Nursing Elites

1. A client has been prescribed diltiazem (Cardizem) and asks the nurse what type of drug this is. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. “A beta blocker.”
• B. “A sodium channel blocker.”
• C. “An alpha blocker.”
• D. “A calcium channel blocker.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diltiazem (Cardizem) belongs to the class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. These medications work by blocking calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, leading to relaxation of the blood vessels and reduced workload on the heart. This helps in lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. It is crucial for the nurse to provide accurate information to the client about the type of drug prescribed to ensure understanding and compliance with the treatment plan.

2. A healthcare professional is educating a client who is beginning therapy with gemcitabine. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional instruct the client to report?

• A. Dyspnea
• B. Constipation
• C. Tinnitus
• D. Dry mouth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is dyspnea. Dyspnea can indicate pulmonary toxicity, a severe adverse effect associated with gemcitabine therapy. Prompt reporting of dyspnea allows for timely evaluation and management to prevent potential complications. Constipation, tinnitus, and dry mouth are not typically associated with gemcitabine therapy and are less likely to be directly related to the medication. Therefore, they are not the priority findings that the client should report.

3. A healthcare provider in a clinic is monitoring serum electrolytes for four older adult clients who take digoxin. Which of the following electrolyte values increases a client's risk for Digoxin toxicity?

• A. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL
• B. Calcium 10.3 mg/dL
• C. Potassium 3.4 mEq/L
• D. Potassium 4.8 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Potassium 3.4 mEq/L is below the expected reference range, which increases the risk for digoxin toxicity. Low potassium levels can lead to fatal dysrhythmias, particularly in older clients taking Digoxin. Hypokalemia potentiates the effects of Digoxin, making the heart more sensitive to its toxic effects. Monitoring and correcting electrolyte imbalances, especially low potassium levels, are crucial to prevent adverse effects of digoxin therapy. Calcium levels do not directly influence digoxin toxicity, so choices A and B are incorrect. High potassium levels, as in choice D, are less likely to increase the risk of digoxin toxicity compared to low potassium levels.

4. A client has anemia and a new prescription for ferrous sulfate liquid. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach to decrease gastrointestinal irritation.
• B. Take the medication with orange juice to enhance absorption.
• C. Take the medication with milk.
• D. Rinse the mouth before taking the iron.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Taking ferrous sulfate with orange juice can help increase the absorption of iron. Orange juice contains vitamin C, which aids in the absorption of iron from the medication. This combination can enhance the effectiveness of the iron supplement for a client with anemia. Option A is incorrect because taking iron on an empty stomach can cause gastrointestinal upset. Option C is incorrect because calcium in milk can inhibit iron absorption. Option D is irrelevant to enhancing iron absorption.

5. A client has a new prescription for Amiodarone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with meals.
• B. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
• C. Take this medication at bedtime.
• D. Increase your intake of sodium-rich foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to advise the client to avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Amiodarone. Grapefruit juice can inhibit the metabolism of Amiodarone, leading to increased blood levels of the medication and raising the risk of adverse effects, such as cardiac toxicity. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking Amiodarone with meals, at bedtime, or increasing intake of sodium-rich foods are not necessary instructions for this medication.

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