Nursing Elites

1. An older adult client has a new prescription for Digoxin and takes multiple other medications. The nurse should recognize that concurrent use of which of the following medications places the client at risk for Digoxin toxicity?

• A. Phenytoin
• B. Verapamil
• C. Warfarin
• D. Aluminum hydroxide

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verapamil, a calcium-channel blocker, can increase digoxin levels, leading to toxicity. When given together, the digoxin dosage may need adjustment, and the nurse should closely monitor the client's digoxin levels to prevent toxicity symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and arrhythmias. The other choices, Phenytoin, Warfarin, and Aluminum hydroxide, do not significantly interact with Digoxin to cause toxicity. Phenytoin may reduce Digoxin levels, while Warfarin and Aluminum hydroxide have minimal interactions with Digoxin.

2. A client is being taught by a healthcare professional about preventing Otitis Externa. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare professional include?

• A. Clean the ear with a cotton-tipped swab daily
• B. Place earplugs in the ears when sleeping at night
• C. Use a cool water irrigation solution to remove earwax
• D. Tip the head to the side to remove water from the ears after showering

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To prevent Otitis Externa, it is important to remove water from the ears after showering or swimming. This helps reduce the risk of moisture buildup in the ear canal, which can lead to infection. Cleaning the ear with a cotton-tipped swab daily can actually increase the risk of injury or infection. Placing earplugs in the ears when sleeping at night may trap moisture and promote bacterial growth. Using a cool water irrigation solution to remove earwax is not recommended as it can disrupt the natural balance of the ear canal.

3. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who is receiving heparin therapy. Which of the following laboratory tests should the healthcare professional monitor to evaluate the therapeutic effect of heparin?

• A. PT/INR
• B. Platelet count
• C. aPTT
• D. WBC count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct test to monitor the therapeutic effect of heparin is the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Heparin's action is to prolong the clotting time, and aPTT reflects this effect. Monitoring aPTT helps ensure that the client is within the therapeutic range to prevent clot formation while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications. PT/INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy, platelet count assesses for potential thrombocytopenia, and WBC count evaluates for signs of infection or inflammation, not the therapeutic effect of heparin.

4. What should a patient avoid while taking Angiotensin-converting enzymes?

• A. Salt substitutes
• B. Foods high in potassium
• C. Foods high in sodium
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients taking Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors should avoid salt substitutes because they can contain potassium chloride, which may lead to hyperkalemia. It is important to restrict potassium-rich foods while on ACE inhibitors, but the primary concern with salt substitutes is their potassium content.

5. A client with asthma has a new prescription for inhaled beclomethasone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Check the pulse after using the inhaler.
• B. Take the medication with food.
• C. Rinse the mouth after using the inhaler.
• D. Reduce caffeine consumption.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Rinse the mouth after using the inhaler.' Rinsing the mouth after using inhaled beclomethasone is crucial to prevent fungal overgrowth in the mouth, a common side effect of corticosteroid inhalers. Checking the pulse after using the inhaler (Choice A) is not directly related to the use of beclomethasone. Taking the medication with food (Choice B) is not a specific instruction for inhaled beclomethasone. While reducing caffeine consumption (Choice D) can be beneficial for some health conditions, it is not a specific instruction related to using inhaled beclomethasone.

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