Nursing Elites

1. A young male client is admitted to rehabilitation following a right above-knee amputation (AKA) and reports aching in his right foot. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Encourage discussion about feelings of limb loss.
• B. Administer a prescription for gabapentin.
• C. Teach the client how to wrap the stump with an elastic bandage.
• D. Offer assistance to move to a quiet room to relax.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer a prescription for gabapentin. Gabapentin is used to treat phantom limb pain, which is common after amputations. Encouraging discussion about feelings of limb loss (choice A) is important for emotional support but does not address the physical pain. Teaching the client how to wrap the stump with an elastic bandage (choice C) is not indicated for aching in the 'right foot' as described. Offering assistance to move to a quiet room to relax (choice D) may provide comfort but does not address the underlying issue of phantom limb pain.

2. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What assessment finding suggests the medication dosage is too high?

• A. Increased sensitivity to cold.
• B. Increased heart rate and palpitations.
• C. Improved energy levels.
• D. Improved tolerance to heat.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased heart rate and palpitations. When a client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine, these symptoms may indicate that the dosage is too high, causing the client to develop hyperthyroidism. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased sensitivity to cold is a symptom of hypothyroidism, improved energy levels are an expected outcome of levothyroxine therapy for hypothyroidism, and improved tolerance to heat is not a common sign of levothyroxine overdose.

3. A client with a seizure disorder is prescribed phenytoin. What is the most important teaching the nurse should provide?

• A. Take phenytoin with antacids to reduce stomach upset.
• B. Maintain a consistent dosing schedule to prevent seizures.
• C. Monitor for excessive drowsiness and dizziness.
• D. Take the medication at bedtime to reduce seizure risk.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important teaching the nurse should provide to a client prescribed phenytoin is to maintain a consistent dosing schedule to prevent seizures. Phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug, and missing doses can increase the risk of seizures. Option A is incorrect because antacids can interact with phenytoin and reduce its absorption. Option C is important but not the most critical teaching as compared to maintaining a consistent dosing schedule. Option D is incorrect because the timing of phenytoin administration should be consistent rather than specifically at bedtime.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) who is receiving digoxin therapy. The client reports seeing halos around lights. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Assess the client's digoxin level
• B. Increase the client's fluid intake
• C. Check the client's blood pressure
• D. Administer a dose of potassium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Seeing halos around lights is a classic symptom of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should assess the client's digoxin level to determine if the dose needs to be adjusted or if the medication should be held. Increasing fluid intake or checking blood pressure would not directly address the symptom of halos around lights. Administering a dose of potassium is not indicated without knowing the digoxin level and could potentially worsen the toxicity.

5. A client is diagnosed with Meniere's disease. Which problem should the nurse identify as most important in the plan of care?

• A. Social isolation related to hearing loss
• B. Risk for injury related to vertigo
• C. Impaired verbal communication
• D. Impaired hearing related to ear disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vertigo is the primary symptom of Meniere's disease and can lead to falls and other injuries. Ensuring safety and addressing the risk of injury is the nurse's top priority. While social isolation and impaired hearing are significant concerns associated with Meniere's disease, the immediate danger of falls due to vertigo takes precedence in the plan of care. Impaired verbal communication, although important, is not as urgent as preventing injuries caused by vertigo.

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