Nursing Elites

1. What is the initial action the nurse should take for a client who had a myocardial infarction (MI) and is experiencing restlessness, agitation, and an increased respiratory rate?

• A. Administer oxygen.
• B. Administer morphine sulfate.
• C. Notify the healthcare provider.
• D. Take the client's blood pressure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the priority action for a client experiencing restlessness, agitation, and an increased respiratory rate after a myocardial infarction (MI). This intervention helps ensure adequate oxygenation, improve cardiac function, and reduce the workload on the heart. Oxygen therapy takes precedence over administering medications like morphine sulfate or notifying the healthcare provider as it addresses the immediate need for oxygenation. Checking the blood pressure is also important but not as urgent as ensuring proper oxygen supply.

2. A client has a new prescription for digoxin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include during discharge teaching?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Monitor heart rate daily.
• C. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice.
• D. Increase intake of potassium-rich foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor heart rate daily.' When a client is prescribed digoxin, it is essential to monitor heart rate daily because digoxin can cause bradycardia, a condition characterized by a slow heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate regularly allows the client to promptly identify any signs of bradycardia and seek medical attention if needed. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because taking digoxin with food, avoiding grapefruit juice, and increasing potassium-rich foods are not specific instructions related to managing the side effects or monitoring parameters of digoxin therapy.

3. A client has a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Monitor for signs of hyperglycemia.
• C. Increase your fluid intake.
• D. Expect a sweet taste in your mouth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client starting metformin is to increase fluid intake. Metformin commonly causes gastrointestinal discomfort, and increasing fluid intake can help alleviate this side effect. Instructing the client to take the medication with food (Choice A) rather than on an empty stomach is recommended to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Monitoring for signs of hyperglycemia (Choice B) is not directly related to metformin but rather to low blood sugar. Expecting a sweet taste in the mouth (Choice D) is not a common side effect of metformin.

4. A client has a new prescription for isoniazid. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Avoid drinking alcohol.
• C. Take the medication with an antacid.
• D. Increase your intake of leafy green vegetables.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to avoid drinking alcohol. Isoniazid can cause liver damage, and alcohol consumption can increase this risk. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid alcohol while taking isoniazid to prevent potential liver complications. Choice A is incorrect because isoniazid is typically taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Choice C is incorrect because antacids can decrease the absorption of isoniazid. Choice D is incorrect as there is no specific recommendation to increase leafy green vegetable intake when taking isoniazid.

5. A client with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) is prescribed simvastatin (Zocor). The nurse should teach the client about which potential side effect?

• A. Muscle pain
• B. Dry mouth
• C. Drowsiness
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Muscle pain is a common side effect of statins like simvastatin and can indicate a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a severe condition where muscle fibers break down rapidly, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. Therefore, it's important for the nurse to educate the client about this potential side effect and to promptly report any muscle pain to the healthcare provider. Dry mouth, drowsiness, and diarrhea are not commonly associated with simvastatin use and are less concerning compared to the risk of rhabdomyolysis.

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