Nursing Elites

1. A client has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Take the medication with food.
• C. Take the medication at bedtime.
• D. Take the medication with an antacid.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take the medication on an empty stomach.' Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure optimal absorption. Food, especially high-fiber foods, can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. Taking it with an antacid or at bedtime may also affect its absorption. Instructing the client to take the medication on an empty stomach will help maintain consistent blood levels of levothyroxine. Choice B is incorrect as taking levothyroxine with food can reduce its absorption. Choice C is incorrect because taking levothyroxine at bedtime may lead to inconsistent blood levels due to food intake during the day. Choice D is incorrect as antacids can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine.

2. The client with a diagnosis of heart failure is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor?

• A. Blood glucose
• B. Serum sodium
• C. Serum potassium
• D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serum potassium. When a client is receiving furosemide, a loop diuretic, it can lead to potassium loss. Monitoring the serum potassium levels is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Blood glucose (Choice A) is not directly impacted by furosemide. Serum sodium (Choice B) may be affected, but monitoring potassium is more critical due to the risk of arrhythmias. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (Choice D) is important for assessing kidney function but is not the most crucial value to monitor in a client taking furosemide.

3. A client with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) is prescribed simvastatin (Zocor). The nurse should teach the client about which potential side effect?

• A. Muscle pain
• B. Dry mouth
• C. Drowsiness
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Muscle pain is a common side effect of statins like simvastatin and can indicate a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a severe condition where muscle fibers break down rapidly, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. Therefore, it's important for the nurse to educate the client about this potential side effect and to promptly report any muscle pain to the healthcare provider. Dry mouth, drowsiness, and diarrhea are not commonly associated with simvastatin use and are less concerning compared to the risk of rhabdomyolysis.

4. A client has a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take the medication in the morning.
• B. Monitor for muscle weakness.
• C. Eat foods high in potassium.
• D. Expect weight gain.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement that the nurse should include in the teaching for a client prescribed furosemide is to eat foods high in potassium. Furosemide can lead to potassium depletion (hypokalemia) due to increased urine output. Consuming potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, spinach, and potatoes can help prevent this electrolyte imbalance. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because taking furosemide in the morning, monitoring for muscle weakness, and expecting weight gain are not directly related to the potential side effects or necessary dietary adjustments when taking furosemide.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has a new prescription for enalapril. Which of the following findings should the professional report to the provider?

• A. Frequent urination
• B. Dry cough
• C. Tremors
• D. Dizziness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dry cough. A dry cough is a common side effect of enalapril that can indicate the development of angioedema or potentially life-threatening angioedema. An onset of dry cough should be reported to the provider promptly as it may require discontinuation of the medication to prevent further complications. Frequent urination, tremors, and dizziness are not typically associated with enalapril use and are less likely to be of immediate concern compared to a dry cough in this context.

Similar Questions