Nursing Elites

1. Following a stroke, a client has been started on clopidogrel (Plavix). Why is this medication being administered?

• A. To prevent stroke in high-risk patients, such as those with prosthetic heart valves
• B. To decrease blood pressure
• C. To increase heart rate
• D. To provide antiplatelet activity in patients who cannot tolerate aspirin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an antiplatelet medication that inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of blood clots. It is commonly used in patients who have had a stroke and cannot tolerate aspirin due to allergies or intolerances. Choosing clopidogrel in these cases helps prevent further clot formation and reduces the risk of recurrent strokes.

2. What is the primary action of warfarin as an anticoagulant?

• A. Prevents the formation of blood clots
• B. Dissolves existing blood clots
• C. Dilates coronary arteries
• D. Treats rhythm disturbances

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Prevents the formation of blood clots." Warfarin acts as an anticoagulant by inhibiting the synthesis of certain clotting factors in the liver. This action reduces the blood's ability to clot, making it effective in preventing the formation of blood clots. Choice B is incorrect because warfarin does not dissolve existing blood clots; it prevents their formation. Choice C is incorrect because warfarin's primary action is not to dilate coronary arteries. Choice D is incorrect as warfarin is not used to treat rhythm disturbances, but rather to prevent clot formation.

3. When reviewing facility policies for IV therapy with the team, a nurse manager should remind the team that which technique helps minimize the risk of catheter embolism?

• A. Performing hand hygiene before and after IV insertion
• B. Rotating IV sites at least every 72 hours
• C. Minimizing tourniquet time
• D. Avoiding reinserting the needle into an IV catheter

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Avoiding reinserting the needle into an IV catheter is crucial to minimizing the risk of catheter embolism. Reinserting the needle can lead to the severing of the catheter's end, potentially causing a catheter embolism, a serious complication. The other options, while important for IV therapy safety, are not directly related to preventing catheter embolism.

4. A client in a long-term care facility has Hypothyroidism and a new prescription for Levothyroxine. Which of the following dosage schedules should the nurse expect for this client?

• A. The client will start at a high dose, and the dose will be tapered as needed.
• B. The client will remain on the initial dosage during the course of treatment.
• C. The client's dosage will be adjusted daily based on blood levels.
• D. The client will start on a low dose, which will be gradually increased.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Levothyroxine should be initiated at a low dose and titrated gradually over several weeks to achieve therapeutic levels. This approach helps to minimize the risk of adverse effects, particularly in older adult clients who may be more sensitive to medication changes. Starting at a low dose allows for close monitoring of the client's response and adjustment of the dosage as needed to optimize treatment outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because starting at a high dose can increase the risk of adverse effects and is not the recommended approach. Choice B is incorrect because maintaining the initial dosage throughout the treatment may not achieve optimal therapeutic levels. Choice C is incorrect because adjusting the dosage daily based on blood levels is not the standard practice for initiating Levothyroxine treatment.

5. A healthcare provider is reviewing the health record of a client who asks about using Propranolol to treat hypertension. The provider should recognize which of the following conditions is a contraindication for taking propranolol?

• A. Asthma
• B. Glaucoma
• C. Hypertension
• D. Tachycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Asthma. Propranolol is a nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker that blocks both beta1 and beta2 receptors. Blockade of beta2 receptors in the lungs causes bronchoconstriction, making it contraindicated in clients with asthma. Using propranolol in asthma can exacerbate bronchoconstriction and potentially lead to respiratory distress or exacerbation of asthma symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Glaucoma, hypertension, and tachycardia are not contraindications for taking propranolol. In fact, propranolol is commonly used to treat hypertension and tachycardia.

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