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 in an acute mental health facility is experiencing withdrawal from Opioid use and has a new prescription for Clonidine. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as the priority?

• A. Administer the clonidine on the prescribed schedule.
• B. Provide ice chips at the client's bedside.
• C. Educate the client on the effects of clonidine.
• D. Obtain baseline vital signs.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the priority action for the nurse is to obtain baseline vital signs. This step is crucial in assessing the client's current physiological status and establishing a reference point for monitoring the effects of Clonidine. Administering the medication, providing ice chips, and educating the client are important tasks but assessing the client's vital signs takes precedence to ensure the client's safety and well-being during withdrawal management.

3. A client who has a new prescription for erythromycin is receiving teaching from a healthcare provider. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should take this medication with a full glass of water.
• B. I should avoid direct sunlight while taking this medication.
• C. I will take this medication on an empty stomach.
• D. I should take an antacid 30 minutes before taking this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Erythromycin should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water to increase absorption. Taking it with milk (choice A) or an antacid (choice D) can interfere with its absorption. Avoiding direct sunlight (choice B) is not directly related to the administration of erythromycin.

4. A client is prescribed Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include during discharge teaching?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Store the medication in a cool, dry place.
• C. Swallow the tablets whole.
• D. Take one tablet every 5 minutes up to three doses for chest pain.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a chest pain episode, the client should take one nitroglycerin tablet sublingually every 5 minutes up to a total of three doses. If chest pain persists after three doses, emergency medical attention should be sought. Nitroglycerin should not be swallowed but allowed to dissolve under the tongue for rapid absorption. Storing the medication in a cool, dry place helps maintain its effectiveness.

5. When educating a client who has a new prescription for Hydrochlorothiazide, which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication in the morning.
• B. You may need to increase your intake of potassium.
• C. This medication may cause drowsiness.
• D. Avoid consuming grapefruit.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement to include when educating a client with a new prescription for Hydrochlorothiazide is that they may need to increase their intake of potassium. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that can lead to potassium loss. Monitoring potassium levels and increasing potassium intake if necessary can help prevent complications associated with hypokalemia. Option A is not directly related to the medication's specific instructions. Option C is incorrect as Hydrochlorothiazide typically does not cause drowsiness. Option D is unrelated, as there is no interaction between Hydrochlorothiazide and grapefruit.

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