Nursing Elites

1. What is the most appropriate nursing consideration for a patient who is prescribed verapamil and digoxin?

• A. Restrict intake of oral fluids and high-fiber foods
• B. Take an apical pulse for 30 seconds before administration
• C. Notify the healthcare provider of nausea, vomiting, and visual changes
• D. Hold the medications if the heart rate is greater than 110 bpm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is prescribed verapamil and digoxin, it is crucial to monitor for signs of digoxin toxicity due to the potential interaction between these medications. Verapamil can elevate digoxin blood serum levels, increasing the risk of toxicity. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and visual changes. Therefore, the most appropriate nursing consideration is to notify the healthcare provider of these symptoms. Restricting intake of oral fluids and high-fiber foods is not a specific consideration related to this medication combination. Before administering digoxin, it is essential to take an apical pulse for a full minute, not just 30 seconds, to ensure accuracy. Additionally, holding the medications if the heart rate exceeds 110 bpm is not a typical response to the combination of verapamil and digoxin, which can cause bradycardia rather than tachycardia.

2. A young child admitted to the pediatric unit has fever, irritability, and vomiting with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) result should the nurse anticipate based on these data?

• A. Decreased protein count
• B. Clear, straw-colored fluid
• C. Positive for red blood cells (RBCs)
• D. Decreased glucose level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In bacterial meningitis, the glucose level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically decreased due to the increased utilization of glucose by the infecting bacteria. This metabolic change leads to a decrease in CSF glucose levels, making choice D the correct answer in this scenario. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because bacterial meningitis usually results in an increased protein count, cloudy appearance of the CSF due to the presence of bacteria, and absence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the CSF unless there is a traumatic tap, respectively.

3. A caregiver is providing teaching about car seat use to the mother of a six-month-old infant. Which of the following statements by the mother indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should secure the car seat using lower anchors and tethers instead of the seat belt
• B. I should position the car seat harness one inch above my baby's shoulders
• C. I will make sure that the car seat is placed at a 90-degree angle
• D. I will pad my baby's car seat with a blanket for traveling long distances

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Lower anchors and tethers, known as the LATCH child safety seat system, should be used to secure an infant's car seat in the vehicle. This system provides a safer and more secure way of installing the car seat compared to using the seat belt alone. Using the lower anchors and tethers ensures proper installation and reduces the risk of car seat movement during travel, providing optimal protection for the infant. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because the car seat harness should be positioned at or below the baby's shoulders, not above. Choice C is incorrect because the car seat should be positioned at the correct recline angle recommended by the car seat manufacturer, which may not necessarily be 90 degrees. Choice D is incorrect because adding padding like a blanket to the car seat is not recommended as it can interfere with the proper fit and function of the car seat, potentially compromising the safety of the infant.

4. A parent of an infant with diaper dermatitis is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use baby wipes that contain alcohol to clean the baby's skin.
• B. Expose the baby's skin to air.
• C. Use a blow dryer on the warm setting to dry the baby's skin.
• D. Give the baby a bath once a week.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should instruct the parent to expose the infant's skin to air as it helps in promoting the healing process of diaper dermatitis by allowing the skin to breathe and reducing moisture, which can worsen the condition.

5. When a patient is taking glucocorticoids and digoxin, which electrolyte should the nurse prioritize monitoring?

• A. Calcium
• B. Magnesium
• C. Sodium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should primarily monitor potassium levels in a patient taking glucocorticoids and digoxin. Glucocorticoids can lead to potassium loss, potentially increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity. Additionally, glucocorticoids may worsen hypokalemia induced by diuretics like thiazides and loops. While calcium, magnesium, and sodium are important electrolytes to monitor in various clinical situations, they are not the priority in this specific scenario of a patient on glucocorticoids and digoxin.

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