Nursing Elites

1. How is the effectiveness of a diuretic in a patient with heart failure evaluated?

• A. Checking daily weights and lung sounds for improvement
• B. Assessing the patient's blood pressure and urine output
• C. Monitoring for weight loss and reduction in edema
• D. Measuring the patient's heart rate and lung sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to evaluate the effectiveness of a diuretic in a patient with heart failure is by checking daily weights and lung sounds for improvement. Daily weights help to assess fluid retention changes, while improvement in lung sounds indicates reduced pulmonary congestion. Assessing blood pressure and urine output (Choice B) is important but does not directly evaluate the effectiveness of the diuretic. Monitoring for weight loss and reduction in edema (Choice C) are valid indicators of diuretic effectiveness, but direct observation of daily weights and lung sounds is more specific. Measuring heart rate and lung sounds (Choice D) is relevant but does not directly assess the impact of the diuretic on fluid balance and pulmonary status.

2. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for clozapine. Which of the following findings indicates a contraindication to clozapine?

• A. Fasting blood glucose of 120 mg/dL
• B. Asthma
• C. Hypertension
• D. WBC count of 3,300/mm3

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A low WBC count (3,300/mm3) is a contraindication to clozapine because this medication can cause severe neutropenia. Neutropenia is a significant reduction in white blood cell count, increasing the risk of infections. Elevated fasting blood glucose, asthma, and hypertension are not direct contraindications to clozapine.

3. A patient with heart failure has gained 5 pounds in the last 3 days. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Restrict the patient's fluid intake.
• B. Monitor the patient's daily weight.
• C. Administer diuretics as prescribed.
• D. Increase the patient's salt intake to promote fluid balance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the patient's daily weight. In heart failure, sudden weight gain indicates fluid retention, which can worsen the condition. Monitoring daily weight helps in early detection of fluid accumulation, allowing timely intervention. Restricting fluid intake (choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority at this point. Administering diuretics (choice C) should be done based on healthcare provider orders, not the nurse's independent decision. Increasing salt intake (choice D) is contraindicated in heart failure as it can exacerbate fluid retention.

4. When caring for a patient with a colostomy, which nursing action is most important?

• A. Monitor the colostomy for signs of infection.
• B. Empty the colostomy bag when it is half full.
• C. Encourage the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• D. Apply a skin barrier to prevent irritation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Emptying the colostomy bag when it is half full is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a colostomy. This practice helps prevent leakage, reduces the risk of skin irritation, and promotes patient comfort. Monitoring for signs of infection (Choice A) is essential but not as crucial as maintaining proper colostomy care. Encouraging the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals (Choice C) can be beneficial for colostomy patients but is not as critical as ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag. Applying a skin barrier to prevent irritation (Choice D) is important, but ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag takes precedence in preventing complications associated with a colostomy.

5. A nurse is preparing medications for a client via nasogastric tube. What should the nurse do before administering the medications?

• A. Flush the tube with water and administer all medications at once
• B. Administer medications one after the other without flushing
• C. Crush all medications and mix them together for administration
• D. Administer medications in liquid form only

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before administering medications through a nasogastric tube, the nurse should administer them one after the other without flushing. Flushing the tube with water should be done before and after each medication to prevent any interactions and ensure each medication is delivered effectively. The correct answer is not to administer all medications at once (choice A) as this can lead to potential drug interactions. Crushing all medications and mixing them together (choice C) is incorrect as each medication should be given separately to maintain their individual efficacy. Administering medications in liquid form only (choice D) is limiting and may not be suitable for all types of medications that need to be administered.

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