Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A patient is prescribed sucralfate (Carafate) and asks the nurse what the purpose of taking this medication is. Which is the nurse's best response?

• A. The medication helps reduce bacteria levels in the stomach
• B. The medication helps neutralize gastric acid in the stomach
• C. The medication is used to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa
• D. The medication can reduce the patient's constipation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Sucralfate (Carafate) is used to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa by forming a protective barrier over ulcers. This barrier helps prevent stomach acid from further damaging the ulcers and promotes healing. It does not directly reduce bacteria levels, neutralize gastric acid, or have a direct effect on constipation.

3. The nurse is caring for a patient with short-term persistent diarrhea. Which class of medication would the nurse anticipate giving?

• A. Lubricants
• B. Probiotics
• C. Adsorbents
• D. Anticholinergics

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Probiotics are the correct choice in this scenario as they help restore normal gut flora, which can be effective in treating diarrhea by promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the intestines. Lubricants are used to ease bowel movements and are not indicated for treating diarrhea. Adsorbents work by binding to toxins in the gut, which is not the primary mechanism needed for treating diarrhea. Anticholinergics are more commonly used for conditions like overactive bladder and not for short-term persistent diarrhea.

4. When planning to administer the antiulcer GI agent sucralfate, what instruction should the nurse provide regarding administration?

• A. Administer sucralfate once a day
• B. Assess for secondary candida infection
• C. Monitor electrolyte imbalance
• D. Give sucralfate on an empty stomach

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sucralfate is most effective when taken on an empty stomach. This allows the medication to form a protective layer over the ulcer, promoting healing and symptom relief. Administering sucralfate with or after meals may reduce its efficacy as it may bind to food instead of coating the ulcer site.

5. A client who received a renal transplant three months ago is readmitted to the acute care unit with signs of graft rejection. While taking the client's history, the nurse determines the client has been self-administering St. John's wort, an herbal preparation, on the advice of a friend. What information is most significant about this finding?

• A. Wort can decrease plasma concentration of Cyclospora
• B. Wort can decrease plasma concentration of Tacrolimus
• C. Wort can decrease plasma concentration of Cyclosporine
• D. Wort can decrease plasma concentration of Mycophenolate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most significant information about the client self-administering St. John's wort, an herbal preparation, is that it can decrease the plasma concentration of Cyclosporine. St. John's wort is known to reduce the efficacy of Cyclosporine, which is a common immunosuppressant drug used to prevent transplant rejection. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because St. John's wort does not affect the plasma concentration of Cyclospora, Tacrolimus, or Mycophenolate.

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