Nursing Elites

1. A client is being educated about the use of levodopa-carbidopa (Sinemet) for Parkinson's disease. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I should avoid taking the medication with a high-protein meal.
• B. I may experience dizziness when getting up quickly.
• C. I might notice a darkening of my urine.
• D. I should report any uncontrolled movements to my healthcare provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Levodopa-carbidopa (Sinemet) should not be taken with a high-protein meal as protein can interfere with the absorption of the medication. It is recommended to take it on an empty stomach or with a light meal. Choices B, C, and D are accurate statements regarding potential side effects and actions to take while on levodopa-carbidopa therapy, indicating a good understanding by the client.

2. A nurse reinforces discharge instructions to a postoperative client who is taking warfarin sodium (Coumadin). Which statement, if made by the client, reflects the need for further teaching?

• A. I will take my pills every day at the same time.
• B. I will be certain to avoid alcohol consumption.
• C. I have already called my family to pick up a Medic-Alert bracelet.
• D. I will take Ecotrin (enteric-coated aspirin) for my headaches because it is coated.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ecotrin is an aspirin-containing product and should be avoided. Clients should avoid alcohol consumption, take prescribed medication at the same time each day, and use a Medic-Alert bracelet for emergency information.

3. The client has reinforced instructions for taking cholestyramine (Questran). Which statement indicates a need for further instructions?

• A. I will continue taking vitamin supplements.
• B. This medication will help lower my cholesterol.
• C. This medication should only be taken with water.
• D. A high-fiber diet is important while taking this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because cholestyramine should not only be taken with water. Flavored products or fruit juices can improve the taste. Choices A, B, and D are all correct statements. It is important for the client to continue taking vitamin supplements, understand that cholestyramine helps lower cholesterol, and maintain a high-fiber diet while taking this medication to enhance its effectiveness.

4. A client with hyperparathyroidism has a serum calcium level of 13 mg/dL. Which medication should be prepared to administer as prescribed to the client?

• A. Calcium chloride
• B. Calcium gluconate
• C. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
• D. Large doses of vitamin D

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The normal serum calcium level ranges from 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL. In hypercalcemia, as seen in this client, Calcitonin (Miacalcin) is used to decrease plasma calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption. Calcium gluconate and calcium chloride are typically used for hypocalcemia, not hypercalcemia. Large doses of vitamin D should be avoided in hypercalcemia as they can exacerbate hypercalcemia by increasing calcium absorption from the intestines.

5. A nurse preparing a client for surgery reviews the client's medication record. The client is to be nothing per mouth (NPO) after midnight. Which of the following medications, if noted on the client's record, should the nurse question?

• A. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
• B. Alendronate (Fosamax)
• C. Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
• D. Prednisone

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can cause adrenal atrophy, reducing the body's ability to withstand stress. During surgery, the dosage may need to be adjusted due to its impact on the body's stress response. Choices A, B, and C are not typically contraindicated before surgery and do not have the same potential impact on the body's stress response.

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