Nursing Elites

1. A 28-year-old woman presents with abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. She notes that her symptoms improve with fasting. She has a history of iron deficiency anemia. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Irritable bowel syndrome
• B. Celiac disease
• C. Lactose intolerance
• D. Crohn's disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea improving with fasting, and a history of iron deficiency anemia are characteristic of celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, leading to damage in the small intestine. The improvement with fasting may be due to the temporary avoidance of gluten-containing foods. Irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, and Crohn's disease do not typically present with improvement of symptoms with fasting or have a clear association with iron deficiency anemia.

2. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid). Which instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Take the medication with a meal.
• B. Take the medication at bedtime.
• C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• D. Take the medication with an antacid.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid) is to take the medication on an empty stomach. This ensures optimal absorption of levothyroxine. Taking it with a meal can interfere with absorption due to food interactions. Taking it at bedtime may lead to inconsistent absorption as it should be taken at the same time every day in the morning. Taking it with an antacid can reduce the absorption of levothyroxine, making it less effective.

3. A patient with anemia is prescribed ferrous sulfate. What advice should the nurse give regarding the administration of this medication?

• A. Take with dairy products to increase absorption.
• B. Take on an empty stomach for best absorption.
• C. Avoid vitamin C while taking this medication.
• D. Take before bedtime.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct advice for the administration of ferrous sulfate is to take it on an empty stomach for best absorption. This enhances the absorption of iron. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, the medication can be taken with food. Taking ferrous sulfate with dairy products is not recommended as calcium can inhibit iron absorption. Taking it before bedtime is also not recommended. Vitamin C can actually help with the absorption of iron and is often recommended to be taken alongside iron supplements to enhance absorption. Therefore, avoiding vitamin C while taking ferrous sulfate is not correct.

4. A client with hypertension is receiving dietary education from a nurse. Which recommendation should the nurse include?

• A. Increase your intake of saturated fats.
• B. Limit your sodium intake to less than 2 grams per day.
• C. Avoid foods high in potassium.
• D. Consume at least three alcoholic beverages daily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation for a client with hypertension is to limit sodium intake to less than 2 grams per day. High sodium intake can worsen hypertension by increasing blood pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing saturated fats (Choice A) can be detrimental to heart health and exacerbate hypertension. Avoiding foods high in potassium (Choice C) is not recommended as potassium-rich foods can actually be beneficial for managing blood pressure. Consuming three alcoholic beverages daily (Choice D) can also have a negative impact on blood pressure and overall health.

5. The nurse is administering sevelamer (RenaGel) during lunch to a client with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The client asks the nurse to bring the medication later. The nurse should describe which action of RenaGel as an explanation for taking it with meals?

• A. Prevents indigestion associated with the ingestion of spicy foods.
• B. Binds with phosphorus in foods and prevents absorption.
• C. Promotes stomach emptying and prevents gastric reflux.
• D. Buffers hydrochloric acid and prevents gastric erosion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sevelamer (RenaGel) binds with phosphorus in foods and prevents its absorption. By taking RenaGel with meals, the binding of phosphorus helps to reduce the phosphorus load absorbed from food, thus aiding in the management of hyperphosphatemia in clients with ESRD.

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