Nursing Elites

1. A client whose seizure disorder has been managed with phenytoin is admitted to the emergency department with status epilepticus. Which drug should the practical nurse anticipate being prescribed for administration to treat these seizures?

• A. Phenytoin
• B. Diazepam
• C. Phenobarbital
• D. Carbamazepine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the management of status epilepticus, which is a life-threatening condition of prolonged seizures, rapid intervention is crucial. Diazepam is the drug of choice for treating status epilepticus due to its fast onset of action and effectiveness in stopping seizures. It acts by enhancing the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA to suppress seizure activity quickly. Phenytoin, although used for long-term seizure control, has a slower onset of action and is not the first-line medication for managing status epilepticus.

2. A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed sertraline. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication may have which potential side effect?

• A. Nausea
• B. Drowsiness
• C. Insomnia
• D. Headache

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nausea. Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is known to commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea. It is recommended for clients to take sertraline with food to help minimize this potential side effect. Choice B, Drowsiness, is less commonly associated with sertraline use. Insomnia, choice C, is not a typical side effect of sertraline; in fact, it may help improve sleep in some individuals. Headache, choice D, is also not a common side effect of sertraline.

3. A client with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed dapagliflozin. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?

• A. Genital infections
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Nausea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Genital infections. Dapagliflozin, a medication used in diabetes mellitus type 2, is associated with an increased risk of genital infections. Its mechanism of action involves promoting glucose excretion through the urine, creating a favorable environment for microbial growth in the genital area. Monitoring for genital infections is crucial when a client is prescribed dapagliflozin. Hypoglycemia (choice B) is not a common adverse effect of dapagliflozin since it does not directly lower blood glucose levels. Hyperglycemia (choice C) is also unlikely as dapagliflozin is intended to help lower blood glucose levels. Nausea (choice D) is a less common side effect of dapagliflozin compared to genital infections.

4. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed hydroxychloroquine. What instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?

• A. Avoid sunlight exposure while taking this medication.
• B. Take this medication with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset.
• C. Report any signs of infection to the healthcare provider.
• D. Report any signs of vision changes to the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hydroxychloroquine is known to cause vision changes, including retinopathy. Therefore, it is crucial for clients to report any vision changes promptly to their healthcare provider to prevent any potential ocular complications. While sunlight exposure should be limited due to photosensitivity, the key concern with hydroxychloroquine is the risk of vision changes, not gastrointestinal upset or infections.

5. A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed hydroxyzine. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication may have which potential side effect?

• A. Drowsiness
• B. Dry mouth
• C. Nausea
• D. Headache

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drowsiness. Hydroxyzine is known to cause drowsiness, so clients should be advised to avoid activities like driving until they understand how the medication affects them. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because dry mouth, nausea, and headache are not commonly associated with hydroxyzine use. It is crucial for the client to be aware of the potential drowsiness to ensure their safety and well-being while taking this medication.

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