to decrease hepatic glucose production, leading to lower blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity in the liver. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because metformin does not block stimulation of beta1 and beta2 receptors, vasoconstriction, aldosterone, or act in the CNS to produce an anxiolytic effect. Therefore, these options are not reflective of metformin's mechanism of action.

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