Nursing Elites

1. A client has a new prescription for Hydrochlorothiazide. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Plan to take the medication at bedtime.
• C. Expect increased swelling of the ankles.
• D. Fluid intake should be limited in the morning.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to take the medication with food. Hydrochlorothiazide should be taken with or after meals to prevent gastrointestinal upset. Taking it with food can help reduce the chances of stomach discomfort or nausea. It is not necessary to take the medication at bedtime, expect increased swelling of the ankles, or limit fluid intake in the morning when taking Hydrochlorothiazide. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect.

2. While caring for a client receiving Heparin therapy, which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should monitor the aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) when caring for a client receiving Heparin therapy. The aPTT reflects the intrinsic pathway of the clotting cascade and is used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin, which primarily affects this pathway by potentiating antithrombin III. Monitoring the aPTT helps ensure that the client's blood is within the therapeutic range to prevent thrombus formation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. PT (Prothrombin Time) and INR (International Normalized Ratio) are used to monitor Warfarin therapy, not Heparin. Platelet count is important in assessing for thrombocytopenia but is not a specific indicator of Heparin therapy effectiveness.

3. A client with Addison's disease is being admitted for a total hip arthroplasty. The client takes hydrocortisone. 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 priority action for a client with Addison's disease undergoing surgery who takes hydrocortisone is to administer a supplemental dose of hydrocortisone. Acute adrenal insufficiency (adrenal crisis) is a significant risk during surgery due to the stress placed on the body. Supplemental doses help prevent acute adrenal insufficiency and ensure the client's safety during the surgical procedure. Instructing the client about coughing and deep breathing is important post-operatively but not the priority before surgery. Collecting additional information about the client's history of Addison's disease is relevant but not the priority action before surgery. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority action in this scenario.

4. 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.

5. A client has a new prescription for hydrochlorothiazide. The client should monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hyponatremia is a potential adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide due to its diuretic action. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that can cause sodium and water loss, potentially leading to hyponatremia. Monitoring for symptoms such as weakness, confusion, and muscle cramps can help detect hyponatremia early. Ototoxicity (choice B) is not a common adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide. Hypoglycemia (choice C) is not typically associated with hydrochlorothiazide use. Hyperkalemia (choice D) is more commonly associated with potassium-sparing diuretics rather than thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide.

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