Nursing Elites

1. A nurse reviewing a client's medical record notes a new prescription for verifying the trough level of the client's medication. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Obtain a blood specimen immediately prior to administering the next dose of medication.
• B. Verify that the client has been taking the medication for 24 hours before obtaining a blood specimen.
• C. Ask the client to provide a urine specimen after the next dose of medication.
• D. Administer the medication and obtain a blood specimen 30 minutes later.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To verify the trough levels of a medication accurately, the nurse should obtain a blood specimen immediately before administering the next dose of the medication. The trough level represents the lowest concentration of the medication in the bloodstream, typically right before the next dose is due. This timing ensures an accurate assessment of the drug's concentration in the body at its lowest point, aiding in determining the drug's effectiveness and potential toxicity levels. Choice B is incorrect because waiting for 24 hours would not provide the trough level. Choice C is incorrect as urine specimens are not used to measure trough levels. Choice D is incorrect as obtaining a blood specimen 30 minutes after administering the medication would not reflect the trough level.

2. A patient is prescribed warfarin therapy for an artificial heart valve. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor for a therapeutic effect of warfarin?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Prothrombin time (PT)
• C. Bleeding time
• D. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor Prothrombin time (PT) when a patient is on warfarin therapy. Warfarin affects blood clotting, and PT is used to assess the therapeutic effect of this medication. Hemoglobin (Choice A) is not directly affected by warfarin therapy and does not reflect its therapeutic effect. Bleeding time (Choice C) measures the time it takes for bleeding to stop after a standardized cut and is not specific to warfarin therapy. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) (Choice D) is more commonly used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin.

3. A client has a new prescription for Etanercept for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will need to get my blood drawn periodically while on this medication.
• B. I should stop taking this medication if I develop a rash.
• C. I will need to limit my alcohol intake to no more than one drink per week.
• D. I should self-administer this medication subcutaneously.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because Etanercept can cause bone marrow suppression, so it is crucial to monitor blood counts regularly to detect any early signs of adverse effects.

4. A nurse in a clinic is caring for a group of clients. The nurse should contact the provider about a potential contraindication to a medication for which of the following clients? (Select all that apply.)

• A. A client at 8 weeks of gestation who asks for an Influenza immunization
• B. A client who takes Prednisone and has a possible Fungal infection
• C. A client who has chronic liver disease and is taking Hydrocodone
• D. A client who has Peptic Ulcer Disease, takes Sucralfate, and tells the nurse she has started taking OTC Aluminum Hydroxide

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Prednisone, a glucocorticoid, should not be taken by a client who has a possible systemic fungal infection as it can worsen the infection. This combination can suppress the immune response, allowing the fungal infection to proliferate. Therefore, the nurse should contact the provider regarding this potential contraindication to medication. The other options do not present a contraindication related to the medication interactions described in the question.

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

• A. Rinse your mouth after each use of this medication.
• B. Limit fluid intake while taking this medication.
• C. Increase your intake of vitamin B12 while taking this medication.
• D. You can take the medication as needed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed Beclomethasone is to rinse the mouth after each use to reduce the risk of oral fungal infection. Beclomethasone is a corticosteroid inhaler that can increase the risk of oral thrush, so rinsing the mouth helps minimize this side effect. Choice B is incorrect because there is no need to limit fluid intake while taking Beclomethasone. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific need to increase vitamin B12 intake with this medication. Choice D is incorrect because Beclomethasone should be taken as prescribed, not as needed.

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