Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is prescribed furosemide. Which of the following outcomes indicates that the medication is effective?

• A. Improvement in visual acuity
• B. Decreased respiratory rate
• C. Weight loss of 1.36 kg (3 lb) in 24 hours
• D. Increased urinary output

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Increased urinary output is the desired outcome when administering furosemide to a client with heart failure. Furosemide is a diuretic that promotes the excretion of excess fluids from the body, which helps in reducing fluid overload, a common symptom of heart failure. Choices A, B, and C are not directly related to the action of furosemide in treating heart failure. Visual acuity improvement, decreased respiratory rate, and rapid weight loss are not typical indicators of furosemide effectiveness in managing heart failure.

2. The nurse notes that a healthcare provider has prescribed a higher than normal dose of medication. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Administer the prescribed dose
• B. Ask another nurse to verify the dose
• C. Administer half of the dose
• D. Contact the healthcare provider to clarify the prescription

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a healthcare provider prescribes a dose that is higher than normal, it is crucial for the nurse to contact the provider to clarify the prescription. Administering the prescribed dose without clarification can lead to potential harm to the patient due to the elevated dosage. Asking another nurse to verify the dose may not provide the necessary clarification from the prescriber. Administering only half of the prescribed dose without consulting the healthcare provider is not the appropriate action, as the full rationale behind the higher dose needs to be understood before any administration.

3. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being cared for by a nurse. What is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation?

• A. Encourage the patient to use incentive spirometry.
• B. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed.
• C. Assist the patient with coughing and deep breathing exercises.
• D. Position the patient in a high Fowler's position.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation in COPD. Oxygen therapy helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood, which is crucial for managing COPD. Encouraging the use of incentive spirometry, assisting with coughing and deep breathing exercises, and positioning the patient in high Fowler's position are all beneficial interventions, but administering oxygen is the priority for immediate oxygenation support in COPD.

4. Which of the following is an adverse effect of Lithium Carbonate that requires client education?

• A. Increased risk of infection
• B. Gastrointestinal distress
• C. Increased white blood cell count
• D. Nausea and vomiting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Gastrointestinal distress. When taking Lithium Carbonate, clients may experience gastrointestinal distress as an adverse effect. It is crucial to educate clients about this potential side effect to help them manage it effectively. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased risk of infection (Choice A) is not a typical adverse effect of Lithium Carbonate. Similarly, increased white blood cell count (Choice C) is not associated with this medication's adverse effects. Nausea and vomiting (Choice D) are general side effects of many medications but are not specifically attributed to Lithium Carbonate.

5. Which nursing action will best help a patient with diabetes manage their condition?

• A. Monitor the patient's blood sugar levels regularly.
• B. Encourage the patient to follow a diabetic meal plan.
• C. Teach the patient how to administer insulin.
• D. Teach the patient about the complications of diabetes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Teach the patient how to administer insulin. This action is crucial in promoting self-management and control of diabetes. By educating the patient on administering insulin, they can actively participate in their treatment plan. Monitoring blood sugar levels (choice A) is important but doesn't empower the patient to take direct action. Encouraging a diabetic meal plan (choice B) is beneficial but may not directly address the need for insulin administration. Teaching about the complications of diabetes (choice D) is essential but may not be as immediately impactful as teaching insulin administration for day-to-day management.

Similar Questions