Nursing Elites

1. A 45-year-old woman is prescribed ropinirole (Requip) for Parkinson's Disease. The patient is living at home with her daughter. The nurse is most concerned about which side effect of ropinirole?

• A. Slurred speech
• B. Sudden dizziness
• C. Mask-like facial expression
• D. Stooped posture

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Sudden dizziness.' Dizziness and orthostatic hypotension are serious adverse effects of ropinirole that can lead to an increased risk of falls. Ropinirole belongs to the drug class of dopamine agonists, which mimic dopamine in the brain (Parkinson's Disease is characterized by a lack of dopamine). 'Slurred speech' is not a common side effect of ropinirole. 'Mask-like facial expression' and 'Stooped posture' are more associated with the progression of Parkinson's Disease itself rather than a side effect of ropinirole.

2. After an endoscopic procedure with general anesthesia, what is a priority nursing consideration for a patient in the day surgery center?

• A. Raise the siderails of the patient's bed
• B. Do not offer fluids, food, or any oral intake
• C. Check the temperature of the patient
• D. Teach the patient to avoid aspirin or NSAIDS

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After an endoscopic procedure with general anesthesia, the priority nursing consideration is to not offer fluids, food, or any oral intake to the patient. Endoscopies involve passing a tube through the mouth into the esophagus or upper GI. Anesthesia is often given to inactivate the gag reflex, making the patient vulnerable to aspiration. Raising the siderails of the patient's bed is important for safety but not the immediate priority. Checking the patient's temperature may be important but is not the priority immediately after the procedure. Teaching the patient to avoid aspirin or NSAIDS is important for post-procedure care but is not the priority immediately after the endoscopic procedure.

3. A newborn is having difficulty maintaining a temperature above 98 degrees Fahrenheit and has been placed in a warming isolette. Which action is a nursing priority?

• A. Protect the neonate's eyes from the heat lamp
• B. Monitor the neonate's temperature
• C. Warm all medications and liquids before administration
• D. Avoid touching the neonate with cold hands

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a newborn is placed in a warming isolette due to difficulty maintaining temperature, the priority action is to continuously monitor the neonate's temperature to prevent overheating. Using heat lamps is unsafe as their temperature cannot be regulated, potentially causing harm. Warming medications and fluids before administration is not necessary in this situation. While touching the neonate with cold hands may startle them, it does not pose a safety risk compared to monitoring and controlling the temperature.

4. Which finding indicates to the nurse that a patient's transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placed 3 months ago has been effective?

• A. Increased serum albumin level
• B. Decreased indirect bilirubin level
• C. Improved alertness and orientation
• D. Fewer episodes of bleeding varices

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Fewer episodes of bleeding varices.' A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is used to reduce pressure in the portal venous system, thus decreasing the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices. This outcome would indicate the effectiveness of the TIPS procedure. The other choices are incorrect because: Increased serum albumin level and decreased indirect bilirubin level are not direct indicators of TIPS effectiveness. Improved alertness and orientation could be influenced by various factors and may not directly correlate with the effectiveness of the TIPS procedure. Additionally, TIPS can actually increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy, which contradicts the choice of improved alertness and orientation.

5. A client complained of nausea, a metallic taste in her mouth, and fine hand tremors 2 hours after her first dose of lithium carbonate (Lithane). What is the nurse's best explanation of these findings?

• A. These side effects are common and should subside in a few days.
• B. The client is probably having an allergic reaction and should discontinue the drug.
• C. Taking the lithium on an empty stomach should decrease these symptoms.
• D. Decreasing dietary intake of sodium and fluids should minimize the side effects.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'These side effects are common and should subside in a few days.' Nausea, metallic taste, and fine hand tremors are common side effects of lithium carbonate (Lithane) and typically diminish within a few days as the body adjusts to the medication. Option B is incorrect because these symptoms are not indicative of an allergic reaction. Option C is incorrect as taking lithium on an empty stomach does not directly address or decrease these specific side effects. Option D is also incorrect as reducing sodium and fluid intake is not the recommended approach to managing these particular side effects of lithium.

Similar Questions