Nursing Elites

1. A client with rheumatoid arthritis has just been prescribed methotrexate. What teaching should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Report any signs of infection, such as a sore throat.
• C. Take folic acid supplements to prevent anemia.
• D. Use sunscreen to prevent photosensitivity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Use sunscreen to prevent photosensitivity.' Methotrexate increases photosensitivity, so clients should be advised to use sunscreen to protect their skin from sun exposure. Choice A is incorrect because methotrexate is usually taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Choice B may be important but is not specific to methotrexate therapy. Choice C is also important, but the primary reason for folic acid supplementation with methotrexate is to reduce the risk of certain side effects like anemia rather than preventing anemia itself.

2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing difficulty breathing. What is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Administer a bronchodilator via nebulizer.
• B. Increase the client's oxygen flow rate.
• C. Elevate the head of the bed.
• D. Reposition the client to a side-lying position.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In clients with COPD experiencing difficulty breathing, increasing the client's oxygen flow rate is the priority intervention. This action helps to improve oxygenation and relieve shortness of breath. While bronchodilators and other medications may be necessary, providing immediate oxygen support is crucial. Elevating the head of the bed and repositioning the client can assist with breathing comfort but do not address the immediate need for improved oxygenation in COPD exacerbation.

3. A client is receiving lactulose for signs of hepatic encephalopathy. To evaluate the therapeutic response, which assessment should the nurse obtain?

• A. Percussion of the abdomen.
• B. Blood glucose level.
• C. Serum electrolytes.
• D. Level of consciousness.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Level of consciousness. Lactulose is used to reduce ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy, which can affect brain function. Therefore, monitoring the client's level of consciousness is crucial to evaluate the therapeutic response. Changes in consciousness can indicate the effectiveness of lactulose in reducing ammonia levels. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while they are important assessments in various conditions, they are not specifically related to evaluating the therapeutic response of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.

4. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What should the nurse include in the teaching plan about this medication?

• A. Take the medication with a full meal
• B. Take the medication on an empty stomach
• C. Take the medication at bedtime
• D. Take the medication as needed for symptoms

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Take the medication on an empty stomach.' Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption and effectiveness. The medication is typically taken in the morning before breakfast. Choice A is incorrect because taking levothyroxine with a full meal can decrease its absorption. Choice C is incorrect because bedtime dosing may lead to insomnia. Choice D is incorrect because levothyroxine is a daily medication for hypothyroidism, not to be taken as needed for symptoms.

5. The nursing student is discussing with a preceptor the delegation of tasks to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which tasks, delegated to a UAP, indicates the student needs further teaching about the delegation process?

• A. Assist a client post cerebral vascular accident to ambulate
• B. Feed a 2-year-old in balanced skeletal traction
• C. Care for a client with discharge orders
• D. Collect a sputum specimen for acid-fast bacillus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Caring for a client with discharge orders involves tasks that require critical thinking and clinical judgment, which are beyond the scope of a UAP. Delegating this task to a UAP can compromise patient safety and outcomes. The correct answer is C. Choices A, B, and D are appropriate tasks to delegate to a UAP based on their training and scope of practice. Assisting a client to ambulate, feeding a pediatric patient in traction, and collecting a sputum specimen are tasks that can be safely performed by a UAP under appropriate supervision.

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