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 is starting therapy with topotecan. Which of the following findings should the nurse instruct the client to report?

• A. Hair loss
• B. Fatigue
• C. Sore throat
• D. Red urine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should instruct the client to report a sore throat because it can indicate an infection due to the immunosuppressive effects of topotecan. Monitoring for signs of infection is crucial to prevent complications during therapy. Choices A, B, and D are less critical findings compared to a sore throat. Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy, fatigue is expected with cancer treatment, and red urine is a known harmless effect of topotecan.

3. A client has a new prescription for Pancrelipase for chronic pancreatitis. Which of the following instructions should be included by the nurse?

• A. Take the medication with meals and snacks.
• B. Chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing.
• C. Take the medication 1 hour before meals.
• D. Expect the stool to be yellow.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for taking Pancrelipase is to take it with meals and snacks to aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This helps optimize the effectiveness of the medication in managing chronic pancreatitis. Choice B is incorrect because Pancrelipase should not be chewed but swallowed whole. Choice C is incorrect as the medication should be taken with meals. Choice D is incorrect because while Pancrelipase can cause stool changes, yellow stool is not an expected outcome.

4. A client is taking Digoxin and has a new prescription for Colesevelam. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take digoxin with your morning dose of colesevelam.
• B. Your sodium and potassium levels will be monitored periodically while taking colesevelam.
• C. Watch for bleeding or bruising while taking colesevelam.
• D. Take colesevelam with food and at least one glass of water.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When taking colesevelam, it should be administered with food and at least 8 oz of water to ensure proper absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Taking colesevelam with food also helps in binding to bile acids efficiently. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not provide the necessary instruction for taking colesevelam correctly or monitoring specific side effects associated with this medication.

5. While assessing a client taking Amiodarone to treat Atrial Fibrillation, which of the following findings is indicative of Amiodarone toxicity?

• A. Light yellow urine
• B. Report of tinnitus
• C. Productive cough
• D. Blue-gray skin discoloration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Productive cough can indicate pulmonary toxicity, which is a known adverse effect of Amiodarone. Clients on Amiodarone should be monitored for signs of pulmonary toxicity such as cough, dyspnea, and chest pain. This is important to detect early and prevent serious complications. The other options are not typically associated with Amiodarone toxicity. Light yellow urine is not a common sign, tinnitus is more related to ear problems, and blue-gray skin discoloration is not a recognized symptom of Amiodarone toxicity.

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