Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is providing discharge instructions to a client with chronic heart failure. Which dietary recommendation is most appropriate?

• A. Increase fluid intake.
• B. Follow a low-sodium diet.
• C. Follow a high-protein diet.
• D. Increase sodium intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate dietary recommendation for a client with chronic heart failure is to follow a low-sodium diet. This helps manage the condition by reducing fluid retention and the workload on the heart. High fluid intake can lead to fluid overload and exacerbate heart failure symptoms. While protein is important for overall health, a high-protein diet is not specifically indicated for chronic heart failure. Increasing sodium intake is contraindicated in heart failure as it can worsen fluid retention and increase the workload on the heart.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder who has been prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac). What is the most important teaching point?

• A. Take the medication with or without food.
• B. Report any increase in suicidal thoughts.
• C. Avoid foods high in tyramine.
• D. Expect improvement within 24 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct teaching point is to instruct the client to report any increase in suicidal thoughts. This is crucial because SSRIs like fluoxetine can initially increase suicidal ideation, especially at the beginning of treatment. Choice A is corrected to emphasize that fluoxetine can be taken with or without food. Choice C is unrelated as it pertains more to MAOIs than SSRIs like fluoxetine. Choice D is inaccurate as antidepressants like fluoxetine may take weeks to show significant improvement in symptoms, not within 24 hours.

3. A nurse in a pediatric unit is preparing to administer medication to a child. What should the nurse do to ensure the correct dosage?

• A. Check the child's weight
• B. Verify the medication order with a pharmacist
• C. Consult the child's parents
• D. Double-check the dosage calculations with another nurse

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When administering medication to children, it is crucial to ensure the correct dosage to prevent dosing errors. Double-checking the dosage calculations with another nurse can help verify the accuracy of the prescribed dose, reducing the risk of medication errors. While checking the child's weight (Choice A) is important for dosage calculation, it alone may not ensure the correctness of the dosage. Verifying the medication order with a pharmacist (Choice B) is essential, but it may not directly address the accuracy of dosage calculations. Consulting the child's parents (Choice C) is not a standard practice for verifying medication dosages and should not be solely relied upon for ensuring the correct dosage.

4. A client with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is being treated with levothyroxine (Synthroid). What is the most important information for the nurse to provide?

• A. Take the medication at bedtime.
• B. Take the medication with food.
• C. Report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• D. Discontinue the medication if you feel well.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to provide to a client with hypothyroidism being treated with levothyroxine is to report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations or tremors, may indicate overtreatment or excessive dosing of levothyroxine. Prompt reporting of these symptoms is crucial to prevent serious complications. Choices A and B are not the most critical information related to levothyroxine administration. Instructing the client to take the medication at bedtime or with food can be important for adherence but is not as crucial as monitoring for signs of hyperthyroidism. Choice D is incorrect as discontinuing the medication if feeling well can lead to a relapse of hypothyroidism symptoms.

5. Which nonfood item is the most common cause of respiratory arrest in young children?

• A. Broken rattles
• B. Buttons
• C. Pacifiers
• D. Latex balloons

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Latex balloons. Latex balloons can pose a significant choking hazard to young children if inhaled, potentially leading to respiratory arrest. Broken rattles, buttons, and pacifiers are not typically known to cause respiratory arrest in young children. While these items can present choking hazards as well, the most common cause of respiratory arrest among young children is due to inhaling latex balloons.

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