Nursing Elites

1. A patient is prescribed sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction. What key contraindication should the nurse review with the patient?

• A. Use of nitrates
• B. History of hypertension
• C. Use of antihypertensive medications
• D. Use of antihypertensive medications

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use of nitrates. Sildenafil (Viagra) is contraindicated in patients taking nitrates due to the risk of severe hypotension. Nitrates and sildenafil both cause vasodilation, so their combined use can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while a history of hypertension or use of antihypertensive medications may influence treatment decisions, they are not the key contraindication specifically related to sildenafil use.

2. During an acute asthma exacerbation, what is the priority nursing intervention for a client with asthma?

• A. Administer corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation.
• B. Position the client in high-Fowler's position.
• C. Administer short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) as prescribed.
• D. Obtain a peak flow reading to assess the severity of the exacerbation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention during an acute asthma exacerbation is to administer short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) as prescribed. SABAs help in quickly relieving bronchospasm and are considered the first-line treatment for acute exacerbations. Administering corticosteroids, positioning the client, and obtaining a peak flow reading are important interventions but come after administering SABAs in the management of acute asthma exacerbation.

3. A nurse is conducting an assessment on a client who presents with symptoms that are characteristic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). What assessment finding would be expected in this client?

• A. Reduced reflexes in all four limbs
• B. Decreased cognitive function
• C. Involuntary muscle contractions
• D. Hyperreflexia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyperreflexia. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), hyperreflexia is a common assessment finding due to the degeneration of upper motor neurons. This results in an overactive reflex response to stimuli. Reduced reflexes in all four limbs (choice A) are not typically seen in ALS; instead, hyperreflexia is more common. Decreased cognitive function (choice B) is not a primary characteristic of ALS. Involuntary muscle contractions (choice C) are more indicative of conditions such as dystonia or myoclonus, not ALS.

4. What part of the heart is responsible for starting the electrical impulse to conduct a heart rhythm and contraction of the atria and ventricles?

• A. The Purkinje fibers in the ventricles
• B. The right & left bundle branches
• C. The atrioventricular node
• D. The sinoatrial node in the atrium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The sinoatrial node (SA node) in the atrium is indeed responsible for initiating the electrical impulse that starts the heart's rhythm. The SA node is known as the heart's natural pacemaker. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while the Purkinje fibers, bundle branches, and atrioventricular node play crucial roles in the conduction of the electrical impulse throughout the heart, the SA node is specifically responsible for initiating this impulse.

5. During surgery, the anesthesia personnel notice the client is having a steady rise in end-tidal carbon dioxide level. At this time, the nurse anesthetist begins to assess the client for malignant hyperthermia. The initial (priority) assessment for this disorder may include:

• A. measuring serum potassium levels.
• B. monitoring for muscle rigidity.
• C. evaluating renal function.
• D. checking arterial blood gases.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: monitoring for muscle rigidity. Muscle rigidity is a hallmark sign of malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening condition triggered by certain anesthetics. Monitoring for this sign is critical in the early identification of the condition. Choices A, C, and D are not the initial priority assessments for malignant hyperthermia. Measuring serum potassium levels, evaluating renal function, and checking arterial blood gases are not specific initial assessments for malignant hyperthermia and would not aid in its early identification.

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