Nursing Elites

1. A client with diabetes mellitus visits a health care clinic. The client's diabetes mellitus was previously well controlled with daily glyburide (DiaBeta). However, the fasting blood glucose level has recently been in the range of 180 to 200 mg/dL. Which medication, if added to the client's regimen, may have contributed to the hyperglycemia?

• A. Prednisone
• B. Phenelzine (Nardil)
• C. Atenolol (Tenormin)
• D. Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Prednisone is known to reduce the effectiveness of oral hypoglycemic medications like glyburide and insulin, which can result in hyperglycemia. Therefore, the addition of prednisone to the client's regimen could have contributed to the elevated fasting blood glucose levels observed.

2. A client is being cared for by a nurse due to severe back pain, and codeine sulfate has been prescribed. Which of the following should the nurse include in the plan of care while the client is taking this medication?

• A. Restrict fluid intake.
• B. Monitor bowel activity.
• C. Monitor for hypertension.
• D. Monitor peripheral pulses.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client is prescribed codeine sulfate, it is essential to monitor bowel activity because this medication can lead to constipation. Therefore, monitoring bowel function is crucial to prevent or manage any potential gastrointestinal issues that may arise.

3. When a client taking warfarin sodium (Coumadin) is prescribed ciprofloxacin (Cipro), the nurse should closely monitor the client for which potential effect of this drug interaction?

• A. Increased risk of bleeding
• B. Decreased warfarin effectiveness
• C. Increased risk of thrombosis
• D. Decreased ciprofloxacin effectiveness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is given with warfarin sodium (Coumadin), it can potentiate the effects of warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client's INR levels and watch for signs of bleeding such as bruising, petechiae, or black tarry stools.

4. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?

• A. Avoid taking folic acid supplements.
• B. Report any signs of infection immediately.
• C. Take the medication with a full meal.
• D. Limit fluid intake while on this medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include in the client's teaching plan when taking methotrexate is to report any signs of infection immediately. Methotrexate can suppress the immune system, making the client more susceptible to infections. It is important for the client to promptly report any signs of infection to receive timely medical intervention. Choice A is incorrect because folic acid supplements are often recommended to reduce side effects of methotrexate. Choice C is incorrect as methotrexate is usually taken on an empty stomach unless the client experiences gastrointestinal upset. Choice D is incorrect as there is no need to limit fluid intake while on methotrexate; in fact, maintaining adequate fluid intake is important to prevent complications such as kidney damage.

5. In a client with chronic renal failure receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit), which laboratory result would indicate a therapeutic effect of the medication?

• A. Hematocrit of 32%
• B. Platelet count of 400,000 cells/mm³
• C. White blood cell count of 6000 cells/mm³
• D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 15 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A hematocrit of 32% indicates a therapeutic effect of epoetin alfa in a client with chronic renal failure. Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia in these patients by stimulating red blood cell production, leading to an increase in the hematocrit level. Monitoring the hematocrit is essential to assess the response to epoetin alfa therapy.

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