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. During a well-child visit, a nurse is assessing a three-year-old toddler. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Blood pressure 90/50
• B. Respiratory rate 45/min
• C. Weight 14.5 kg or 32 lb
• D. Heart rate 110/min

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 45/min is above the expected reference range for a 3-year-old toddler and may indicate respiratory dysfunction or acute respiratory distress. It is essential for the nurse to report this finding promptly to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.

3. The nurse is providing care for a pediatric client in the emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of decreased level of consciousness (LOC) secondary to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which healthcare provider order should the nurse question?

• A. Passive range-of-motion exercises to promote hip flexion
• B. Oxygen at 2 L nasal cannula to maintain saturation above 95%
• C. Hourly vital signs and neurologic checks
• D. Elevate head of bed 30 degrees

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a pediatric client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and decreased level of consciousness (LOC), passive range-of-motion exercises to promote hip flexion should be questioned as they can potentially increase intracranial pressure. This action may not be safe for the client's condition. The other options are appropriate interventions for managing a pediatric client with increased ICP and decreased LOC.

4. Which assessment finding, after the dialysate is drained during peritoneal dialysis for a child experiencing acute renal failure, would warrant further action by the nurse?

• A. The dialysate is clear upon return.
• B. The volume of drained dialysate is less than the volume infused.
• C. The child is restless and eager to play.
• D. The child's vital signs remain consistent with those noted during infusion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A lower volume of drained dialysate compared to the volume infused suggests a possible obstruction or malfunction in the dialysis process. This finding could compromise the effectiveness of the treatment and needs prompt assessment and intervention by the nurse to ensure the child's safety and well-being. Choices A, C, and D are not indicative of complications during peritoneal dialysis. The clarity of the dialysate, the child's behavior, and the consistency of vital signs are not alarming findings that would require immediate action by the nurse.

5. When receiving change-of-shift report for children, which child should the nurse assess first?

• A. A toddler who has a concussion and an episode of forceful vomiting
• B. An adolescent with infective endocarditis who reports having a headache
• C. An adolescent who was placed into Halo traction 1 hour ago and rates his pain at a 6 on a 0-10 scale
• D. A school-age child with acute glomerulonephritis and brown-colored urine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should assess the toddler with a concussion and an episode of forceful vomiting first when receiving change-of-shift report for children. Forceful vomiting in a toddler with a concussion indicates increased intracranial pressure, requiring immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.

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