the primary organ for drug elimination is the

NCLEX-PN

2024 Nclex Questions

1. The primary organ for drug elimination is the:

A. skin
B. lung(s)
C. kidney(s)
D. liver

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the kidney(s) because most drugs are excreted in the urine, either as the parent compound or as drug metabolites. The skin is not the primary organ for drug elimination; only a few drugs are excreted in sweat. The lung(s) primarily excrete volatile gases with expiration, not drugs. While the liver metabolizes drugs, it is the kidney(s) that primarily eliminate drugs through urine, especially those with a molecular weight above 300.

2. A client with suspected renal disease is to undergo a renal biopsy. The nurse plans to include which statement in the teaching session?

A. "You will be positioned lying down during the examination procedure."?
B. "Portions of the procedure will cause pain or discomfort."?
C. "You may be given anesthesia during the procedure."?
D. "You should refrain from eating or drinking before the procedure."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to inform the client that portions of the renal biopsy procedure can cause pain or discomfort, particularly when the sample is being withdrawn. This prepares the client for any unpleasant sensations during the procedure. Answer A is incorrect because the client will be positioned lying down, not sitting up, during the exam, so this information is not relevant to include in the teaching session. Answer C is incorrect as anesthesia is commonly used to numb the area for a renal biopsy, reducing pain, so the client can expect to receive anesthesia. Answer D is incorrect because clients are usually instructed to refrain from eating or drinking for a period before the procedure to prevent any complications during the biopsy, not simply before the study.

3. A woman asks, "How much alcohol can I safely drink while pregnant?"? The nurse's best response is:

A. "The amount of alcohol that is safe during pregnancy is unknown."?
B. "Consuming one or two beers or glasses of wine a day is considered safe for a healthy pregnant woman."?
C. "Drinking three or more drinks on any given occasion is the only harmful type of drinking during pregnancy."?
D. "You can have a drink to help you relax and get to sleep at night."?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is, "The amount of alcohol that is safe during pregnancy is unknown."? This response is appropriate because there is no known safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Consuming any amount of alcohol during pregnancy can pose risks to the developing fetus, leading to conditions like fetal alcohol syndrome, which is a combination of mental and physical abnormalities in infants. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B suggests that consuming one or two drinks a day is safe during pregnancy, which is not supported by current medical guidelines. Choice C incorrectly states that only drinking three or more drinks on any given occasion is harmful, when in reality, any amount of alcohol can be harmful to the fetus. Choice D is inappropriate as it suggests that having a drink to relax and sleep is acceptable during pregnancy, which is not the case.

4. The nurse is assigning staff for the day. Which assignment should be given to the nursing assistant?

A. Taking the vital signs of the 5-month-old with bronchiolitis
B. Taking the vital signs of the 10-year-old with a 2-day postappendectomy
C. Administering medication to the 2-year-old with periorbital cellulitis
D. Adjusting the traction of the 1-year-old with a fractured tibia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate assignment for a nursing assistant is to take the vital signs of a stable patient. A 10-year-old with a 2-day postappendectomy is considered stable, and routine vital signs monitoring can be safely delegated to a nursing assistant. Clients with bronchiolitis, periorbital cellulitis, and a fractured tibia require more specialized care and assessment by a licensed nurse. Bronchiolitis involves an airway alteration, periorbital cellulitis indicates an infection, and a fractured tibia may raise concerns of abuse. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect for delegation to a nursing assistant.

5. How should Lasix be administered to prevent hypotension?

A. By administering it over 1-2 minutes
B. By hanging it IV piggyback
C. With normal saline only
D. By administering it through a venous access device

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lasix should be administered over 1-2 minutes at approximately 1mL per minute to prevent hypotension. This slow administration helps to reduce the risk of adverse effects such as sudden drops in blood pressure. Choice B is incorrect because Lasix does not need to be hung IV piggyback, choice C is incorrect as Lasix administration does not require it to be mixed with normal saline only, and choice D is incorrect as Lasix does not have to be specifically administered through a venous access device (VAD) to prevent hypotension.