Nursing Elites

1. A hospitalized client receiving IV heparin for a deep-vein thrombosis begins vomiting blood. After the heparin has been stopped, which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to administer?

• A. Vitamin K1
• B. Atropine
• C. Protamine
• D. Calcium gluconate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the client is experiencing a serious complication of heparin therapy, likely due to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Protamine is the antidote for heparin and can reverse its anticoagulant effects. It is essential to administer protamine promptly to counteract the effects of heparin and manage the bleeding. Vitamin K1 is used to reverse the effects of warfarin, not heparin. Atropine is used to treat bradycardia or some types of poisoning. Calcium gluconate is used to manage hyperkalemia or calcium channel blocker toxicity, not to reverse heparin's effects.

2. A client prescribed Warfarin is receiving discharge instructions from a nurse. Which of the following herbal supplements should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

• A. St. John's wort
• B. Echinacea
• C. Garlic
• D. Ginseng

Correct answer: A

Rationale: St. John's wort can reduce the effectiveness of Warfarin by interacting with its metabolism pathways, potentially leading to decreased anticoagulant effects. Therefore, clients on Warfarin therapy should avoid St. John's wort. While echinacea, garlic, and ginseng are also herbal supplements that can interact with Warfarin, St. John's wort is particularly known for its significant impact on Warfarin metabolism. Echinacea may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Warfarin, garlic may potentiate the anticoagulant effects of Warfarin, and ginseng may also increase the risk of bleeding. However, St. John's wort is the most crucial to avoid due to its significant impact on Warfarin metabolism.

3. A child with Cystic Fibrosis has a new prescription for Acetylcysteine. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the instructions?

• A. Expect this medication to suppress your cough.
• B. Expect this medication to smell like rotten eggs.
• C. Expect this medication to cause euphoria.
• D. Expect this medication to turn your urine orange.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Expect this medication to smell like rotten eggs.' Acetylcysteine contains sulfur, which gives it a characteristic rotten-egg odor. This smell is normal and expected when using this medication. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Acetylcysteine is not used to suppress cough, cause euphoria, or turn urine orange.

4. A healthcare provider is reviewing the health history of a client who has a prescription for Propranolol. Which of the following findings should the provider report?

• A. Previous history of thromboembolism
• B. Concurrent use of an antacid
• C. History of bronchial asthma
• D. Recent weight gain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Propranolol is a nonselective beta-blocker that can cause bronchoconstriction, making it contraindicated for clients with a history of bronchial asthma. Reporting a history of bronchial asthma to the provider is crucial as it would prompt a review of the medication prescription to avoid potential adverse effects and consider alternative treatment options.

5. A client with Addison's disease is being admitted for a total hip arthroplasty. The client takes hydrocortisone for Addison's disease. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administering a supplemental dose of hydrocortisone
• B. Instructing the client about coughing and deep breathing
• C. Collecting additional information from the client about his history of Addison's disease
• D. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse's priority in this situation is to administer a supplemental dose of hydrocortisone. Clients with Addison's disease taking hydrocortisone are at risk of acute adrenal insufficiency during times of stress such as surgery. Administering supplemental doses of hydrocortisone helps prevent acute adrenal insufficiency (adrenal crisis) in these situations, making it the priority action to ensure the client's safety. Instructing the client about coughing and deep breathing is important postoperatively but not the priority at this time. Collecting additional information about the client's history of Addison's disease is important but not the priority action before surgery. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority in this situation.

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