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. When teaching a client with a new prescription for Ipratropium, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. This medication can be used as a rescue inhaler.
• B. This medication should be taken before albuterol.
• C. Wait 5 minutes between medications if two inhaled medications are prescribed.
• D. Ipratropium can be used before exercise.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When two inhaled medications are prescribed, waiting 5 minutes between medications allows for optimal absorption and effectiveness of each medication. This ensures that each medication can work properly without interference from the other, improving the client's respiratory condition.

3. A client has a new prescription for Ondansetron for nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication one hour before chemotherapy.
• B. You may experience a headache while taking this medication.
• C. Increase your intake of potassium while taking this medication.
• D. This medication may cause temporary hearing loss.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement the nurse should include is that the client may experience a headache while taking Ondansetron. Headache is a common side effect of this medication, and clients need to be informed about this potential adverse reaction to enhance their understanding and management of side effects. The other statements are incorrect because Ondansetron is usually taken 30 minutes before chemotherapy, not one hour before (choice A). There is no specific need to increase potassium intake while taking Ondansetron (choice C), and temporary hearing loss is not a common side effect associated with this medication (choice D).

4. A client is being taught about taking Tetracycline to treat a GI infection caused by Helicobacter pylori. Which of the following statements should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the instructions?

• A. I will take this medication with 8 ounces of milk.
• B. I will inform my doctor if I experience diarrhea.
• C. I can discontinue this medication when I feel completely well.
• D. I can take this medication just before bedtime.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Diarrhea can indicate the development of a suprainfection, which can be serious. Therefore, it is essential for the client to notify the healthcare provider if they experience diarrhea while taking Tetracycline to treat a GI infection caused by Helicobacter pylori. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because taking Tetracycline with milk can reduce its absorption, discontinuing the medication prematurely can lead to treatment failure, and taking it just before bedtime may increase the risk of esophageal irritation due to the potential reflux of the medication.

5. In which patient could the drug Senna potentially be indicated?

• A. A patient with an eating disorder
• B. A patient who has not passed stool in 5 days
• C. A patient with anal fissures
• D. A patient with a history of hemorrhoids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Senna is a stimulant laxative commonly used to treat constipation by stimulating bowel movements. It is typically indicated for patients who have not passed stool in several days, thereby helping to relieve constipation. Patients with eating disorders may require different treatments related to their condition. Patients with anal fissures or a history of hemorrhoids may need treatments targeted at those specific issues, which may not involve Senna.

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