Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has end-stage osteoporosis and is reporting severe pain. The client’s respiratory rate is 14 per minute. Which of the following medications should the nurse prioritize administering?

• A. Promethazine
• B. Hydromorphone
• C. Ketorolac
• D. Amitriptyline

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hydromorphone, an opioid, is the most appropriate option for managing severe pain in this context. Opioids provide fast-acting relief for acute pain associated with advanced osteoporosis. Promethazine (Choice A) is an antihistamine and not indicated for pain relief. Ketorolac (Choice C) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may increase the risk of bleeding and is not recommended for severe pain management. Amitriptyline (Choice D) is a tricyclic antidepressant that is not the first-line treatment for severe acute pain.

2. A nurse is providing education on the use of calcium carbonate. Which of the following should be included?

• A. It can cause hypocalcemia
• B. Monitor for constipation
• C. It can be taken anytime
• D. It is a prescription medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor for constipation.' Calcium carbonate can cause constipation as a side effect. Educating clients on dietary adjustments, such as increasing fluid intake and fiber consumption, can help alleviate this issue. Choice A is incorrect because calcium carbonate supplementation is used to treat hypocalcemia, not cause it. Choice C is incorrect because calcium carbonate should be taken with food for optimal absorption. Choice D is incorrect because calcium carbonate is available over the counter, not as a prescription medication.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client who is NPO and has an NG tube for suction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Mix medications with enteral feedings.
• B. Clamp the NG tube for 30 minutes after medication administration.
• C. Insert medications directly into the NG tube without dilution.
• D. Connect the NG tube to continuous suction after medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when administering medications to a client with an NG tube for suction who is NPO is to clamp the NG tube for 30 minutes after medication administration. This is done to allow for proper absorption of the medications before resuming suction. Choice A is incorrect because medications should not be mixed with enteral feedings as it may affect the drug's effectiveness. Choice C is incorrect as medications should not be inserted directly into the NG tube without dilution, as this can cause clogging or affect the tube. Choice D is incorrect because connecting the NG tube to continuous suction after medication administration can interfere with the absorption of the medications.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a dose of hydrocodone. Which of the following should the healthcare professional assess first?

• A. Respiratory rate
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Pain level
• D. Heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When administering hydrocodone, a healthcare professional should assess the respiratory rate first because hydrocodone is an opioid that can lead to respiratory depression. Monitoring the respiratory rate helps to detect any signs of respiratory distress or depression early on. Assessing blood pressure, pain level, or heart rate is also important but not the priority when administering hydrocodone, as the risk of respiratory depression is a more critical concern.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of iron supplement. Which of the following should the nurse do?

• A. Give it with milk
• B. Administer it on an empty stomach
• C. Check blood pressure
• D. Monitor for allergic reactions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer it on an empty stomach. Iron supplements are best absorbed on an empty stomach to enhance their absorption. It is important to avoid giving them with milk or dairy products as these can inhibit iron absorption. Checking blood pressure and monitoring for allergic reactions are not directly related to the administration of iron supplements and are not the primary considerations in this case.

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