Nursing Elites

1. When teaching a client with a new prescription for Sulfasalazine, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Expect orange discoloration of urine and skin.
• B. Increase your intake of high-sodium foods.
• C. Take the medication with a full glass of milk.
• D. Expect your stools to be black and tarry.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction to include when teaching a client with a new prescription for Sulfasalazine is to expect orange discoloration of urine and skin. Sulfasalazine can cause this harmless side effect, which does not necessitate discontinuation of the medication. It is crucial for the nurse to educate the client about this expected outcome to prevent unnecessary concern or discontinuation of the medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing intake of high-sodium foods is not recommended with Sulfasalazine, as it can worsen certain side effects. Taking the medication with a full glass of milk is not necessary for Sulfasalazine administration. Expecting stools to be black and tarry is not an expected side effect of Sulfasalazine.

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

• A. Massage the injection site after administration.
• B. Aspirate before injecting the medication.
• C. Administer the medication into the abdomen.
• D. Administer the medication via intramuscular injection.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer the medication into the abdomen. Enoxaparin is a medication that is administered subcutaneously, typically in the abdomen to ensure proper absorption. Massaging the injection site should be avoided as it can lead to bruising or bleeding under the skin. Aspirating before injecting the medication is not necessary for subcutaneous injections like Enoxaparin. Administering the medication via intramuscular injection is incorrect as Enoxaparin should be given subcutaneously.

3. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking Lithium for Bipolar Disorder. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider immediately?

• A. Lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L
• B. Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
• C. Sodium level of 140 mEq/L
• D. Creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL should be reported to the provider immediately. While a lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L falls within the therapeutic range, a creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL could suggest early signs of kidney dysfunction, especially concerning in a client on long-term lithium therapy. It is crucial to monitor kidney function closely because lithium can be nephrotoxic over time. Elevated creatinine levels may indicate impaired kidney function and should prompt immediate reporting to the healthcare provider. Potassium and sodium levels within normal range are not immediate concerns when compared to potential kidney issues.

4. A client who has a new prescription for erythromycin is receiving teaching from a healthcare provider. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should take this medication with a full glass of water.
• B. I should avoid direct sunlight while taking this medication.
• C. I will take this medication on an empty stomach.
• D. I should take an antacid 30 minutes before taking this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Erythromycin should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water to increase absorption. Taking it with milk (choice A) or an antacid (choice D) can interfere with its absorption. Avoiding direct sunlight (choice B) is not directly related to the administration of erythromycin.

5. A client is taking Epoetin Alfa for anemia. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?

• A. White blood cell count
• B. Platelet count
• C. Hematocrit
• D. Serum potassium level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should monitor the hematocrit level to evaluate the effectiveness of Epoetin Alfa therapy since it stimulates red blood cell production. Hematocrit reflects the volume of red blood cells in the blood, providing a direct measure of the therapy's impact on increasing red blood cell mass and addressing anemia. Monitoring white blood cell count and platelet count is not directly related to assessing the effectiveness of Epoetin Alfa therapy for anemia. Serum potassium level monitoring may be necessary due to potential side effects of the medication, but it is not the primary indicator of therapy effectiveness in treating anemia.

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