Nursing Elites

1. A client is taking Furosemide for heart failure. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor to assess for an adverse effect of this medication?

• A. Serum potassium.
• B. Serum calcium.
• C. Serum sodium.
• D. Serum magnesium.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic commonly used in heart failure, can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) as a side effect. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial to detect and prevent complications associated with low potassium levels, such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing the client's serum potassium levels regularly while on Furosemide. Serum calcium, sodium, and magnesium levels are not typically affected by Furosemide and are not the primary focus of monitoring for adverse effects of this medication.

2. A client has a new prescription for Verapamil to control hypertension. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Increase the amount of dietary fiber in the diet.
• B. Drink grapefruit juice daily to increase vitamin C intake.
• C. Decrease the amount of calcium in the diet.
• D. Withhold food for 1 hr after taking the medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Increasing dietary fiber intake is essential when taking Verapamil to prevent constipation, a common adverse effect of the medication. Dietary fiber can help maintain bowel regularity and alleviate constipation.

3. A patient with hypertension is taking an ACE inhibitor to lower blood pressure. What should the nurse advise the patient to avoid in their diet?

• A. Vinegar
• B. Apples
• C. Salt substitutes
• D. Tomatoes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patients taking ACE inhibitors should avoid salt substitutes as they often contain potassium, which can lead to hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is an elevated level of potassium in the blood that can be dangerous, especially for patients on ACE inhibitors. Vinegar, apples, and tomatoes do not pose a risk for patients taking ACE inhibitors. Therefore, the nurse should advise the patient to avoid salt substitutes to prevent potential complications.

4. A healthcare provider is caring for a client who is prescribed Digoxin. Which of the following laboratory values should the provider monitor to assess for potential toxicity?

• A. Sodium
• B. Potassium
• C. Magnesium
• D. Calcium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's potassium levels. Hypokalemia can increase the risk of Digoxin toxicity. Potassium levels should be closely monitored to prevent adverse effects. Monitoring sodium levels is not directly related to Digoxin toxicity. While magnesium and calcium are important electrolytes, potassium levels are more critical for Digoxin toxicity assessment.

5. A client has a new prescription for Metronidazole. Which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
• B. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• C. Increase your intake of green, leafy vegetables.
• D. Discontinue the medication if you experience a metallic taste.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed Metronidazole is to avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Metronidazole can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when combined with alcohol, resulting in severe nausea, vomiting, and other adverse effects. Therefore, it is crucial for clients to refrain from consuming alcohol during treatment to prevent these potential complications. Choice B is incorrect because Metronidazole can be taken with or without food. Choice C is irrelevant as there is no specific requirement to increase green, leafy vegetable intake with Metronidazole. Choice D is incorrect as a metallic taste is a known side effect of Metronidazole but does not necessarily indicate the need to discontinue the medication.

Similar Questions