Nursing Elites

1. A client's plasma Lithium level is 2.1 mEq/L. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?

• A. Perform immediate gastric lavage.
• B. Prepare the client for hemodialysis.
• C. Administer an additional oral dose of lithium.
• D. Request a stat repeat of the laboratory test.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with a plasma lithium level of 2.1 mEq/L, immediate gastric lavage is appropriate for severe toxicity. Gastric lavage can help lower the client's lithium level by removing the unabsorbed lithium from the stomach.

2. When administering an Antiulcer Agent, you should be more cautious when administering it to:

• A. A healthy 27-year-old patient
• B. Patient with renal failure
• C. Elderly patients
• D. Choices B & C

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When administering an antiulcer agent, caution is warranted in patients with renal failure due to the potential impact on drug metabolism and excretion. Additionally, elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects from antiulcer agents due to age-related physiological changes. Therefore, it is important to be more cautious when administering antiulcer agents to patients with renal failure and elderly patients. Choice A, a healthy 27-year-old patient, would typically not require as much caution compared to patients with renal failure or elderly patients when administering antiulcer agents. Therefore, choices B & C are the correct options for increased caution.

3. A client has a new prescription for Lithium Carbonate. When teaching the client about ways to prevent Lithium toxicity, what advice should the nurse provide?

• A. Avoid using acetaminophen for headaches.
• B. Restrict intake of foods high in sodium.
• C. Decrease fluid intake to less than 1,500 mL daily.
• D. Limit aerobic activity in hot weather.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should advise the client to limit aerobic activity in hot weather to prevent sodium/water depletion, which can increase the risk for Lithium toxicity. Excessive sweating and fluid loss can lead to dehydration and changes in lithium levels, potentially resulting in toxicity. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Avoiding acetaminophen for headaches is not directly related to Lithium toxicity. Restricting sodium intake and decreasing fluid intake can lead to increased lithium levels and toxicity, so these are not recommended actions.

4. 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.

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

• A. Take this medication with meals.
• B. Avoid taking this medication with dairy products.
• C. Take this medication at bedtime.
• D. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Avoid taking this medication with dairy products.' Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with dairy products because calcium can interfere with the absorption of the medication. Instructing the client to take it 1 hour before or 2 hours after consuming dairy products will ensure optimal effectiveness of the medication. Choice A is incorrect because Ciprofloxacin is usually recommended to be taken on an empty stomach or with a full glass of water. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific requirement to take Ciprofloxacin at bedtime. Choice D is also incorrect as there is no need to increase intake of potassium-rich foods in relation to taking Ciprofloxacin.

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