Nursing Elites

1. A client is receiving heparin therapy. Which laboratory value should be monitored by the nurse to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?

• A. PT
• B. aPTT
• C. INR
• D. Platelet count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is specifically used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy. It should be maintained at 1.5 to 2 times the normal level. Monitoring aPTT helps ensure that the therapeutic range of heparin is achieved to prevent clot formation while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications. Choice A (PT) is incorrect as it is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. Choice C (INR) is also incorrect as it is primarily used to monitor warfarin therapy. Choice D (Platelet count) is not directly related to monitoring the effectiveness of heparin therapy.

2. A patient on a medical-surgical unit administers a hypnotic medication to an older adult client at 2100. The next morning, the client is drowsy and wants to sleep instead of eating breakfast. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as a possible reason for the client's drowsiness?

• A. Reduced cardiac function
• B. First-pass effect
• C. Reduced hepatic function
• D. Increased gastric motility

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In older adults, reduced hepatic function can lead to prolonged effects of medications metabolized by the liver. This prolonged effect may result in drowsiness the next morning. Adjusting the dosage of the hypnotic medication may be necessary for this client. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Reduced cardiac function (Choice A) is not typically associated with drowsiness due to medication effects. The first-pass effect (Choice B) relates to the initial metabolism of a drug in the liver before reaching systemic circulation, which is not directly linked to drowsiness the next morning. Increased gastric motility (Choice D) does not commonly cause drowsiness as described in the scenario.

3. A client has a new prescription for Allopurinol. Which of the following instructions should be included by the healthcare provider?

• A. Take this medication at bedtime.
• B. Increase your fluid intake.
• C. Avoid foods high in calcium.
• D. Take this medication with meals.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Allopurinol can increase the risk of kidney stones as a side effect. To prevent this adverse effect, it is essential for the client to increase their fluid intake. Adequate hydration can help in preventing the formation of kidney stones by keeping urine dilute and flushing out substances that can lead to stone formation.

4. When teaching a client with a new prescription for Simvastatin, which instruction should be included?

• 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 instruction for a client with a new prescription for Simvastatin is to avoid drinking grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can inhibit the metabolism of Simvastatin, leading to increased blood levels of the drug and a higher risk of adverse effects such as muscle pain and liver damage. It is important to educate the client about this potential interaction to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because taking Simvastatin with food or in the morning and increasing potassium-rich foods intake are not specifically related to the safe use of Simvastatin. Avoiding grapefruit juice is crucial to prevent drug interactions.

5. When educating a client starting a new prescription for simvastatin, which instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Take the medication in the morning.
• B. Report any muscle pain immediately.
• C. Avoid taking the medication with grapefruit juice.
• D. Take the medication at bedtime.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client starting simvastatin is to report any muscle pain immediately because it could be indicative of rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect of the medication. This prompt reporting can help prevent further complications and ensure timely medical intervention. Choice A is incorrect because simvastatin can be taken at any time of the day. Choice C is generally true for many medications, but there is no specific interaction between grapefruit juice and simvastatin. Choice D is also incorrect as there is no specific recommendation to take simvastatin at bedtime.

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