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. A client has a new prescription for Omeprazole. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in teaching the client?

• A. Take the medication before meals.
• B. You may experience a rapid heart rate.
• C. Increase your intake of high-calcium foods.
• D. Expect your urine to turn orange.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement for the nurse to include when teaching a client prescribed Omeprazole is to take the medication before meals. Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, is most effective when taken before meals as it works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Choice B is incorrect because a rapid heart rate is not a common side effect of Omeprazole. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific requirement to increase intake of high-calcium foods with Omeprazole. Choice D is also incorrect as Omeprazole does not typically cause urine discoloration.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer Pamidronate to a client who has bone pain related to cancer. Which of the following precautions should the healthcare professional take when administering pamidronate?

• A. Inspect the IV site for redness and irritation when changing the intravenous patch.
• B. Assess the IV site for thrombophlebitis frequently during administration.
• C. Instruct the client to sit upright or stand for 30 min following intravenous administration.
• D. Watch for manifestations of anaphylaxis for 20 min after intramuscular administration.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pamidronate is administered through intravenous (IV) infusion. As this medication can be irritating to veins, the healthcare professional should carefully assess the IV site for thrombophlebitis during administration to prevent potential complications. Choice A is incorrect as Pamidronate is not administered via intradermal patch. Choice C is incorrect as it does not relate to the administration of Pamidronate. Choice D is incorrect as Pamidronate is not administered intramuscularly.

4. When administering Phenytoin, what should you monitor?

• A. Behavior
• B. Therapeutic blood levels
• C. For signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When administering Phenytoin, monitoring the patient's behavior is important to assess for any changes that may indicate adverse effects. Monitoring therapeutic blood levels helps ensure the medication is within the effective range and not causing toxicity. Additionally, being vigilant for signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe skin reaction associated with Phenytoin use, is crucial for early detection and intervention. Therefore, monitoring behavior, therapeutic blood levels, and for signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome are all essential when administering Phenytoin.

5. When educating a client starting a new prescription for metoprolol, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Check your pulse before taking the medication.
• B. Take the medication with food to increase absorption.
• C. Avoid sudden changes in position.
• D. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client starting metoprolol is to avoid sudden changes in position. Metoprolol can cause dizziness due to its blood pressure-lowering effects, increasing the risk of falls and injury. Instructing the client to change positions slowly helps prevent orthostatic hypotension and related adverse events. Checking the pulse before taking the medication (Choice A) is not typically necessary for metoprolol. Taking the medication with food (Choice B) is not required for absorption and can be taken with or without food. Monitoring blood pressure regularly (Choice D) is essential for clients taking metoprolol, but avoiding sudden changes in position is more critical to prevent dizziness and falls.

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