Nursing Elites

1. During discharge instructions, a client with a new prescription for Phenytoin should be advised to take which of the following actions?

• A. Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
• B. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
• C. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
• D. Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with a new prescription for Phenytoin is to brush and floss their teeth regularly. Phenytoin is known to cause gingival hyperplasia, a condition that affects the gums. By maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing, the client can help minimize the risk of developing this side effect. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding grapefruit juice is more relevant for medications affected by grapefruit juice metabolism, taking medication on an empty stomach is not specifically indicated for Phenytoin, and increasing calcium-rich foods is not directly related to the side effects or administration of Phenytoin.

2. A client has been prescribed an anticoagulant for atrial fibrillation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food to prevent nausea.
• B. Avoid activities that may cause injury.
• C. Monitor your heart rate daily before taking the medication.
• D. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed an anticoagulant for atrial fibrillation is to avoid activities that may cause injury. Anticoagulants increase the risk of bleeding, so it is important to prevent situations that could lead to injury or trauma. Choice A is incorrect because anticoagulants are not typically affected by food intake. Choice C is not necessary for all anticoagulant medications, and heart rate monitoring is more relevant for other conditions. Choice D is not directly related to the action of anticoagulants and is not a priority instruction for this medication.

3. When educating a client who has a new prescription for Levothyroxine to treat hypothyroidism, which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Take the medication first thing in the morning before eating.
• B. Take the medication at bedtime to avoid drowsiness.
• C. Take the medication with food to prevent nausea.
• D. Take the medication with a glass of milk.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken first thing in the morning before eating to ensure optimal absorption. Taking it on an empty stomach helps prevent interactions with food or other medications that may decrease its effectiveness. It is important to follow this timing recommendation to maintain consistent thyroid hormone levels in the body. Choice B is incorrect as taking Levothyroxine at bedtime may lead to inconsistent absorption and affect its efficacy. Choice C is incorrect because taking Levothyroxine with food can interfere with its absorption. Choice D is incorrect as Levothyroxine should be taken with a full glass of water, not milk, to aid in proper absorption.

4. A provider prescribes phenobarbital for a client who has a seizure disorder. The medication has a long half-life of 4 days. How many times per day should the nurse expect to administer this medication?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Phenobarbital, with a long half-life of 4 days, remains at therapeutic levels in the body for an extended period. Due to this prolonged duration of action, the nurse should administer phenobarbital once a day to maintain a consistent therapeutic effect without the need for multiple daily doses. Administering the medication more than once a day would not be necessary and could increase the risk of side effects or toxicity. Therefore, the correct answer is to administer phenobarbital once a day.

5. A client who received Prochlorperazine 4 hours ago reports spasms of his face. The nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following medications?

• A. Fomepizole
• B. Naloxone
• C. Phytonadione
• D. Diphenhydramine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client's symptoms of face spasms after receiving Prochlorperazine indicate acute dystonia, a known side effect. Diphenhydramine is commonly administered to manage extrapyramidal symptoms, such as muscle spasms, caused by medications like Prochlorperazine. Therefore, the nurse should anticipate a prescription for Diphenhydramine to alleviate the client's symptoms. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because Fomepizole is used in methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning, Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used in opioid overdose, and Phytonadione is vitamin K, used to reverse the effects of certain blood thinners.

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