Nursing Elites

1. A staff educator is reviewing medication dosages and factors that influence medication metabolism with a group of nurses at an in-service presentation. Which of the following factors should the educator include as a reason to administer lower medication dosages? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Increased renal secretion
• B. Increased medication-metabolizing enzymes
• C. Liver failure
• D. Peripheral vascular disease

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Liver failure impairs metabolism, leading to increased medication concentrations. When liver function is compromised, lower dosages are necessary to prevent adverse effects. Increased renal secretion is not a reason for lower medication dosages, as it primarily affects excretion rather than metabolism. Increased medication-metabolizing enzymes would usually require higher dosages to achieve the desired effect. Peripheral vascular disease does not directly impact medication metabolism or dosage requirements.

2. When administering Lithium to a patient, what is a life-threatening side effect?

• A. Erythema
• B. Pancreatitis
• C. Seizures
• D. Headache

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is being treated with Lithium, a life-threatening side effect to watch out for is seizures. Lithium can lower the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of seizures. Seizures are serious and necessitate prompt medical intervention to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Erythema, which is redness of the skin, is not a common life-threatening side effect of Lithium. Pancreatitis can be a side effect of Lithium, but it is not typically life-threatening. Headache is a common side effect of Lithium, but it is not considered life-threatening.

3. A client has a new prescription for Prednisone. Which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Increase your intake of vitamin D.
• B. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
• C. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
• D. Take this medication every other day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client is prescribed Prednisone, it is important to increase the intake of vitamin D to help mitigate the risk of bone loss associated with the medication. Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption, supporting bone health in individuals taking Prednisone.

4. What are the Therapeutic Effects of Lithium?

• A. Prevents or decreases the incidence of acute manic episodes
• B. Maintenance of blood glucose
• C. Control of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients
• D. Diminished seizure activity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The therapeutic effect of lithium is that it prevents or decreases the incidence of acute manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. Lithium is commonly used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of bipolar disorder due to its ability to reduce the frequency and severity of manic episodes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as lithium is not used for the maintenance of blood glucose, control of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients, or to diminish seizure activity. These effects are not associated with the use of lithium as a medication.

5. A client reports taking Aspirin four times daily for a sprained wrist. Which of the following prescribed medications taken by the client is contraindicated with aspirin?

• A. Digoxin
• B. Metformin
• C. Warfarin
• D. Nitroglycerin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, which can increase the effect of anticoagulants like warfarin, leading to an elevated risk of bleeding. Therefore, the concurrent use of aspirin and warfarin is generally contraindicated due to this potential interaction. Digoxin is not contraindicated with aspirin in most cases. Metformin and nitroglycerin do not have significant interactions with aspirin, making them less likely to be contraindicated in this scenario.

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