Nursing Elites

1. When discussing clients designating a health care proxy in situations requiring a durable power of attorney for health care (DPAHC), what information should the charge nurse include?

• A. The proxy should make health care decisions for the client regardless of the client's ability to do so.
• B. The proxy can make financial decisions if the need arises.
• C. The proxy can make treatment decisions if the client is under anesthesia.
• D. The proxy should manage legal issues for the client.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The charge nurse should include information that the proxy can make treatment decisions if the client is under anesthesia. This is a key function of a durable power of attorney for health care. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a health care proxy's role is specifically related to making health care decisions, not financial decisions, legal issues, or decisions made under anesthesia.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis and a new prescription for lactulose. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following therapeutic effects of this medication?

• A. Improved mental status.
• B. Increased urine output.
• C. Decreased serum ammonia.
• D. Decreased bilirubin levels.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased serum ammonia. Lactulose is prescribed to decrease serum ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. By reducing serum ammonia, lactulose helps improve the mental status of these clients. Therefore, monitoring for decreased serum ammonia is crucial to assess the effectiveness of lactulose therapy. Choice A (Improved mental status) is indirectly related as it is the desired outcome of decreasing ammonia levels. Choices B (Increased urine output) and D (Decreased bilirubin levels) are not directly associated with the therapeutic effects of lactulose in cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following findings in the client's medical history should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. History of hypertension
• B. History of polycystic ovary syndrome
• C. History of asthma
• D. History of kidney disease

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, history of kidney disease. Metformin should be used with caution in clients with kidney disease due to the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious complication. Reporting this finding to the provider is crucial for assessing the appropriateness of continuing metformin therapy. Choices A, B, and C do not contraindicate the use of metformin, so they are not the priority for reporting.

4. A client, 12 hours postpartum, reports not having a bowel movement for 4 days. Which medication should the nurse administer?

• A. Bisacodyl 10 mg rectal suppository.
• B. Magnesium hydroxide 30 ml PO.
• C. Famotidine 20 mg PO.
• D. Loperamide 4 mg PO.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should administer Bisacodyl 10 mg rectal suppository. The client's report of not having a bowel movement for 4 days indicates constipation, and Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that helps initiate bowel movements. Magnesium hydroxide is an antacid and osmotic laxative used for indigestion, not for constipation. Famotidine is an H2 receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid production and treat heartburn, not constipation. Loperamide is an antidiarrheal agent and would be contraindicated in a client experiencing constipation.

5. A client at risk for osteoporosis is being taught by a nurse about dietary measures to increase calcium intake. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?

• A. Carrots
• B. Cottage cheese
• C. Bananas
• D. Broccoli

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Broccoli. Broccoli is high in calcium, making it a suitable recommendation for clients at risk for osteoporosis. Carrots, Cottage cheese, and Bananas are not significant sources of calcium compared to broccoli, and therefore, they are not the best choices to increase calcium intake.

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