Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease is receiving atorvastatin (Lipitor). Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?

• A. Complete blood count (CBC)
• B. Serum potassium level
• C. Liver function tests (LFTs)
• D. Serum cholesterol level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To evaluate the effectiveness of atorvastatin (Lipitor), the nurse should monitor liver function tests (LFTs) (C) because this medication can impact liver function. Complete blood count (CBC) (A), serum potassium level (B), and serum cholesterol level (D) are not directly indicative of the medication's effectiveness in managing coronary artery disease.

2. When suctioning a tracheostomy, which action is most appropriate for the nurse to take?

• A. Use a sterile tube each time and suction for 30 seconds.
• B. Use sterile technique and turn the suction off as the catheter is introduced.
• C. Use clean technique and suction for 10 seconds.
• D. Discard the catheter at the end of every shift.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When suctioning a tracheostomy, it is crucial to use sterile technique to prevent infections. Turning off the suction as the catheter is introduced is important to avoid trauma and injury to the tracheal walls. This technique helps maintain the integrity of the tracheostomy site and ensures proper care for the patient.

3. A male client is on contact precautions due to an infected draining wound and is being discharged home. The client lives at home with his wife and their adolescent daughter. What discharge instruction should the nurse include for the client?

• A. Use disposable plates and utensils.
• B. Stay in a room with the door closed.
• C. Dispose of soiled dressings in plastic bags that are securely closed.
• D. Others who are in the same room with the client should wear a mask.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is on contact precautions due to an infected draining wound, it is important to prevent contact with wound secretions. Therefore, disposing of soiled dressings in securely closed plastic bags helps contain and prevent the spread of infectious material, reducing the risk of transmission to others in the household.

4. A client is receiving external radiation therapy for lung cancer. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?

• A. Encourage the client to use sunscreen when outdoors.
• B. Apply a heating pad to the radiation site.
• C. Instruct the client to avoid using deodorant on the skin near the radiation site.
• D. Advise the client to increase intake of green leafy vegetables.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Instructing the client to avoid using deodorant on the skin near the radiation site (C) is crucial to prevent skin irritation and potential adverse reactions during external radiation therapy. Sunscreen (A), heating pad (B), and dietary changes (D) are less pertinent in this situation.

5. The healthcare professional retrieves hydromorphone 4mg/mL from the Pyxis MedStation, an automated dispensing system, for a client who is receiving hydromorphone 3 mg IM 6 hours PRN for severe pain. How many mL should the healthcare professional administer to the client? (Enter the numerical value only. If rounding is required, round to the nearest tenth)

• A. 0.8 mL
• B. 0.75 mL
• C. 0.7 mL
• D. 0.9 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the mL to administer, divide the ordered dose (3 mg) by the concentration (4 mg/mL). 3 mg ÷ 4 mg/mL = 0.75 mL. Rounding to the nearest tenth, the correct dose to administer is 0.8 mL.

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