Nursing Elites

1. A client has a new prescription for Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take one tablet every 15 minutes until pain is relieved.
• B. Take one tablet every 5 minutes, up to three doses.
• C. Take one tablet at bedtime.
• D. Take one tablet on an empty stomach.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct administration of Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets involves taking one tablet at the onset of chest pain and repeating every 5 minutes for up to three doses. This protocol helps in managing angina episodes effectively. Choice A suggests taking a tablet every 15 minutes until pain relief, which may delay appropriate intervention. Choice C, taking a tablet at bedtime, is not suitable for immediate relief during angina attacks. Choice D, taking a tablet on an empty stomach, is unrelated to the correct administration of Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets.

2. A client has a new prescription for Verapamil to treat angina. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

• A. Muscle pain
• B. Dry cough
• C. Peripheral edema
• D. Increased urination

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, can cause peripheral edema due to vasodilation. Clients should monitor for this adverse effect characterized by swelling in the extremities. Muscle pain (choice A) is not a common adverse effect of Verapamil. Dry cough (choice B) is more commonly associated with ACE inhibitors. Increased urination (choice D) is not a typical adverse effect of Verapamil. Therefore, the correct answer is monitoring for peripheral edema.

3. A client has a new prescription for Alendronate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication at bedtime.
• B. Remain upright for 30 minutes after taking the medication.
• C. Take this medication with food.
• D. Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to remain upright for 30 minutes after taking Alendronate. Alendronate can cause esophageal irritation and even ulceration if it remains in contact with the esophagus. By staying upright, the medication is more likely to pass through the esophagus and into the stomach, reducing the risk of irritation and complications. Choice A is incorrect because Alendronate should be taken in the morning, not at bedtime, and the client should remain upright after taking it. Choice C is incorrect because Alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach, usually in the morning, to enhance absorption. Choice D is incorrect because while calcium intake is important, it is not directly related to the administration of Alendronate.

4. A client in a critical care unit is postoperative following a right pneumonectomy. After extubation from the ventilator, in which of the following positions should the client be placed?

• A. Prone
• B. On the nonoperative side
• C. Sims'
• D. Semi-Fowler's

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a pneumonectomy, positioning the client in a semi-Fowler's position is crucial for optimal ventilation. This position helps improve lung expansion on the remaining side, facilitating better oxygenation and preventing complications like atelectasis. Placing the client prone, on the nonoperative side, or in Sims' position would not provide the same respiratory benefits post-pneumonectomy.

5. What is the therapeutic use of Phenytoin?

• A. Replacement in hypothyroidism to restore normal hormonal balance
• B. Diminished accumulation of acid in the gastric lumen with lessened gastroesophageal reflux
• C. Diminished seizure activity, termination of ventricular arrhythmias
• D. Prevention of thrombus formation, prevention of extension of existing thrombi

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Phenytoin is primarily used to diminish seizure activity and is effective in terminating ventricular arrhythmias. It works by stabilizing neuronal membranes, reducing repetitive neuronal firing, and limiting the spread of seizure activity in the brain. While phenytoin does not have a direct role in preventing thrombus formation or extending existing thrombi, it is crucial in managing seizures and certain arrhythmias.

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