Nursing Elites

1. A client is newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and prescribed levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Take the medication in the evening.
• C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• D. Take the medication only when experiencing symptoms.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction is to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach. This is necessary for proper absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Taking it with food can interfere with absorption. Timing is also crucial; it is usually recommended to take levothyroxine in the morning to prevent potential interactions with food and other medications throughout the day. Taking the medication in the evening may lead to sleep disturbances. Lastly, waiting to take the medication only when symptoms occur is not appropriate as levothyroxine is typically taken regularly to maintain thyroid hormone levels within the body.

2. A nurse is caring for a client prescribed clopidogrel. Which of the following should the nurse monitor?

• A. Liver function tests
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Potassium levels
• D. Respiratory rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication, so the nurse should monitor for signs of bleeding and liver function tests due to potential liver effects. Monitoring liver function tests is essential to detect any adverse effects on the liver because clopidogrel can cause hepatotoxicity. While monitoring blood pressure, potassium levels, and respiratory rate are important in general patient care, they are not the priority assessments specifically related to clopidogrel use.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed RBCs to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer an antihistamine prior to transfusion.
• B. Check the client’s vital signs.
• C. Verify the client’s identification with another nurse.
• D. Prime the IV tubing with normal saline.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action the nurse should take when preparing to administer packed RBCs to a client is to verify the client’s identification with another nurse. This is crucial to ensure that the correct blood product is administered to the correct client, minimizing the risk of a transfusion reaction. Administering an antihistamine prior to transfusion (Choice A) is not the first priority and is not a standard practice. While checking the client’s vital signs (Choice B) is important, verifying the client’s identification takes precedence to prevent a critical error. Priming the IV tubing with normal saline (Choice D) is a necessary step in the process but should occur after verifying the client's identity.

4. A healthcare professional is assessing a client for signs of dehydration. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional look for?

• A. Edema
• B. Dry mucous membranes
• C. Weight gain
• D. Increased urination

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes are a classic sign of dehydration. In dehydration, the body loses more water than it takes in, leading to dryness of mucous membranes like the mouth and throat. Edema (choice A) is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, which is not a typical sign of dehydration. Weight gain (choice C) is also not a common sign of dehydration; in fact, dehydration usually leads to weight loss. Increased urination (choice D) is more indicative of conditions like diabetes or diuretic use, not dehydration.

5. A nurse is providing education on the use of calcium carbonate. Which of the following should be included?

• A. It can cause hypocalcemia
• B. Monitor for constipation
• C. It can be taken anytime
• D. It is a prescription medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor for constipation.' Calcium carbonate can cause constipation as a side effect. Educating clients on dietary adjustments, such as increasing fluid intake and fiber consumption, can help alleviate this issue. Choice A is incorrect because calcium carbonate supplementation is used to treat hypocalcemia, not cause it. Choice C is incorrect because calcium carbonate should be taken with food for optimal absorption. Choice D is incorrect because calcium carbonate is available over the counter, not as a prescription medication.

Similar Questions