Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is starting to take carbidopa/levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. This medication can cause your urine to turn a dark color.
• B. Expect immediate relief after taking this medication.
• C. Take the medication with a high protein food.
• D. Skip a dose of the medication if you experience dizziness.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction to include in the teaching is that carbidopa/levodopa can cause the client's urine to turn a dark color, which is a harmless effect. It is crucial for the nurse to educate the client about this common side effect. Choice B is incorrect because immediate relief is not expected; therapeutic effects may take weeks to months. Choice C is incorrect as carbidopa/levodopa should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Choice D is incorrect as the client should not skip doses without consulting their healthcare provider, even if they experience dizziness.

2. What is the priority action for a patient with chest pain from acute coronary syndrome?

• A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
• B. Check the patient's cardiac enzymes
• C. Administer aspirin
• D. Obtain IV access

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer sublingual nitroglycerin. This medication helps dilate the blood vessels, reducing the workload of the heart and improving blood flow to the heart muscle, which is crucial in the management of acute coronary syndrome. Checking cardiac enzymes (choice B) is important for diagnosing a heart attack but is not the priority over providing immediate relief to the patient's chest pain. Administering aspirin (choice C) is also important in acute coronary syndrome to prevent further clot formation, but it is not the priority action for immediate pain relief. Obtaining IV access (choice D) is necessary for administering medications or fluids; however, in this scenario, providing sublingual nitroglycerin for prompt pain relief takes precedence.

3. What ECG changes are associated with hyperkalemia?

• A. Flattened T waves
• B. ST depression
• C. Prominent U waves
• D. Elevated ST segments

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hyperkalemia is known to cause ST depression on an ECG. Flattened T waves are more commonly seen in hypokalemia. Prominent U waves are associated with hypokalemia rather than hyperkalemia. Elevated ST segments are not typical findings in hyperkalemia.

4. What should be taught to a patient following cataract surgery?

• A. Avoid NSAIDs
• B. Wear dark glasses when outdoors
• C. Report green or yellow drainage immediately
• D. Itching is normal unless accompanied by pain and nausea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid NSAIDs after cataract surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. Choice B, wearing dark glasses when outdoors, is generally recommended after cataract surgery to protect the eyes from bright sunlight, but it is not the most critical instruction. Choice C, reporting green or yellow drainage immediately, is important to monitor for signs of infection, but it is not specific to cataract surgery. Choice D, itching is normal unless accompanied by pain and nausea, is not the most crucial advice post-cataract surgery. Therefore, the key instruction is to avoid NSAIDs to minimize bleeding risk.

5. What is an escharotomy and why is it performed?

• A. A surgical incision made to improve circulation in burn injuries
• B. A procedure to remove dead tissue from a wound
• C. A procedure to remove excess fluid from the lungs
• D. A procedure to relieve pain from burns

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An escharotomy is a surgical procedure involving an incision through the eschar (dead tissue) to relieve pressure in burn injuries. It is performed to improve circulation to the affected area, prevent further damage, and restore blood flow. Choice B is incorrect because an escharotomy is not primarily focused on removing dead tissue but rather on relieving pressure. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a procedure related to pulmonary issues, not burn injuries. Choice D is incorrect because while pain relief may be a result of an escharotomy, it is not the primary purpose of the procedure.

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