Nursing Elites

1. Methotrexate is prescribed for a client with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who is also taking aspirin. What is the best explanation for the nurse to provide as to why a second medication has been added?

• A. Methotrexate slows the disease progression while aspirin controls the symptoms.
• B. Methotrexate helps to reduce the side effects of aspirin.
• C. Methotrexate has fewer harmful side effects than aspirin.
• D. Methotrexate enhances the effect of aspirin.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that slows the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while aspirin helps control symptoms such as pain and inflammation. Therefore, the combination of methotrexate and aspirin is beneficial in managing RA by addressing both disease progression and symptom control. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because methotrexate is not added to reduce the side effects of aspirin, has different side effects compared to aspirin, and does not enhance the effect of aspirin.

2. How should the nurse record the observation of a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy rising from the floor by walking up the thighs with the hands?

• A. Hand assistance
• B. Leg crawling
• C. Gowers sign
• D. Bright sign

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct term for a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy rising from the floor by walking up the thighs with the hands is known as the Gowers sign. This maneuver is characteristic of Duchenne muscular dystrophy due to proximal muscle weakness. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically describe the action of walking up the thighs with the hands, which is a distinctive feature of the Gowers sign.

3. A male client with heart failure calls the clinic and reports that he cannot put his shoes on because they are too tight. Which additional information should the nurse obtain?

• A. What time he took his medication?
• B. Has his weight changed in the last several days?
• C. Is he still able to tighten his belt buckle?
• D. How many hours he slept last night?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Has his weight changed in the last several days?' Sudden weight gain can indicate fluid retention, which is a common symptom of worsening heart failure. The inability to put on tight shoes can be due to fluid retention leading to swelling in the feet and ankles. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address the potential fluid retention issue and are less relevant in this scenario.

4. Laboratory findings indicate that a client’s serum potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Administer potassium supplements orally.
• B. Increase the client's dietary potassium intake.
• C. Inform the healthcare provider of the need for potassium replacement.
• D. Monitor the client's ECG continuously.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is critically low, indicating severe hypokalemia. In this situation, it is essential for the nurse to inform the healthcare provider promptly about the need for potassium replacement. Administering potassium supplements orally or increasing dietary potassium intake is not appropriate in cases of critically low potassium levels as immediate and precise replacement is necessary. Monitoring the client's ECG continuously is important in severe cases of hypokalemia, but the priority action should be to inform the healthcare provider for further management and treatment.

5. The client with osteoporosis is being taught about dietary modifications by the nurse. Which food should the nurse recommend to increase calcium intake?

• A. Broccoli
• B. Chicken breast
• C. White bread
• D. Apple

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Broccoli is the correct answer as it is a good source of calcium, which is essential for clients with osteoporosis. Broccoli is a green leafy vegetable that provides a significant amount of calcium. Chicken breast, white bread, and apple do not contain as much calcium as broccoli and therefore are not the best choices to recommend for increasing calcium intake in clients with osteoporosis.

Similar Questions