Nursing Elites

1. A client with heart failure is being instructed on laxative use. Which of the following laxatives should the client avoid?

• A. Sodium phosphate
• B. Psyllium
• C. Bisacodyl
• D. Polyethylene glycol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sodium phosphate. Clients with heart failure often follow a sodium-restricted diet. Sodium phosphate laxatives can lead to sodium absorption, causing fluid retention, which is contraindicated in heart failure. It is crucial to avoid sodium phosphate laxatives in these clients to prevent exacerbation of fluid overload and heart failure symptoms. Psyllium (choice B), Bisacodyl (choice C), and Polyethylene glycol (choice D) are not contraindicated in clients with heart failure and can be used safely for bowel management.

2. When using Nitroglycerine (transdermal), how many hours should you be nitrate-free each day?

• A. 1-2 hours
• B. 5-10 hours
• C. 3-4 hours
• D. 10-12 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When using Nitroglycerine (transdermal), it should be applied for 10-12 hours per day to ensure its effectiveness. A nitrate-free period within the day is essential to prevent the development of tolerance to the medication.

3. A client is prescribed an IM dose of penicillin. The client reports developing a rash after taking penicillin 3 years ago. What should the nurse do?

• A. Administer the prescribed dose.
• B. Withhold the medication.
• C. Ask the provider to change the prescription to an oral form.
• D. Administer an oral antihistamine at the same time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should withhold the medication and inform the provider of the client's previous rash after taking penicillin. This history suggests a potential allergic reaction to penicillin, which can range from mild to severe anaphylaxis. Notifying the provider allows for an alternative antibiotic to be prescribed, considering the client's allergy to penicillin. It is crucial to avoid administering a medication that could potentially lead to a severe allergic reaction in the client. Administering the prescribed dose (Choice A) could be harmful due to the potential for an allergic reaction. Changing the prescription to an oral form (Choice C) does not address the underlying issue of a potential penicillin allergy. Administering an oral antihistamine (Choice D) without consulting the provider may not be sufficient to prevent a severe allergic reaction.

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

• A. Take this medication with food.
• B. Avoid dairy products while taking this medication.
• C. Take this medication at bedtime.
• D. Increase your intake of vitamins.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed Nitrofurantoin is to take the medication with food. Taking Nitrofurantoin with food helps enhance absorption and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. It is important for the nurse to emphasize this instruction to ensure the client benefits optimally from the medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding dairy products is not specifically required with Nitrofurantoin. Taking the medication at bedtime is not a standard instruction. Increasing vitamin intake is not necessary in relation to Nitrofurantoin therapy.

5. A client is receiving heparin therapy. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The corrected answer is B: aPTT. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the laboratory value used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy. The aPTT should be maintained at 1.5 to 2 times the normal level to ensure therapeutic anticoagulation. Monitoring aPTT helps healthcare providers adjust heparin doses to achieve the desired anticoagulant effects and prevent complications such as bleeding or clotting. Choice A, PT (prothrombin time), is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. Choice C, INR (international normalized ratio), is also used to monitor warfarin therapy. Choice D, platelet count, is important for assessing the risk of bleeding, but it does not directly monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy.

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