Nursing Elites

1. A client is starting therapy with Metformin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with your first bite of food.
• B. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
• C. Take this medication before bedtime.
• D. Take this medication every other day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Metformin should be taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and ensure better absorption. Instructing the client to take the medication with the first bite of food helps in achieving optimal effectiveness and minimizes the risk of side effects like nausea or upset stomach. Choice B is incorrect because taking Metformin on an empty stomach can lead to increased gastrointestinal side effects. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific timing requirement for taking Metformin before bedtime. Choice D is incorrect as Metformin is usually taken daily, not every other day.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for Metformin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with food.
• B. Avoid eating foods high in potassium.
• C. Take this medication at bedtime.
• D. Take this medication every other day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed Metformin is to take the medication with food. Taking Metformin with meals helps reduce gastrointestinal side effects and ensures better absorption. Choice B, to avoid foods high in potassium, is not directly related to Metformin. Choice C, taking the medication at bedtime, is not a standard instruction for Metformin. Choice D, taking the medication every other day, is incorrect as Metformin is typically taken daily as prescribed.

3. A client with thrombophlebitis receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion asks the nurse how long it will take for the heparin to dissolve the clot. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

• A. It usually takes heparin at least 2 to 3 days to reach a therapeutic blood level.
• B. A pharmacist is the person to answer that question.
• C. Heparin does not dissolve clots. It stops new clots from forming.
• D. The oral medication you will take after this IV will dissolve the clot.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response is C. Heparin does not dissolve clots; it prevents new clots from forming. Heparin works by inhibiting the formation of new clots and the extension of existing clots, rather than directly dissolving them. The client should be informed that the purpose of heparin therapy is to prevent the clot from getting larger and to reduce the risk of new clots forming. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A talks about reaching a therapeutic blood level of heparin, which is not related to clot dissolution. Choice B deflects the question to a pharmacist without providing relevant information. Choice D inaccurately suggests that an oral medication will dissolve the clot, which is not the mechanism of action for heparin.

4. A client prescribed Warfarin is receiving discharge instructions from a nurse. Which of the following herbal supplements should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

• A. St. John's wort
• B. Echinacea
• C. Garlic
• D. Ginseng

Correct answer: A

Rationale: St. John's wort can reduce the effectiveness of Warfarin by interacting with its metabolism pathways, potentially leading to decreased anticoagulant effects. Therefore, clients on Warfarin therapy should avoid St. John's wort. While echinacea, garlic, and ginseng are also herbal supplements that can interact with Warfarin, St. John's wort is particularly known for its significant impact on Warfarin metabolism. Echinacea may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with Warfarin, garlic may potentiate the anticoagulant effects of Warfarin, and ginseng may also increase the risk of bleeding. However, St. John's wort is the most crucial to avoid due to its significant impact on Warfarin metabolism.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer heparin 15,000 units subcutaneously every 12 hr. The amount available is heparin injection 20,000 units/mL. How many mL should the healthcare professional administer per dose?

• A. 0.8 mL
• B. 0.75 mL
• C. 0.5 mL
• D. 1 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the volume to administer, use the formula: (Desired dose / Concentration) = Volume to administer. In this case, (15,000 units / 20,000 units/mL) = 0.75 mL, which is rounded up to 0.8 mL. Therefore, the healthcare professional should administer 0.8 mL per dose of heparin. Choice B (0.75 mL) is incorrect as it is the exact calculated volume but needs to be rounded up. Choices C (0.5 mL) and D (1 mL) are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct calculated volume for the desired dose of heparin.

Similar Questions