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 nurse is planning care for a 2-month-old infant who is postoperative following surgical repair of a cleft lip. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the infant on his abdomen
• B. Cleanse the incision site with hydrogen peroxide
• C. Offer the infant a pacifier
• D. Keep the infant's elbow restrained

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should keep the infant�s elbow restrained to prevent injury to the surgical site.

3. What important information should the nurse provide to a patient taking a tetracycline antibiotic?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Avoid exposure to sunlight and tanning beds.
• C. Do not take the medication with milk or other dairy products.
• D. The medication may cause permanent staining of your teeth.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Tetracycline antibiotics can bind to calcium in dairy products, decreasing the absorption of the antibiotic. This may result in reduced effectiveness of the medication. Additionally, tetracycline antibiotics can cause permanent staining of teeth, especially in children below 8 years of age and in pregnant women. Therefore, it is crucial for the patient to be aware of this potential side effect and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because tetracycline antibiotics should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset, exposure to sunlight is not a significant concern with tetracycline antibiotics, and the issue with dairy products is related to calcium binding and reduced absorption rather than an issue of empty stomach intake.

4. Which is the appropriate intervention when providing care to a child diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, who is edematous and on bed rest?

• A. Monitor blood pressure every 30 minutes.
• B. Reposition every 2 hours.
• C. Limit visitors.
• D. Encourage fluids.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Repositioning every 2 hours is crucial in preventing skin breakdown in an edematous child on bed rest. This intervention helps redistribute pressure and maintain skin integrity, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers. It is an essential part of care for patients with limited mobility to ensure their comfort and prevent complications related to immobility.

5. A patient with Parkinson�s disease who takes levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) comes to the clinic for a semi-annual physical examination. Which question is the most important for that nurse to ask?

• A. Have you noticed any swelling in your feet?
• B. Are you having vivid dreams or hallucination?
• C. Have you noticed any changes in your stool?
• D. Have you had your flu vaccine?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patients taking levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) are at increased risk for the psychiatric side effects of levodopa, including visual hallucinations, vivid dreams, nightmares, and paranoid ideation. The other questions are not directly related to problems that are likely to occur with this drug.

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