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 prescribed Propranolol for a dysrhythmia. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Hold Propranolol if the client's apical pulse is greater than 100/min.
• B. Administer Propranolol to decrease the client's blood pressure.
• C. Assist the client with sitting up or standing after taking this medication.
• D. Monitor the client for hypokalemia due to the risk of Propranolol toxicity.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should plan to take when administering Propranolol is to assist the client when sitting up or standing after taking the medication. Propranolol can lead to orthostatic hypotension, causing dizziness upon sudden position changes. It is essential to help the client with position changes to prevent falls or injury. Holding Propranolol if the client's apical pulse is greater than 100/min (Choice A) is incorrect because Propranolol is often used to manage dysrhythmias and slowing down the heart rate. Administering Propranolol to decrease the client's blood pressure (Choice B) is not the primary indication for using this medication. Monitoring the client for hypokalemia due to the risk of Propranolol toxicity (Choice D) is not a direct effect of Propranolol; rather, it is more related to other medications like diuretics.

3. A client is taking Ritonavir, a protease inhibitor, to treat HIV infection. The nurse should monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

• A. Increased TSH level
• B. Decreased ALT level
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Hyperlipidemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hyperlipidemia, characterized by increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, can occur as an adverse effect of Ritonavir. Monitoring lipid levels is essential to detect and manage this potential side effect in clients taking this medication for HIV infection.

4. A client has a new prescription for Atorvastatin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with food.
• B. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
• C. Take this medication in the morning.
• D. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.' Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of Atorvastatin by inhibiting its metabolism in the body, leading to a higher risk of adverse effects, such as muscle pain and liver damage. Therefore, it is important for the client to avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking Atorvastatin. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because Atorvastatin can be taken with or without food, at any time of the day, and there is no specific need to increase potassium-rich foods while on this medication.

5. A client has a new prescription for Alendronate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication at bedtime.
• B. Remain upright for 30 minutes after taking the medication.
• C. Take this medication with food.
• D. Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to remain upright for 30 minutes after taking Alendronate. Alendronate can cause esophageal irritation and even ulceration if it remains in contact with the esophagus. By staying upright, the medication is more likely to pass through the esophagus and into the stomach, reducing the risk of irritation and complications. Choice A is incorrect because Alendronate should be taken in the morning, not at bedtime, and the client should remain upright after taking it. Choice C is incorrect because Alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach, usually in the morning, to enhance absorption. Choice D is incorrect because while calcium intake is important, it is not directly related to the administration of Alendronate.

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