Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Heparin sodium is prescribed for the client. The nurse expects that the healthcare provider will prescribe which of the following to monitor for a therapeutic effect of the medication?

• A. Hematocrit level
• B. Hemoglobin level
• C. Prothrombin time (PT)
• D. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Heparin affects the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. Monitoring aPTT helps ensure that heparin sodium is within the therapeutic range to prevent clot formation. Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels assess red blood cell concentrations and are not specific to monitoring heparin therapy. Prothrombin time (PT) is used to monitor the therapeutic effect of warfarin sodium, which affects the extrinsic pathway of coagulation, not heparin.

3. A client with chronic pain is prescribed transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic) patches. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

• A. Apply the patch to a different site each time.
• B. Avoid using heating pads over the patch.
• C. Change the patch every 72 hours.
• D. Remove the old patch before applying the new one.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clients using transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic) patches should avoid using heating pads over the patch as heat can increase the release of the medication, potentially leading to overdose. The patch should be applied to a different site each time, changed every 72 hours, and the old patch should be removed before applying a new one to prevent accidental overdose or excessive drug absorption.

4. Isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur) is prescribed for a client with angina pectoris. The client tells the nurse that the medication is causing a chronic headache. The nurse appropriately suggests that the client:

• A. Cut the dose in half.
• B. Discontinue the medication.
• C. Take the medication with food.
• D. Contact the healthcare provider (HCP).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isosorbide mononitrate can cause headaches, which usually disappear during continued therapy. Taking the medication with food or meals can help alleviate the headache. It is important to recommend this approach before considering dose adjustments or discontinuation of the medication. Contacting the healthcare provider would be necessary if the headache persists despite taking the medication with food.

5. The nurse provides medication instructions to an older hypertensive client who is taking 20 mg of lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) orally daily. The nurse evaluates the need for further teaching when the client states which of the following?

• A. I can skip a dose once a week.
• B. I need to change my position slowly.
• C. I take the pill after breakfast each day.
• D. If I get a bad headache, I should call my doctor immediately.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lisinopril should be taken daily as prescribed and not skipped. Skipping doses can lead to ineffective treatment.

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