Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a prescription for digoxin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take your pulse before taking the medication.
• B. Take the medication with an antacid.
• C. Double the dose if you miss one.
• D. Take the medication with a high-fiber meal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take your pulse before taking the medication.' When administering digoxin, it is crucial to monitor the pulse rate because digoxin can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate). Checking the pulse helps in assessing the heart rate before taking the medication, as bradycardia is a common side effect of digoxin. Choice B is incorrect because digoxin should not be taken with antacids, as they can reduce its absorption. Choice C is incorrect; the dose should never be doubled if a dose is missed. Choice D is incorrect because taking digoxin with a high-fiber meal can also affect its absorption. Therefore, the essential instruction for the client is to monitor the pulse before taking digoxin.

2. A client has a new diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and is being taught about dietary management. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. You should increase your intake of iodine-rich foods.
• B. You should avoid foods that contain iodine.
• C. You should increase your intake of dairy products.
• D. You should avoid foods that contain gluten.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In hyperthyroidism, it is advisable to avoid foods that contain iodine to help manage the condition and prevent complications. Excessive iodine intake can exacerbate hyperthyroidism symptoms by stimulating the thyroid gland. Therefore, the nurse should include information about avoiding iodine-rich foods in the client's dietary management teaching. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increasing intake of iodine-rich foods can worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms, increasing dairy products is not specific to managing hyperthyroidism, and avoiding gluten is more relevant for conditions like celiac disease, not hyperthyroidism.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing to insert an IV catheter for an older adult client. Which of the following actions should the professional take?

• A. Shave the hair at the insertion site.
• B. Insert the catheter at a 45-degree angle.
• C. Place the client’s arm in a dependent position.
• D. Use a tourniquet to dilate the veins.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing the client’s arm in a dependent position is the correct action when preparing to insert an IV catheter in an older adult client. This position helps dilate the veins naturally by using gravity, making it easier to locate and access suitable veins for the IV catheter insertion. By positioning the arm in a dependent position, the healthcare professional can take advantage of gravity to increase venous distention, aiding in successful IV catheter insertion.

4. A client with dysphagia and at risk for aspiration needs care planning. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Encourage the client to drink thickened liquids.
• B. Instruct the client to swallow with chin tucked.
• C. Provide the client with a cup with a lid.
• D. Place the client in Fowler's position for meals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Placing the client in Fowler's position is crucial in preventing aspiration as it helps maintain an open airway and reduces the risk of food or liquid entering the lungs during swallowing. This position promotes safer swallowing and minimizes the chances of aspiration pneumonia. Choices A, B, and C are less effective interventions for preventing aspiration. Encouraging the client to drink thickened liquids may help, but the position is more critical. Instructing the client to swallow with chin tucked is beneficial for some individuals but not as effective as positioning. Providing a cup with a lid does not directly address the risk of aspiration associated with dysphagia.

5. When admitting a client at risk for falls in a long-term care facility, what should the nurse do first?

• A. Complete a fall-risk assessment
• B. Place a fall-risk identification bracelet on the client
• C. Provide the client with nonskid footwear
• D. Set the bed to the lowest position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The initial step in caring for a client at risk for falls is to conduct a fall-risk assessment. This assessment helps the nurse gather crucial data to identify specific risks and individualized needs, guiding subsequent interventions and preventive measures. By completing a thorough assessment, the nurse can develop a targeted plan of care to mitigate fall risk and ensure the client's safety. Placing a fall-risk identification bracelet, providing nonskid footwear, or setting the bed to the lowest position may be important interventions, but these actions should be based on the findings of the fall-risk assessment, making choice A the priority.

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