Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of chronic heart failure is receiving digoxin. What is the most important assessment before administering this medication?

• A. Check blood pressure.
• B. Assess heart rate.
• C. Monitor respiratory rate.
• D. Measure oxygen saturation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is essential to evaluate the heart rate as digoxin can cause bradycardia. While checking blood pressure, monitoring respiratory rate, and measuring oxygen saturation are important assessments in the care of a client with chronic heart failure, assessing the heart rate is particularly critical due to the medication's potential impact on heart rhythm.

2. The nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is experiencing shortness of breath. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer bronchodilator therapy as prescribed
• B. Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises
• C. Position the client in a high-Fowler's position
• D. Increase the oxygen flow rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a client with COPD experiencing shortness of breath is to position the client in a high-Fowler's position. This position helps improve lung expansion and ease breathing in COPD patients. While administering bronchodilator therapy as prescribed (Choice A) is important, it is not the priority in this scenario. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises (Choice B) can be beneficial but do not take precedence over positioning for improved respiratory function. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice D) can be considered after the initial positioning to relieve respiratory distress, making it a later intervention.

3. The healthcare provider prescribes erythromycin (Ilosone) 300 mg PO QID. The medication label reads, 'Ilosone 100mg/5mL.' How many mL should the nurse administer at each dose?

• A. 15 mL
• B. 10 mL
• C. 20 mL
• D. 5 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To determine the volume of medication needed for a 300 mg dose of Ilosone (100mg/5mL), we set up a proportion: 100 mg is to 5 mL as 300 mg is to x mL. Cross-multiplying, we get x = (300*5)/100 = 15 mL. Therefore, the nurse should administer 15 mL at each dose. Choice B (10 mL) is incorrect as it does not reflect the correct calculation based on the medication concentration. Choices C (20 mL) and D (5 mL) are also incorrect as they do not accurately calculate the volume required for the prescribed dose.

4. When using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), which step is most important for ensuring effective medication delivery?

• A. Exhale completely before using the inhaler
• B. Inhale quickly while pressing down on the inhaler
• C. Shake the inhaler for 10 seconds before use
• D. Hold breath for 5 seconds after inhaling

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct step to ensure effective medication delivery when using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is to exhale completely before using the inhaler. This action helps create more space in the lungs for the medication to reach deeply into the airways. Inhaling quickly while pressing down on the inhaler (Choice B) may cause the medication to impact the throat rather than reaching the lungs. Shaking the inhaler for 10 seconds before use (Choice C) is important to mix the medication but not the most crucial step for effective delivery. While holding the breath for 5 seconds after inhaling (Choice D) can help the medication stay in the lungs momentarily, exhaling completely before inhalation is more critical for optimal drug deposition.

5. What is the most important aspect of colostomy care to teach the client?

• A. Change the colostomy bag only when necessary
• B. Eat a low-residue diet
• C. Assess the stoma for color and swelling
• D. Irrigate the colostomy only if advised by a healthcare provider

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important aspect of colostomy care to teach the client is to assess the stoma for color and swelling. This is crucial as it ensures early detection of complications such as ischemia or infection. Changing the colostomy bag only when necessary is more appropriate than doing it daily, as it prevents unnecessary changes that may irritate the skin. While eating a low-residue diet is beneficial, it is not the most crucial aspect to teach. Irrigating the colostomy should only be done if advised by a healthcare provider, as it is not a routine procedure for all clients with a colostomy.

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