Nursing Elites

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

• A. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
• B. Take the medication with your evening meal.
• C. Increase your intake of leafy green vegetables.
• D. Stop taking the medication if you experience muscle pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.' Grapefruit juice should be avoided when taking Atorvastatin because it can increase the blood levels of the medication, potentially leading to a higher risk of adverse effects like muscle pain and liver damage. It is important to follow this instruction to ensure the safe and effective use of Atorvastatin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Taking Atorvastatin with food, specifically a low-fat meal, is recommended, but it is not necessary to specify the evening meal. While increasing intake of leafy green vegetables is generally beneficial for health, it is not a specific instruction for Atorvastatin. Lastly, stopping the medication if one experiences muscle pain is not advisable without consulting a healthcare provider, as muscle pain can be a symptom of a serious side effect of Atorvastatin that requires medical attention.

2. A client has a new prescription for a Nitroglycerin transdermal patch. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Apply the patch to a different site each day.
• B. Remove the patch at bedtime each day.
• C. Apply the patch over an area with little or no hair.
• D. Keep the patch on for 24 hours at a time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client using a Nitroglycerin transdermal patch is to remove the patch each day, usually at bedtime, to prevent tolerance. This practice allows for a nitrate-free interval, reducing the risk of developing tolerance to the medication. Applying the patch to a different site each day (choice A) is not necessary as long as the skin is clean and rotated to avoid skin irritation. Applying the patch over an area with little or no hair (choice C) does not impact the effectiveness of the medication. Keeping the patch on for 24 hours at a time (choice D) can lead to tolerance, which is why the patch should be removed daily.

3. When starting amitriptyline, a client should be instructed to monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Urinary retention
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Dry cough

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client starts taking amitriptyline, an important adverse effect to monitor for is urinary retention. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that can cause anticholinergic effects, including urinary retention. It is crucial to educate the client on recognizing and reporting this adverse effect to their healthcare provider. Diarrhea is not a common adverse effect of amitriptyline and is more associated with other medications. Bradycardia is a possible adverse effect of amitriptyline, but urinary retention is a more common and significant concern. Dry cough is not a typical adverse effect of amitriptyline.

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. While caring for a client receiving epoetin alfa to treat anemia, which finding should the nurse monitor for?

• A. Leukocytosis
• B. Hypertension
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Fever

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should monitor the client for hypertension when receiving epoetin alfa. Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production, which can lead to increased blood pressure. Leukocytosis (increased white blood cells) and hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) are not typically associated with epoetin alfa therapy. Fever is also not a common adverse effect of this medication.

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