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 client has a new prescription for Lisinopril. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?

• A. Dry cough
• B. Weight gain
• C. Diarrhea
• D. Nausea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Dry cough.' Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, commonly causes a persistent dry cough as an adverse effect. If the client experiences this side effect, it is important to notify the healthcare provider for assessment and possible medication adjustment.

3. 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.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer clindamycin 200 mg by intermittent IV bolus. The amount available is clindamycin injection 200 mg in 100 mL 0.9% sodium chloride (0.9% NaCl) to infuse over 30 min. How many mL/hr should the IV pump be set to deliver?

• A. 200 mL/hr
• B. 150 mL/hr
• C. 100 mL/hr
• D. 250 mL/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the flow rate in mL/hr: (Volume in mL / Time in hours) = Flow rate in mL/hr. In this case, (100 mL / 0.5 hr) = 200 mL/hr. Therefore, the IV pump should be set to deliver 200 mL/hr to administer clindamycin 200 mg over 30 minutes. Choice A is correct because it provides the accurate flow rate needed for the administration of the medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not calculate the flow rate correctly based on the volume and time specified in the question.

5. A client is starting a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Weigh yourself daily.
• B. Limit sodium intake.
• C. Increase potassium intake.
• D. Avoid potassium-rich foods.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction to include when starting furosemide is to weigh yourself daily. Daily weighing helps monitor for fluid loss or retention, which is crucial when taking a diuretic like furosemide. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although monitoring sodium intake and potassium levels are important when taking furosemide, the most immediate and direct way to assess the medication's effectiveness and the body's response is through daily weight monitoring.

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