Nursing Elites

1. A client with heart failure is receiving instructions about laxative use. The client should be advised to avoid which of the following laxatives?

• A. Sodium phosphate
• B. Psyllium
• C. Bisacodyl
• D. Polyethylene glycol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clients with heart failure often have sodium restrictions. Sodium phosphate can lead to fluid retention due to sodium absorption, which is harmful for individuals with heart failure. Therefore, it should be avoided in this population to prevent exacerbating fluid overload. Psyllium, Bisacodyl, and Polyethylene glycol are safer options for individuals with heart failure as they do not pose the risk of exacerbating fluid overload through sodium retention.

2. When starting Alfuzosin for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, a nurse is providing teaching to a client. The nurse should instruct the client that which of the following is an adverse effect of this medication?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Edema
• C. Hypotension
• D. Tremor

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct adverse effect of Alfuzosin is hypotension. Alfuzosin relaxes muscle tone in veins, leading to decreased cardiac output and subsequent hypotension. Patients on this medication should be advised to change positions slowly to prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure. Choice A, Bradycardia, is not a common adverse effect of Alfuzosin. Choice B, Edema, is not typically associated with Alfuzosin use. Choice D, Tremor, is also not a common adverse effect of Alfuzosin.

3. A client has a new prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take one tablet at the first sign of chest pain.
• B. If pain is not relieved, take another tablet in 10 minutes.
• C. You can take up to five tablets in 15 minutes.
• D. Swallow the tablet with water.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with a new prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets is to take one tablet at the first sign of chest pain. If the pain persists after 5 minutes, the client should call 911 and take a second tablet. Choice A is correct because taking one tablet at the onset of chest pain helps to relieve symptoms by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart. Choices B and C are incorrect as they suggest taking multiple tablets without waiting for the initial dose to take effect, which can lead to hypotension and other adverse effects. Choice D is incorrect as nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be swallowed but instead placed under the tongue for rapid absorption.

4. In an acute mental health facility, a patient experiencing opioid withdrawal has a new prescription for Clonidine. What action should the nurse identify as the priority?

• A. Administer the Clonidine as prescribed.
• B. Provide ice chips to the patient.
• C. Educate the patient on Clonidine's effects.
• D. Obtain baseline vital signs.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the priority action for the nurse is to obtain baseline vital signs. This is essential for establishing a baseline assessment, especially for a patient undergoing opioid withdrawal and starting a new medication like Clonidine. Monitoring vital signs is crucial for evaluating the patient's response to treatment and detecting any potential complications early on. Administering the medication, providing ice chips, and educating the patient on Clonidine's effects are important tasks but obtaining baseline vital signs takes precedence to ensure the patient's safety and proper management.

5. A client who has been taking prednisone to treat asthma is advised to discontinue the medication. The client should be instructed to reduce the dose gradually to prevent which of the following adverse effects?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Adrenocortical insufficiency
• C. Severe dehydration
• D. Rebound pulmonary congestion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Abruptly stopping prednisone can result in adrenocortical insufficiency due to suppression of the adrenal glands. Gradually tapering the dose helps the body adjust and resume its natural cortisol production, preventing adrenal insufficiency. Choice A, hyperglycemia, is a possible adverse effect of prednisone, but it is not the primary reason for gradual tapering. Severe dehydration (Choice C) and rebound pulmonary congestion (Choice D) are not typically associated with discontinuing prednisone.

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