Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider in a clinic is monitoring serum electrolytes for four older adult clients who take digoxin. Which of the following electrolyte values increases a client's risk for Digoxin toxicity?

• A. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL
• B. Calcium 10.3 mg/dL
• C. Potassium 3.4 mEq/L
• D. Potassium 4.8 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Potassium 3.4 mEq/L is below the expected reference range, which increases the risk for digoxin toxicity. Low potassium levels can lead to fatal dysrhythmias, particularly in older clients taking Digoxin. Hypokalemia potentiates the effects of Digoxin, making the heart more sensitive to its toxic effects. Monitoring and correcting electrolyte imbalances, especially low potassium levels, are crucial to prevent adverse effects of digoxin therapy. Calcium levels do not directly influence digoxin toxicity, so choices A and B are incorrect. High potassium levels, as in choice D, are less likely to increase the risk of digoxin toxicity compared to low potassium levels.

2. A client has a new prescription for Spironolactone. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to monitor?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hypocalcemia
• D. Hyponatremia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can lead to hyperkalemia due to its mechanism of action. Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should educate the client to monitor for signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia while taking Spironolactone.

3. A client with cancer is prescribed methotrexate. Which supplement should the healthcare provider recommend to reduce the risk of methotrexate toxicity?

• A. Folic acid
• B. Magnesium
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Iron

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is folic acid. Methotrexate is a folic acid antagonist, and supplementing with folic acid can help reduce the risk of methotrexate toxicity. Folic acid supplementation is commonly recommended to counteract the effects of methotrexate on folate metabolism. Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Iron are not specifically indicated to reduce the risk of methotrexate toxicity and therefore are incorrect choices in this scenario.

4. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has asthma and is beginning to take montelukast. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will use this medication as a rescue inhaler during asthma attacks.
• B. I should take this medication once daily in the evening.
• C. I need to have my blood levels checked regularly while taking this medication.
• D. I should take this medication before exercising to prevent bronchospasm.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Montelukast is typically taken once daily in the evening for long-term control of asthma symptoms. It helps prevent asthma attacks by reducing inflammation in the airways. While montelukast can also be used for exercise-induced bronchospasm in some cases, it is generally not a rescue medication and should be taken regularly, not on an as-needed basis.

5. A client is starting therapy with paclitaxel. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to monitor?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Neutropenia
• D. Urinary retention

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neutropenia is a common adverse effect of paclitaxel due to bone marrow suppression. Clients should be instructed to monitor for signs of infection and report any symptoms such as fever, chills, or sore throat immediately to their healthcare provider.

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