Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with severe anemia. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Pale skin
• B. Increased heart rate
• C. Shortness of breath
• D. Fatigue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Shortness of breath is a critical sign in severe anemia as it indicates inadequate oxygenation, which can be life-threatening. Immediate intervention is necessary to address this condition. Pale skin (choice A) is a common finding in anemia but not as urgent as shortness of breath. Increased heart rate (choice B) is a compensatory mechanism in anemia to maintain oxygen delivery and is important but not as urgent as addressing inadequate oxygenation. Fatigue (choice D) is a common symptom in anemia but does not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation like shortness of breath does.

2. A client with rheumatoid arthritis has just been prescribed methotrexate. What teaching should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Report any signs of infection, such as a sore throat.
• C. Take folic acid supplements to prevent anemia.
• D. Use sunscreen to prevent photosensitivity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Use sunscreen to prevent photosensitivity.' Methotrexate increases photosensitivity, so clients should be advised to use sunscreen to protect their skin from sun exposure. Choice A is incorrect because methotrexate is usually taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Choice B may be important but is not specific to methotrexate therapy. Choice C is also important, but the primary reason for folic acid supplementation with methotrexate is to reduce the risk of certain side effects like anemia rather than preventing anemia itself.

3. The client is being taught about precautions with Coumadin therapy. The client should be instructed to avoid which over-the-counter medication?

• A. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• B. Cough medicines containing guaifenesin
• C. Histamine blockers
• D. Laxatives containing magnesium salts

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs can increase the risk of bleeding in clients taking Coumadin, which is an anticoagulant medication. Avoiding NSAIDs helps prevent potentially dangerous interactions with Coumadin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Cough medicines with guaifenesin, histamine blockers, and laxatives containing magnesium salts do not typically have significant interactions with Coumadin therapy. Therefore, they are not the over-the-counter medications that the client needs to avoid while on Coumadin.

4. After a lumbar puncture, a client reports a severe headache. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Administer a dose of acetaminophen.
• B. Elevate the head of the bed.
• C. Encourage the client to rest in a dark room.
• D. Administer caffeine to relieve the headache.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a lumbar puncture, a severe headache is often caused by cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Elevating the head of the bed or having the client lie flat can reduce cerebrospinal fluid pressure and alleviate the headache. These positions help prevent further fluid loss and relieve discomfort. While acetaminophen or caffeine may help in relieving the headache, changing the client's position is the priority to address the underlying cause. Resting in a dark room may be beneficial for headache relief but is not the priority intervention compared to adjusting the position to manage cerebrospinal fluid pressure.

5. A client with pneumonia is prescribed antibiotics. What is the most important teaching point for the nurse to provide?

• A. Instruct the client to rest as much as possible.
• B. Encourage increased fluid intake to thin secretions.
• C. Explain the importance of completing the entire course of antibiotics.
• D. Instruct the client to stop taking antibiotics once symptoms subside.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Antibiotics must be taken for the entire prescribed duration to ensure that the infection is completely eradicated. Stopping antibiotics early, even if symptoms improve, can lead to a recurrence of the infection or antibiotic resistance. Choice A is incorrect because though rest is important, completing the antibiotic course is crucial. Choice B is incorrect as while hydration is beneficial, completing the antibiotics is the priority. Choice D is incorrect as stopping antibiotics prematurely can have negative consequences.

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