Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has been prescribed digoxin for heart failure. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with meals.
• B. Check your pulse before taking this medication.
• C. Take this medication with an antacid to reduce stomach upset.
• D. Increase your potassium intake while taking this medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Check your pulse before taking this medication.' When a patient is prescribed digoxin, it is crucial to monitor their pulse rate because digoxin can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a side effect. In contrast, choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking digoxin with meals is not necessary; it should be taken consistently at the same time every day. Taking digoxin with an antacid is not recommended as it can interfere with the absorption of the medication. While digoxin can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels), patients should not increase their potassium intake without healthcare provider guidance to avoid potential complications.

2. A client has a new prescription for metoprolol. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will take this medication with a glass of milk.
• B. I will take my pulse before taking this medication.
• C. I will stop taking this medication if I experience nausea.
• D. I will take an antacid with this medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Clients taking metoprolol should regularly check their pulse and should not take the medication if their pulse is too low. Option A is incorrect because metoprolol should not be taken with a glass of milk. Option C is incorrect because stopping medication abruptly can be harmful. Option D is incorrect because antacids should not be taken with metoprolol as they can decrease its absorption.

3. How should pain be assessed in a non-verbal patient?

• A. Observe facial expressions
• B. Use the Wong-Baker faces scale
• C. Assess heart rate
• D. Ask the patient to rate their pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Observing facial expressions is essential in assessing pain levels in non-verbal patients. Non-verbal cues, such as facial grimacing, furrowed brows, or clenched jaws, can provide valuable information about the patient's pain experience. Using the Wong-Baker faces scale or assessing heart rate may not be as effective in non-verbal patients as they are unable to communicate their pain through these methods. Asking the patient to rate their pain is also not suitable for non-verbal patients as they may not have the ability to verbally communicate their pain levels.

4. A client with acute diverticulitis should have which intervention included in the care plan?

• A. Administer a cleansing enema.
• B. Initiate a low-fiber diet.
• C. Apply moist heat to the abdomen.
• D. Provide a clear liquid diet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with acute diverticulitis is to initiate a low-fiber diet. A low-fiber diet helps manage acute diverticulitis by reducing irritation to the colon, allowing it to heal. Administering a cleansing enema (Choice A) can worsen diverticulitis by increasing pressure within the colon. Applying moist heat to the abdomen (Choice C) may provide comfort but does not address the underlying cause. Providing a clear liquid diet (Choice D) is not ideal for diverticulitis management as it lacks the necessary nutrients for healing and may not provide enough bulk to prevent further irritation.

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

• A. Take this medication at bedtime.
• B. You should expect your urine to turn orange while taking this medication.
• C. This medication can cause you to gain weight.
• D. Take this medication with food to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because taking metformin with food helps reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, a common side effect of the medication. Choice A is incorrect as metformin is usually taken with meals to minimize side effects. Choice B is incorrect because metformin does not typically cause urine discoloration. Choice C is incorrect as metformin is associated with weight loss or weight neutrality rather than weight gain.

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