Nursing Elites

1. A client has a new prescription for Sulfasalazine for the treatment of Crohn's disease. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Expect orange-yellow discoloration of urine and skin.
• B. Take the medication with food.
• C. Do not discontinue the medication if a sore throat occurs.
• D. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Expect orange-yellow discoloration of urine and skin.' Sulfasalazine can cause this harmless side effect, which does not require discontinuation of the medication. Option B is incorrect because Sulfasalazine is usually taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Option C is incorrect as a sore throat is not a common reason to stop the medication. Option D is not directly related to the side effects of Sulfasalazine.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer Spironolactone to a client. Which of the following laboratory results should the professional review before administering this medication?

• A. Serum potassium.
• B. Serum sodium.
• C. Serum chloride.
• D. Serum calcium.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When administering Spironolactone, it is essential to monitor the client's serum potassium levels because Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Monitoring potassium levels helps to detect hyperkalemia, a potential adverse effect of the medication.

3. A client with osteoporosis has a new prescription for alendronate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Take the medication with a meal.
• B. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
• C. Take the medication with a glass of juice.
• D. Take the medication with milk or food.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client taking alendronate is to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after administration. This is essential to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure the medication reaches the stomach properly. Remaining upright reduces the risk of side effects such as esophagitis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as alendronate should not be taken with a meal, juice, milk, or food to optimize its absorption and effectiveness.

4. A client is starting a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication at bedtime.
• B. Take the medication with food.
• C. Take the medication first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
• D. Take the medication with a full glass of milk.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for taking levothyroxine is to take the medication first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This timing is important for optimal absorption of the medication. Taking levothyroxine with food or at bedtime can interfere with its absorption. Milk and other foods, as well as certain medications, can reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine by interfering with its absorption, so it should be taken separately from these items. Therefore, the correct choice is to take the medication first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

5. A child is prescribed Amoxicillin 20 mg/kg/day PO to be administered every 12 hr. The child weighs 44 lb. The available medication is amoxicillin suspension 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL should be given per dose?

• A. 4 mL
• B. 5 mL
• C. 6 mL
• D. 3 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the dosage per administration: Convert the weight to kg (44 lb / 2.2 lb/kg = 20 kg). Then, (20 mg/kg/day x 20 kg) / 2 (for every 12 hr dosing) = 200 mg per dose. (200 mg / 250 mg) x 5 mL = 4 mL per dose. Therefore, the nurse should administer 4 mL of amoxicillin suspension per dose. Choice B, 5 mL, is incorrect because the calculation shows that 4 mL is the correct dose. Choices C and D are also incorrect as they are not in line with the calculated dosage based on the weight of the child and the concentration of the medication.

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