Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is teaching a client who has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare provider include?

• A. Take this medication with meals.
• B. Take this medication at the same time every day.
• C. Report any chest pain to your healthcare provider immediately.
• D. Take an antacid if indigestion occurs.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed levothyroxine is to take the medication at the same time every day. This consistency is important for maintaining stable thyroid hormone levels. Choice A is incorrect because levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption. Choice C is important but not directly related to the administration of levothyroxine. Choice D is incorrect as antacids can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine.

2. Which lab value is critical for a patient on heparin therapy?

• A. Monitor aPTT
• B. Monitor INR
• C. Monitor platelet count
• D. Monitor sodium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor aPTT. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is crucial for patients on heparin therapy as it helps determine the clotting ability of the blood. By monitoring aPTT, healthcare providers can adjust the dosage of heparin to maintain therapeutic levels and prevent bleeding complications. Monitoring INR is more commonly associated with warfarin therapy, not heparin. Monitoring platelet count is important for assessing the risk of bleeding or clotting disorders but is not specific to heparin therapy. Monitoring sodium levels is not directly related to assessing the effectiveness or safety of heparin therapy.

3. What is the correct method to teach a patient about self-administration of insulin?

• A. Inject into the upper arm
• B. Rotate injection sites
• C. Use a 45-degree angle for injection
• D. Use a 90-degree angle for injection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct method to teach a patient about self-administration of insulin is to use a 90-degree angle for injection. This angle ensures proper subcutaneous administration of insulin, which is essential for effective absorption. Injecting into the upper arm (Choice A) is not recommended for insulin administration. While rotating injection sites (Choice B) is important to prevent lipodystrophy, the angle of injection is crucial for proper insulin delivery. Using a 45-degree angle (Choice C) is more suitable for intramuscular injections, not for subcutaneous insulin injections.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 hour postpartum. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Fundus firm and at the umbilicus.
• B. Heart rate 80/min.
• C. Blood pressure 130/78 mm Hg.
• D. A constant trickle of bright red blood from the vagina.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After childbirth, it is normal for the fundus to be firm and at the level of the umbilicus, heart rate to be around 80/min, and blood pressure to be slightly elevated. However, a constant trickle of bright red blood from the vagina is concerning as it could indicate postpartum hemorrhage. This finding should be reported promptly to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention. Choices A, B, and C are within expected postpartum parameters and do not indicate an immediate need for intervention.

5. A nurse is developing a care plan for a client who is receiving nitroprusside for severe hypertension. Which action should the nurse include?

• A. Administer calcium gluconate at the bedside.
• B. Monitor blood pressure every 2 hours.
• C. Limit light exposure to the infusion.
• D. Keep the client on NPO status.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should include in the care plan for a client receiving nitroprusside for severe hypertension is to limit light exposure to the infusion. Nitroprusside is light-sensitive, so it should be protected from light exposure to prevent degradation. Administering calcium gluconate at the bedside is not directly related to nitroprusside administration. Monitoring blood pressure every 2 hours is a good practice but is not specifically related to the administration of nitroprusside. Keeping the client on NPO status is not necessary solely based on receiving nitroprusside.

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