Nursing Elites

1. What does it mean when a medication has a half-life?

• A. It only lasts for 30 minutes after the medication is given
• B. How long it takes for half of the dose to be eliminated from the bloodstream
• C. It is the peak of how effective the medicine is
• D. Drug is greatly reduced before it reaches the systemic circulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a medication has a half-life, it refers to the time it takes for half of the dose to be eliminated from the bloodstream. This parameter is crucial in understanding the duration of action and dosing intervals for medications in clinical practice. Choice A is incorrect as the half-life is not about how long the medication lasts but about elimination from the body. Choice C is incorrect because the half-life is not about the peak effectiveness of the medicine. Choice D is incorrect as it does not accurately define the concept of half-life.

2. A client has a new prescription for Metformin. Which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Take this medication with food.
• B. Avoid eating foods high in potassium.
• C. Take this medication at bedtime.
• D. Take this medication every other day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for taking Metformin is to take it with food. This helps reduce gastrointestinal side effects and ensures better absorption of the medication. Choice B is incorrect as there is no specific need to avoid foods high in potassium when taking Metformin. Choice C is incorrect because Metformin is usually taken with meals, not at bedtime. Choice D is incorrect as Metformin is typically taken daily, not every other day.

3. A healthcare professional is teaching a client who has a new prescription for Clopidogrel. Which of the following laboratory values should the healthcare professional monitor to assess for potential adverse effects?

• A. White blood cell count
• B. Platelet count
• C. Hemoglobin
• D. Blood glucose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that works by preventing blood clots. Monitoring the patient's platelet count is essential because a decrease in platelet count can increase the risk of bleeding. By assessing the platelet count, the healthcare professional can detect any potential adverse effects related to the medication and take appropriate actions to prevent complications. White blood cell count, hemoglobin, and blood glucose levels are not directly affected by Clopidogrel, so they are not the primary values to monitor for potential adverse effects of this medication.

4. A client is taking Paroxetine to treat PTSD and reports teeth grinding at night. Which interventions should the nurse implement to manage Bruxism? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Concurrent administration of buspirone.
• B. Administration of a different SSRI.
• C. Use of a mouth guard.
• D. Changing to a different class of antidepressant medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct interventions to manage Bruxism associated with Paroxetine use include A: Concurrent administration of buspirone. Buspirone can help alleviate the side effect of Bruxism. Additionally, C: Use of a mouth guard is recommended to prevent oral damage from teeth grinding. B: Administration of a different SSRI is not necessary since the issue is specific to Paroxetine. D: Changing to a different class of antidepressant medication may be considered in severe cases, but the initial step should be to add buspirone to address the Bruxism caused by Paroxetine.

5. A nurse orienting a newly licensed nurse is reviewing the procedure for taking a telephone prescription. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the newly licensed nurse understands the process?

• A. A second nurse enters the prescription into the client's medical record.
• B. Another nurse should listen to the phone call.
• C. The provider can clarify the prescription when he signs the health record.
• D. I should omit the 'read back' if this is a one-time prescription.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Another nurse should listen to the phone call.' When taking a telephone prescription, having another nurse listen to the phone call is essential to prevent errors in communication. This process helps ensure accuracy and reduces the risk of misinterpretation. Choice A is incorrect because entering the prescription into the client's medical record is not related to verifying the accuracy of the telephone prescription. Choice C is incorrect as the provider clarifying the prescription upon signing the health record doesn't address the immediate need for verification during the phone call. Choice D is incorrect because the 'read back' is a crucial step in confirming the accuracy of all prescriptions, regardless of whether they are one-time or recurring.

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