Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis is prescribed warfarin. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?

• A. Increased risk of bleeding
• B. Decreased risk of bleeding
• C. Increased risk of infection
• D. Decreased risk of infection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased risk of bleeding. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by prolonging the time it takes for blood to clot. Therefore, a potential adverse effect of warfarin is an increased risk of bleeding. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor the client for signs of bleeding, such as easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, nosebleeds, or blood in the urine or stool. Monitoring for these signs is essential to prevent serious complications associated with excessive bleeding. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because warfarin does not decrease the risk of bleeding, increase the risk of infection, or decrease the risk of infection. The primary concern with warfarin therapy is the potential for bleeding complications, so close monitoring for signs of bleeding is essential.

2. A client has sublingual nitroglycerine tablets prescribed to treat angina. The nurse realizes the client requires further education if the client makes which statements? (Select one that doesn't apply.)

• A. I will need to replace the nitroglycerine tablets every 3 to 5 months, not in a year.
• B. I should continue taking nitroglycerine tablets if I develop a headache.
• C. I understand nitroglycerine tablets do not cause addiction.
• D. If I feel dizzy when I take these, I should sit down or lie down until I feel better.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Nitroglycerine sublingual tablets need to be replaced every 3 to 5 months, not every year, making statement A incorrect. While nitroglycerine can cause a headache, it is important to continue taking the prescribed nitroglycerine if the client has angina, making statement B accurate. Nitroglycerine tablets do not cause addiction, so statement C is correct. Dizziness and weakness are associated with the hypotensive effect of nitroglycerine; therefore, if the client feels dizzy when taking them, they should sit down or lie down until they feel better. Taking nitroglycerine tablets before an activity known to cause angina can help prevent angina attacks.

3. A client with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?

• A. Dry cough
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hypernatremia
• D. Hyponatremia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dry cough. Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, is known to cause a persistent dry cough as a common side effect. Monitoring for this adverse effect is crucial because it may lead to non-adherence to the medication. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is a potential side effect of potassium-sparing diuretics, not ACE inhibitors like lisinopril. Hypernatremia (choice C) refers to elevated sodium levels and is not a common side effect of lisinopril. Hyponatremia (choice D) is a condition characterized by low sodium levels and is not a typical side effect of lisinopril. Therefore, the nurse should focus on assessing the client for a dry cough when taking lisinopril.

4. A 6-month-old infant is prescribed digoxin for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Which observation by the practical nurse (PN) warrants immediate intervention for signs of digoxin toxicity?

• A. Apical heart rate of 60 beats/min
• B. Sweating across the forehead
• C. Poor sucking effort
• D. Respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A heart rate of 60 beats/min for a 6-month-old infant warrants immediate intervention as it falls below the normal range. The normal heart rate for a 6-month-old is 80 to 150 beats/min when awake, and a rate of 70 beats/min while sleeping is considered within normal limits. Bradycardia (heart rate <60 beats/min) in infants can be a sign of digoxin toxicity, necessitating prompt evaluation and intervention to prevent adverse effects. Sweating across the forehead (Choice B) is a non-specific symptom and may not directly indicate digoxin toxicity. Poor sucking effort (Choice C) and a respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min (Choice D) are not typically associated with digoxin toxicity and do not require immediate intervention in the context of this question.

5. A client is receiving levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Dry skin
• C. Hair loss
• D. Hyperthermia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism by supplementing the body with thyroid hormone. If the dosage of levothyroxine is too high, it can cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including weight loss. Therefore, weight gain can be a potential side effect of levothyroxine if the dosage is excessive.

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