Nursing Elites

1. A client is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?

• A. Decreased heart rate
• B. Increased energy levels
• C. Weight loss
• D. Improved mental clarity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increased energy levels are a key indicator of the effectiveness of levothyroxine in treating hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine works to regulate thyroid hormone levels, which can lead to improved energy levels as the body's metabolism is restored. While the other options may also improve with treatment, increased energy levels directly reflect the correction of the thyroid hormone imbalance. Decreased heart rate can be an indicator of overmedication, weight loss can be attributed to increased metabolism but may not directly reflect the effectiveness of levothyroxine, and improved mental clarity is a more general cognitive improvement that may not directly relate to thyroid function.

2. A client is receiving discharge teaching for a new prescription of Fluoxetine for PTSD. Which of the following statements should be included in the teaching?

• A. You may experience a decreased desire for intimacy while taking this medication.
• B. You should take this medication in the evening to help promote sleep.
• C. You may experience fewer urinary adverse effects if you urinate just before taking this medication.
• D. You should wear sunglasses when outdoors due to the light sensitivity caused by this medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: One of the potential adverse effects of fluoxetine and other SSRIs is a decreased libido, which can impact intimacy. It is essential for the nurse to educate the client about this possible side effect to promote awareness and understanding of the medication's effects.

3. A client with Addison's disease is being admitted for a total hip arthroplasty. The client takes hydrocortisone for Addison's disease. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administering a supplemental dose of hydrocortisone
• B. Instructing the client about coughing and deep breathing
• C. Collecting additional information from the client about his history of Addison's disease
• D. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse's priority in this situation is to administer a supplemental dose of hydrocortisone. Clients with Addison's disease taking hydrocortisone are at risk of acute adrenal insufficiency during times of stress such as surgery. Administering supplemental doses of hydrocortisone helps prevent acute adrenal insufficiency (adrenal crisis) in these situations, making it the priority action to ensure the client's safety. Instructing the client about coughing and deep breathing is important postoperatively but not the priority at this time. Collecting additional information about the client's history of Addison's disease is important but not the priority action before surgery. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority in this situation.

4. A client has a prescription for Timolol eye drops for the treatment of glaucoma. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Apply gentle pressure to the nasolacrimal duct for 30 to 60 seconds after application.
• B. Avoid blinking immediately after instilling the drops.
• C. Keep your eyes closed for 5 minutes after application.
• D. Administer the drops directly onto the cornea.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include is to apply gentle pressure to the nasolacrimal duct for 30 to 60 seconds after application. This technique helps prevent systemic absorption of the medication, reducing the risk of systemic side effects. By applying pressure, the drainage of the medication into the bloodstream through the nasolacrimal duct is minimized, enhancing the drug's local ocular effects. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because blinking immediately after instilling the drops, keeping eyes closed for 5 minutes, and administering the drops directly onto the cornea are not recommended practices for administering Timolol eye drops.

5. Hydrochlorothiazide is classified as a

• A. Anti-inflammatory
• B. Antiarrhythmic
• C. Diuretic
• D. Antifungal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide is classified as a diuretic. Diuretics are medications that help the body get rid of excess salt and water by increasing urine production, reducing fluid retention, and lowering blood pressure. Option A, Anti-inflammatory, is incorrect because hydrochlorothiazide does not primarily reduce inflammation. Option B, Antiarrhythmic, is incorrect because hydrochlorothiazide is not used to correct heart rhythm irregularities. Option D, Antifungal, is incorrect because hydrochlorothiazide is not used to treat fungal infections.

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