Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of congestive heart failure is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin). Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain before administering this medication?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Oxygen saturation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Heart rate. Before administering digoxin to a client with a history of congestive heart failure, the nurse must assess the client's heart rate. Digoxin can cause bradycardia, so monitoring the heart rate is crucial to prevent potential complications. Assessing blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are important assessments but are not as directly influenced by digoxin as heart rate is in this scenario. Blood pressure can be affected by various factors, including dehydration or other medications. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are more related to respiratory function and gas exchange, which are not the primary concerns when administering digoxin to a client with heart failure.

2. After placing a client at 26-weeks gestation in the lithotomy position, the client complains of dizziness and becomes pale and diaphoretic. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Instruct the client to take deep breaths.
• B. Place a wedge under the client's hip.
• C. Place the client in the Trendelenburg position.
• D. Remove the client's legs from the stirrups.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Placing a wedge under the client's hip is the correct action in this scenario. This helps relieve the pressure on the vena cava, which can become compressed in the lithotomy position during pregnancy, improving circulation and reducing symptoms like dizziness and pallor. Instructing the client to take deep breaths (Choice A) may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms. Placing the client in the Trendelenburg position (Choice C) would worsen the situation by further compressing the vena cava. Removing the client's legs from the stirrups (Choice D) may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of the issue.

3. A client with a diagnosis of chronic heart failure is receiving digoxin. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Take the medication with a high-fiber meal
• B. Monitor pulse rate daily before taking the medication
• C. Avoid dairy products while on this medication
• D. Discontinue the medication if blurred vision is experienced

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important instruction the nurse should provide is to monitor pulse rate daily before taking the medication. Digoxin can lead to bradycardia, so it is crucial to assess the pulse rate before administering the medication. This practice helps ensure that the heart rate is not too low for the safe use of digoxin. Choice A is incorrect as there is no specific requirement to take digoxin with a high-fiber meal. Choice C is also incorrect because there is no need to avoid dairy products while on digoxin. Choice D is incorrect since blurred vision is not a common side effect of digoxin; hence, it is not the most critical instruction to provide.

4. A client who has just been diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) is being discharged home. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?

• A. Avoid close contact with others until treatment is complete
• B. Take all prescribed medications as directed
• C. Schedule a follow-up appointment with the healthcare provider
• D. Wear a mask when in public places

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Take all prescribed medications as directed.' This instruction is the most important because adherence to the prescribed medication regimen is crucial in treating tuberculosis effectively and preventing the development of drug-resistant TB. While choice A is important for infection control, ensuring treatment adherence through proper medication intake takes precedence. Choice C is also essential for monitoring progress but is not as critical as ensuring medication compliance. Choice D is relevant for preventing transmission but is not as crucial as ensuring proper treatment by taking medications as directed.

5. A client is prescribed metformin for the management of type 2 diabetes. What is the primary action of this medication?

• A. Stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas.
• B. Increases insulin sensitivity in various tissues.
• C. Decreases hepatic glucose production.
• D. Delays absorption of glucose from the intestines.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreases hepatic glucose production. Metformin primarily works by reducing the production of glucose in the liver (hepatic glucose production) and by improving insulin sensitivity in various tissues. Choice A is incorrect as metformin does not stimulate insulin secretion from the pancreas. Choice B is incorrect as metformin increases insulin sensitivity in various tissues, not just muscle cells. Choice D is incorrect as metformin does not delay glucose absorption from the intestines.

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