Nursing Elites

1. A client with cirrhosis is taking lactulose (Cephulac). Which finding indicates that the lactulose is having the desired effect?

• A. Two to three soft bowel movements per day
• B. Increased serum ammonia levels
• C. Decreased white blood cell count
• D. Soft, formed stool twice a day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Two to three soft bowel movements per day.' Lactulose is prescribed to produce soft, regular bowel movements to reduce ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis. This helps in preventing hepatic encephalopathy. Option B is incorrect because increased serum ammonia levels would indicate that lactulose is not effectively reducing ammonia levels. Option C is incorrect because lactulose does not directly affect white blood cell counts. Option D is incorrect because soft, formed stools twice a day may not be frequent enough to effectively reduce ammonia levels in clients with cirrhosis.

2. The nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days post-op following an abdominal hysterectomy. The client reports feeling something 'give way' in the incision site and there is a small amount of bowel protruding from the wound. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Apply a sterile saline dressing to the wound
• B. Notify the healthcare provider
• C. Administer pain medication
• D. Cover the wound with an abdominal binder

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this situation, the priority action for the nurse is to apply a sterile saline dressing to the wound. This helps to cover and protect the exposed bowel, preventing infection and maintaining a moist environment for wound healing. Option B, notifying the healthcare provider, is important but should come after addressing the immediate need of covering the wound. Administering pain medication (option C) and covering the wound with an abdominal binder (option D) are not appropriate initial actions for this situation.

3. The client is being taught how to take alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis treatment. Which statement indicates that the client needs further teaching?

• A. I should take this medication at bedtime
• B. I will need to take this medication for at least 3 years
• C. I should sit up for 30 minutes after taking the medication
• D. I should take this medication with a full glass of water

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because taking Fosamax at bedtime is incorrect. It should be taken in the morning with a full glass of water to prevent esophageal irritation. Choice B is correct; alendronate is typically taken for several years to treat osteoporosis. Choice C is correct as remaining upright for 30 minutes after taking Fosamax helps prevent esophageal irritation. Choice D is also correct as taking alendronate with a full glass of water is necessary to ensure proper absorption.

4. A male client is admitted to the mental health unit because he experiences panic attacks when driving on the freeway. To attempt to desensitize this fear, what action should the nurse encourage the client to implement?

• A. Watch training videos of people driving in various environments
• B. Begin visualizing himself driving each route to the freeway
• C. Take antianxiety medication two hours before driving on freeways
• D. Get in the car with a support person and drive on a freeway during rush hour

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Visualization techniques, such as visualizing himself driving each route to the freeway, are commonly used in desensitization therapy to help clients gradually overcome their fears. Watching videos of others driving or taking medication do not actively involve the client in facing their fear, which is essential in desensitization therapy. Getting in the car with a support person during rush hour may exacerbate the client's anxiety rather than help in desensitization.

5. A client is receiving a low dose of dopamine (Intropin) IV for the treatment of hypotension. Which indicator reflects that the medication is having the desired effect?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Increased urinary output
• C. Increased blood pressure
• D. Increased respiratory rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increased blood pressure is the desired effect of administering dopamine (Intropin) to treat hypotension. Dopamine acts by stimulating adrenergic receptors, leading to vasoconstriction and increased cardiac output. This results in an elevation of blood pressure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly reflect the therapeutic action of dopamine in treating hypotension. Increased heart rate may indicate the body compensating for low blood pressure, increased urinary output is more related to kidney function, and increased respiratory rate is often seen in response to respiratory issues, not the action of dopamine on hypotension.

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