Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare professional is preparing to administer 10 mL of liquid potassium chloride through a feeding tube, followed by 10 mL of liquid acetaminophen. Which action should the healthcare professional include in this procedure?

• A. Dilute each of the medications with sterile water prior to administration.
• B. Mix the medications in one syringe before opening the feeding tube.
• C. Administer water between the doses of the two liquid medications.
• D. Withdraw any fluid from the tube before instilling each medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To maintain patency and ensure proper medication delivery, water should be instilled into the feeding tube between administering the two medications. This helps prevent clogging of the tube and ensures that both medications are delivered effectively without interference from remnants of the previous medication. Diluting the medications with sterile water before administration (choice A) is unnecessary and may alter the medication concentration. Mixing the medications in one syringe (choice B) could lead to interactions or chemical reactions between the medications. Withdrawing fluid from the tube before instilling each medication (choice D) is not required and may increase the risk of tube displacement or misplacement.

2. An elderly patient has been living in a nursing home for several years. The nursing staff has begun to notice a change in her behavior. All of the following are symptoms of depression except:

• A. Changes in sleep patterns
• B. Changes in eating patterns with weight loss
• C. Excessive fatigue and increased concern with bodily functions
• D. Hyperorality

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hyperorality is not typically a symptom of depression. Symptoms of depression often include changes in sleep patterns, eating patterns with weight loss, and excessive fatigue. Hyperorality, which refers to the tendency to examine, chew, or ingest non-nutritive substances, is not a common symptom associated with depression.

3. A client with a diagnosis of anemia is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen). Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?

• A. White blood cell count.
• B. Hemoglobin and hematocrit.
• C. Platelet count.
• D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To evaluate the effectiveness of epoetin alfa (Epogen) in treating anemia, the nurse should monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. These values indicate the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, which directly relates to the treatment of anemia. White blood cell count (A), platelet count (C), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (D) are not specific indicators of the effectiveness of epoetin alfa in treating anemia.

4. The patient had a CVA and developed right-sided hemiplegia. Which action is least appropriate for the nurse to take?

• A. Performing ROM exercises during bathing.
• B. Changing the patient's position every two hours.
• C. Suctioning the patient supine and tightly pulling the bed sheets across their feet.
• D. Placing the patient in the prone position for one hour three times a day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Suctioning the patient in a supine position and pulling the bed sheets tightly across their feet can lead to foot drop, which is harmful for a patient with right-sided hemiplegia. This action can exacerbate muscle weakness and impair circulation in the affected limb. It is crucial to avoid actions that may compromise the patient's safety and well-being, such as causing foot drop in this scenario.

5. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is experiencing chronic pain in both hands and wrists. Which information about the client is most important for the nurse to obtain when planning care?

• A. Amount of support provided by family members
• B. Measurement of pain using a scale of 0 to 10
• C. The ability to perform ADLs
• D. Nonverbal behaviors exhibited when pain occurs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assessing the client's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) is crucial in planning care for someone with chronic pain. Understanding the client's functional status helps the nurse tailor interventions to promote independence and enhance quality of life. It provides valuable insight into the impact of pain on daily activities and guides the development of a comprehensive care plan to address the client's specific needs. While family support, pain measurement, and nonverbal behaviors are important aspects to consider in caring for a client with chronic pain, the ability to perform ADLs directly reflects the client's independence and quality of life, making it the most crucial information to obtain.

Similar Questions