Nursing Elites

1. A caregiver is learning about administering digoxin to a toddler. Which statement by the caregiver indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will mix the medication with a small amount of juice.
• B. I will give the medication with meals.
• C. I will give a second dose if my child vomits.
• D. I will give my child water after giving the medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement is D because giving the child water after administering digoxin helps ensure the medication is swallowed properly. Mixing the medication with juice (choice A) may affect its absorption. Giving the medication with meals (choice B) may interfere with its effectiveness. Administering a second dose if the child vomits (choice C) is not recommended as it may lead to an overdose.

2. A teacher states to the school nurse, 'I have a student who will often just stare at me for 15 seconds after asking a question; then the student blinks and asks me to repeat the question. Should I be concerned?' Which should the nurse include in the response to the teacher?

• A. The child has a crush on the teacher.
• B. The child has increased intracranial pressure.
• C. The child may have had a head injury.
• D. The child is experiencing absence seizures.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Staring spells that end abruptly and are followed by normal activity are indicative of absence seizures. In absence seizures, a child may exhibit staring spells, brief loss of awareness, and lack of responsiveness, which can last for a few seconds. Choice A is incorrect because the behavior described is not associated with having a crush. Choice B is incorrect as increased intracranial pressure usually presents with other symptoms. Choice C is less likely as a head injury would typically manifest with additional signs beyond just staring and blinking.

3. A 9-month-old infant who is not sitting independently has been diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy (CP). Which clinical manifestations would the nurse expect to see in the baby?

• A. Hypotonia and muscle instability
• B. Hypertonia and persistence of primitive reflexes
• C. Tremors and exaggerated posturing
• D. Hemiplegia and hypertonia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In ataxic cerebral palsy, the characteristic features include hypotonia (low muscle tone) and muscle instability. These manifestations contribute to the infant's difficulty in achieving independent sitting. Hypertonia (increased muscle tone) and persistence of primitive reflexes, as mentioned in option B, are more commonly associated with other types of cerebral palsy like spastic CP. Tremors and exaggerated posturing (option C) are not typical features of ataxic CP. Hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body) and hypertonia (increased muscle tone) mentioned in option D are more commonly seen in other types of cerebral palsy, such as spastic CP.

4. The nurse is reviewing the home medication list with the patient. The nurse recognizes that hydrochlorothiazide is used primarily for which condition?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Edema
• C. Diabetes insipidus
• D. Protection against postmenopausal osteoporosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide is primarily indicated for hypertension (HTN). Thiazides like hydrochlorothiazide are commonly the first-line treatment for hypertension. While hydrochlorothiazide can be used for edema, diabetes insipidus, and postmenopausal osteoporosis to some extent, its main use and efficacy lie in managing hypertension.

5. A patient taking isotretinoin (Accutane) for acne vulgaris. Which statement indicates that the patient teaching has been effective?

• A. I should use a reliable form of birth control.
• B. I will stop taking the drug if my skin is dry.
• C. It is important to increase intake of vitamin A.
• D. I do not need to use sunblock while taking Accutane.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Isotretinoin is highly teratogenic, which means it can cause birth defects. Therefore, it is crucial for patients, especially females of childbearing potential, to use effective forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. This is a key component of patient teaching to ensure the safe use of isotretinoin. Choice B is incorrect because discontinuing isotretinoin abruptly can lead to a flare-up of acne. Choice C is incorrect because increasing vitamin A intake can be harmful due to the risk of hypervitaminosis A. Choice D is incorrect because isotretinoin makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so sunblock is essential to prevent sunburn and skin damage.

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