Nursing Elites

1. A client has been prescribed a calcium channel blocker for angina. The nurse knows this medication should NOT be used with caution in combination with which drug classes?

• A. NSAIDs
• B. Cardiac glycosides
• C. Beta blockers
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Calcium channel blockers and beta blockers should be used with caution together because they can both suppress heart function, potentially leading to bradycardia, heart block, or heart failure. NSAIDs and cardiac glycosides do not have significant interactions with calcium channel blockers in the same way, so they are not typically a cause for concern when combined.

2. A client is being discharged with a new prescription for Clopidogrel. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid taking aspirin while on this medication.
• B. Take this medication with food.
• C. Avoid eating foods high in potassium.
• D. Take this medication at bedtime.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed Clopidogrel is to avoid taking aspirin while on this medication. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that can increase the risk of bleeding. Aspirin and other NSAIDs can potentiate the risk of bleeding, so they should be avoided while taking Clopidogrel to prevent adverse effects. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Clopidogrel does not need to be taken with food, there is no specific dietary restriction related to potassium, and the timing of administration (bedtime) is not a critical instruction for this medication.

3. When administering Lithium to a patient, what is a life-threatening side effect?

• A. Erythema
• B. Pancreatitis
• C. Seizures
• D. Headache

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is being treated with Lithium, a life-threatening side effect to watch out for is seizures. Lithium can lower the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of seizures. Seizures are serious and necessitate prompt medical intervention to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Erythema, which is redness of the skin, is not a common life-threatening side effect of Lithium. Pancreatitis can be a side effect of Lithium, but it is not typically life-threatening. Headache is a common side effect of Lithium, but it is not considered life-threatening.

4. A client in an acute mental health facility is experiencing withdrawal from Opioid use and has a new prescription for Clonidine. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as the priority?

• A. Administer the clonidine on the prescribed schedule.
• B. Provide ice chips at the client's bedside.
• C. Educate the client on the effects of clonidine.
• D. Obtain baseline vital signs.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the priority action for the nurse is to obtain baseline vital signs. This step is crucial in assessing the client's current physiological status and establishing a reference point for monitoring the effects of Clonidine. Administering the medication, providing ice chips, and educating the client are important tasks but assessing the client's vital signs takes precedence to ensure the client's safety and well-being during withdrawal management.

5. A client is prescribed Amitriptyline for depression. What should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Expect therapeutic effects in 1-3 weeks.
• B. Discontinue the medication gradually under healthcare provider supervision.
• C. Change positions slowly to minimize dizziness.
• D. Increase dietary fiber intake to prevent constipation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Changing positions slowly can help prevent orthostatic hypotension, a common adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline. It is essential to educate the client to avoid sudden position changes to minimize the risk of dizziness and falls. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. The therapeutic effects of Amitriptyline may not be noticeable for 1-3 weeks, so expecting them in 24 to 48 hours (choice A) is unrealistic. Discontinuing the medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and should be done gradually under healthcare provider supervision, so choice B is incorrect. Amitriptyline can actually cause constipation, so increasing dietary fiber intake would be recommended to prevent constipation, making choice D incorrect.

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