Nursing Elites

1. When teaching a client how to use nitroglycerin transdermal ointment for angina, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Remove the prior dose before applying a new dose.
• B. Rub the ointment directly into your skin until it is no longer visible.
• C. Cover the applied ointment with a clean gauze pad.
• D. Apply the ointment to the same skin area each time.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction is to remove the prior dose before applying a new dose. This helps prevent toxicity by ensuring the client does not inadvertently apply an excessive amount of nitroglycerin.

2. When a client is discharged with nitroglycerin (Nitrostat), what should the nurse include in client education?

• A. “Your chest pain should go away with one tablet.”
• B. “If your chest pain doesn’t go away after three tablets, call 911; you might be having a heart attack.”
• C. “If your chest pain doesn’t go away with one tablet, you can repeat the dose as many times as you need to.”
• D. “Be sure to call 911 before you take any tablets.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer instructs the client on the appropriate use of nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is used to relieve chest pain or angina. If the chest pain does not subside after taking one tablet, the client should take a maximum of three tablets at 5-minute intervals. If the pain persists after three tablets, it could indicate a heart attack, and emergency medical help should be sought. This education is crucial to ensure the client knows when to seek immediate medical attention.

3. During transfusion of a unit of whole blood, a nurse is assessing a client who develops a cough, shortness of breath, elevated blood pressure, and distended neck veins. The nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following medications?

• A. Epinephrine
• B. Lorazepam
• C. Furosemide
• D. Diphenhydramine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client's symptoms indicate circulatory overload, which can occur during blood transfusions. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, is commonly prescribed in such cases to help relieve manifestations of circulatory overload by promoting diuresis and reducing fluid volume. Epinephrine is used for severe allergic reactions, lorazepam for anxiety or seizures, and diphenhydramine for mild allergic reactions or as a sedative. Therefore, the correct choice is Furosemide (C) to manage circulatory overload during a blood transfusion.

4. When teaching a client with a prescription for Phenytoin, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Expect the development of a mild rash.
• B. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• C. Monitor for signs of gingival hyperplasia.
• D. Increase your intake of calcium.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Phenytoin is known to cause gingival hyperplasia, a condition characterized by overgrowth of gum tissue. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for signs of gingival hyperplasia, such as swollen or bleeding gums. Good oral hygiene practices are essential to prevent or manage this side effect. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Phenytoin does not typically cause a mild rash, should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset, and does not warrant an increase in calcium intake.

5. A client with Angina Pectoris asks the nurse about the next step if one tablet does not relieve Anginal pain after waiting 5 minutes. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Take two more sublingual tablets simultaneously.
• B. Call emergency services.
• C. Take a sustained-release nitroglycerin capsule.
• D. Wait another 5 minutes before taking a second sublingual tablet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where Anginal pain persists after taking one sublingual tablet and waiting 5 minutes, it is crucial to call emergency services (911) immediately. This could indicate a myocardial infarction (heart attack) rather than a typical Anginal attack. The client should not take two more sublingual tablets simultaneously without seeking immediate medical help as this could delay appropriate intervention if the pain is due to a heart attack. Taking a sustained-release nitroglycerin capsule is not recommended for immediate relief of acute Anginal pain as it works too slowly. Waiting another 5 minutes before taking a second sublingual tablet is not appropriate if the pain persists, as prompt action is essential in suspected heart-related issues.

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