Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is assessing the effectiveness of the drug amiodarone. Which client statement best indicates that the drug has been effective?

• A. I have not had as many spells of angina.
• B. I have not had as much swelling in my ankles lately.
• C. My doctor told me my cholesterol levels were improving with each visit.
• D. I do not notice as many irregular heartbeats as before I started taking this medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is option D. The effectiveness of amiodarone is best assessed by a reduction in irregular heartbeats since it is primarily used to treat ventricular dysrhythmias. This drug's main purpose is to control irregular heart rhythms, so a decrease in irregular heartbeats indicates its effectiveness. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because amiodarone is not primarily used to address angina, ankle swelling, or cholesterol levels, so improvements in these areas do not directly reflect the drug's effectiveness.

2. A client with a history of seizures is prescribed valproic acid. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?

• A. Liver toxicity
• B. Kidney stones
• C. Weight gain
• D. Pancreatitis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Valproic acid is known to cause liver toxicity as a potential adverse effect. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is crucial to detect any signs of liver damage early on and prevent serious complications. Kidney stones, weight gain, and pancreatitis are not typically associated with valproic acid use, making them incorrect choices in this scenario.

3. A client with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed saxagliptin. The nurse should include which instruction in the client's teaching plan?

• A. Report any signs of pancreatitis to the healthcare provider.
• B. Take this medication with meals.
• C. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
• D. Report any signs of heart failure to the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: When a client with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed saxagliptin, it is crucial to instruct them to report any signs of pancreatitis to the healthcare provider. Saxagliptin can lead to pancreatitis as a side effect, making it essential for clients to be vigilant about recognizing and reporting any related symptoms promptly for timely intervention and management. Choice B is incorrect because saxagliptin can be taken with or without meals. Choice C is not specifically associated with saxagliptin use. Choice D is incorrect as heart failure is not a common side effect of saxagliptin.

4. A client with a diagnosis of depression is prescribed escitalopram. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

• A. I should take this medication in the morning with food.
• B. This medication may take 1 to 4 weeks to notice improvement in symptoms.
• C. I can stop taking this medication once I feel better.
• D. This medication might make me feel drowsy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: It is crucial for clients to understand that they should not discontinue escitalopram abruptly, even if they start feeling better. Stopping the medication suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of depression. It is essential to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by the healthcare provider to ensure the best outcomes and prevent potential complications.

5. A client who is newly diagnosed with erosive esophagitis secondary to GERD experiences symptoms after taking lansoprazole PO for one full week. Which actions should the nurse take?

• A. Confirm that the client is taking the medication correctly
• B. Auscultate the client's bowel sounds and assess the apical pulse
• C. Advise the client that healing typically takes several weeks
• D. Notify the healthcare provider to consider a higher dose

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to advise the client that healing from erosive esophagitis typically takes several weeks. Providing this information helps manage the client's expectations and anxiety about treatment effectiveness. It is not necessary to confirm medication timing, assess bowel sounds, or measure the apical pulse at this point. Since symptoms persist after one week of lansoprazole, it may not be appropriate to immediately escalate to a higher dose without further assessment or guidance from the healthcare provider. Auscultating bowel sounds and assessing the apical pulse are not relevant to the client's symptoms related to erosive esophagitis and GERD.

Similar Questions