Nursing Elites

1. While taking trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ), a client should be instructed to report which symptom if it develops during the course of this medication therapy?

• A. Nausea
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Headache
• D. Sore throat

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clients prescribed trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) should be educated about potential blood disorders associated with the medication. Early signs of these disorders include symptoms like sore throat, fever, and pallor. If the client experiences any of these symptoms, they should promptly notify their healthcare provider. Nausea, diarrhea, and headache are common side effects of TMP-SMZ that usually do not require immediate medical attention.

2. A client with angina pectoris is experiencing chest pain that radiates down the left arm. The nurse administers a sublingual nitroglycerin tablet to the client. The client's pain is unrelieved, and the nurse determines that the client needs another nitroglycerin tablet. Which of the following vital signs is most important for the nurse to check before administering the medication?

• A. Temperature
• B. Respirations
• C. Blood pressure
• D. Radial pulse rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is checking the client's blood pressure (C) before administering another nitroglycerin tablet. Nitroglycerin can cause hypotension, and monitoring blood pressure is crucial to prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when giving another dose of nitroglycerin.

3. A nurse is providing instructions to an adolescent who has a history of seizures and is taking an anticonvulsant medication. Which of the following statements indicates that the client understands the instructions?

• A. I will never be able to drive a car.
• B. My anticonvulsant medication will clear up my skin.
• C. I can't drink alcohol while I am taking my medication.
• D. If I forget my morning medication, I can take two pills at bedtime.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'I can't drink alcohol while I am taking my medication.' Alcohol can lower the seizure threshold and should be avoided by individuals taking anticonvulsants. Choice A is incorrect because it is an extreme statement and not necessary for someone taking anticonvulsants. Choice B is incorrect as anticonvulsant medications are not used to clear skin conditions. Choice D is incorrect because doubling up medication doses can be harmful and should not be done without healthcare provider approval.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer digoxin (Lanoxin), 0.125 mg orally, to a client with heart failure. Which vital sign is most important for the healthcare professional to check before administering the medication?

• A. Heart rate
• B. Temperature
• C. Respirations
• D. Blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before administering digoxin, it is essential to assess the client's heart rate as this medication directly affects cardiac function. Monitoring the heart rate helps identify if it is within the acceptable range for administering digoxin. A pulse rate below 60 beats per minute warrants withholding the medication to prevent potential adverse effects like bradycardia or cardiac arrhythmias.

5. A client with a peptic ulcer is diagnosed with a Helicobacter pylori infection. The nurse is reinforcing teaching for the client about the medications prescribed, including clarithromycin (Biaxin), esomeprazole (Nexium), and amoxicillin (Amoxil). Which statement by the client indicates the best understanding of the medication regimen?

• A. My ulcer will heal because these medications will kill the bacteria.
• B. These medications are only taken when I have pain from my ulcer.
• C. The medications will kill the bacteria and stop the acid production.
• D. These medications will coat the ulcer and decrease the acid production in my stomach.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection usually includes two antibacterial drugs and a proton pump inhibitor. These medications will kill the bacteria and decrease acid production.

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