Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of anemia is being discharged with a prescription for ferrous sulfate. What should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

• A. Take the medication with milk to enhance absorption
• B. Expect stools to be dark in color
• C. Take the medication before bedtime
• D. Avoid foods high in vitamin C

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Expect stools to be dark in color.' Dark stools are a common side effect of iron supplementation due to the unabsorbed iron, and this is not a cause for concern. Choice A is incorrect because taking iron with milk can decrease its absorption due to calcium binding. Choice C is incorrect as there are no specific recommendations to take ferrous sulfate before bedtime. Choice D is also incorrect as vitamin C actually enhances iron absorption and should not be avoided.

2. A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hypernatremia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyponatremia. Lithium can affect sodium levels in the body, potentially leading to hyponatremia, which is a condition characterized by low sodium levels. This imbalance requires close monitoring as it can lead to symptoms such as confusion, weakness, and even seizures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because lithium is not primarily associated with causing hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, or hypernatremia. While these imbalances can occur in certain conditions or with other medications, the main electrolyte imbalance to monitor when a client is prescribed lithium is hyponatremia.

3. What is the most important action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter?

• A. Irrigate the catheter daily.
• B. Change the catheter every 72 hours.
• C. Apply antibiotic ointment at the insertion site.
• D. Ensure the catheter bag is always below bladder level.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most crucial action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter is to ensure that the catheter bag is always below bladder level. This positioning helps prevent backflow of urine, reducing the risk of CAUTIs. Irrigating the catheter daily (Choice A) is unnecessary and can introduce pathogens. Changing the catheter every 72 hours (Choice B) is not recommended unless clinically indicated to prevent introducing new pathogens. Applying antibiotic ointment at the insertion site (Choice C) is not the most important action to prevent CAUTIs; proper hygiene and maintaining a closed system are more critical.

4. A client with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is being treated with levothyroxine (Synthroid). What is the most important information for the nurse to provide?

• A. Take the medication at bedtime.
• B. Take the medication with food.
• C. Report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• D. Discontinue the medication if you feel well.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to provide to a client with hypothyroidism being treated with levothyroxine is to report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations or tremors, may indicate overtreatment or excessive dosing of levothyroxine. Prompt reporting of these symptoms is crucial to prevent serious complications. Choices A and B are not the most critical information related to levothyroxine administration. Instructing the client to take the medication at bedtime or with food can be important for adherence but is not as crucial as monitoring for signs of hyperthyroidism. Choice D is incorrect as discontinuing the medication if feeling well can lead to a relapse of hypothyroidism symptoms.

5. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). What technique should the nurse emphasize?

• A. The importance of using a spacer
• B. How to synchronize breaths with inhaler activation
• C. Regular cleaning of the inhaler
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In managing COPD with a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), the nurse should emphasize all of the techniques mentioned. Using a spacer can help improve drug delivery and reduce the risk of oral thrush. Synchronizing breaths with inhaler activation ensures proper medication delivery to the lungs. Regular cleaning of the inhaler prevents blockages and ensures optimal functioning. Therefore, all these techniques are important for effective COPD management, making 'All of the above' the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are all crucial components of proper MDI technique in COPD, so they are not individually sufficient without the others.

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