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. When should a blood sample be obtained for a peak serum level of gentamicin when administered by IV infusion for 1 hour at 0900?

• A. 1000
• B. 1030
• C. 1100
• D. 1130

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should obtain the blood sample for the peak serum level at 1030. This timing allows for 30 minutes to elapse after the completion of the 1-hour IV infusion, which is the recommended window for obtaining the peak serum level of gentamicin.

3. A client has a prescription for Timolol eye drops for the treatment of glaucoma. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Apply gentle pressure to the nasolacrimal duct for 30 to 60 seconds after application.
• B. Avoid blinking immediately after instilling the drops.
• C. Keep your eyes closed for 5 minutes after application.
• D. Administer the drops directly onto the cornea.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include is to apply gentle pressure to the nasolacrimal duct for 30 to 60 seconds after application. This technique helps prevent systemic absorption of the medication, reducing the risk of systemic side effects. By applying pressure, the drainage of the medication into the bloodstream through the nasolacrimal duct is minimized, enhancing the drug's local ocular effects. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because blinking immediately after instilling the drops, keeping eyes closed for 5 minutes, and administering the drops directly onto the cornea are not recommended practices for administering Timolol eye drops.

4. When a client is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide, what adverse effect should they monitor for as instructed by the nurse?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Ototoxicity
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hyponatremia is a critical adverse effect associated with hydrochlorothiazide use. This medication is a diuretic that can lead to excessive loss of sodium and water from the body, potentially causing low sodium levels and resulting in hyponatremia. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, such as confusion, headache, weakness, and muscle cramps, is essential to prevent serious complications. Ototoxicity (choice B) is not a common adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide. Hypoglycemia (choice C) and hyperkalemia (choice D) are also not typically associated with hydrochlorothiazide use.

5. A client has been prescribed Warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
• B. Take this medication with food to prevent nausea.
• C. Monitor your heart rate daily before taking the medication.
• D. Limit your fluid intake to 1 liter per day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching for a client prescribed Warfarin is to 'Avoid foods high in vitamin K.' Foods high in vitamin K can decrease the effectiveness of Warfarin by interfering with its anticoagulant effects, potentially leading to blood clotting issues. It is crucial for clients on Warfarin therapy to maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-containing foods to ensure the stability of the medication's effects. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because taking Warfarin with food, monitoring heart rate daily, or limiting fluid intake are not directly related to optimizing the effectiveness of Warfarin therapy.

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