Nursing Elites

1. A female client who started chemotherapy three days ago for cancer of the breast calls the clinic reporting that she is so upset she cannot sleep. The client has several PRN medications available. Which drug should the nurse instruct her to take?

• A. Ondansetron 8mgPO no
• B. Lorazepam 2mg PO bedtime
• C. Oxycodone, acetylsalicylic acid one tablet q4 hours PRN
• D. Acetaminophen, diphenhydramine 2 capsules bedtime

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine help with sleep without severe side effects.

2. A home health care nurse observes that a client with Parkinson's syndrome is experiencing increased tremors and difficulty in movement. What should the nurse do in response to this finding?

• A. Report the observed finding to the healthcare provider right away
• B. Arrange a medical evaluation so the medication dose can be adjusted
• C. Schedule a return home visit in 2 weeks to monitor
• D. Explain that this is an expected progression of Parkinson's

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with Parkinson's syndrome experiencing increased tremors and movement difficulty, arranging a medical evaluation is crucial to adjust the medication dose. This proactive approach helps in managing the symptoms effectively. Reporting the finding to the healthcare provider may delay necessary adjustments in treatment. Scheduling a return home visit in 2 weeks may not address the immediate need for medication adjustment. Explaining that the progression is expected without taking action does not address the client's worsening symptoms.

3. A client is prescribed verapamil for hypertension. The nurse should monitor the client for which common adverse effect?

• A. Constipation
• B. Headache
• C. Muscle cramping
• D. Fatigue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker commonly used for hypertension, is known to cause constipation as a frequent adverse effect. This occurs due to its effects on smooth muscle relaxation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to decreased motility. Headache, muscle cramping, and fatigue are not typically associated with verapamil use and are less common side effects. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client for symptoms of constipation when administering verapamil.

4. A client diagnosed with a herniated disc is prescribed hydrocodone/acetaminophen 10 mg/300 mg prn every 4 to 6 hours. As the practical nurse (PN) enters the client's room to administer the requested medication, the client is seen talking and laughing with visiting family. What action should the PN take?

• A. Hold the pain medication until after the visitors leave.
• B. Notify the healthcare provider of the client's drug-seeking behavior.
• C. Administer analgesia as requested by the client.
• D. Inform the client that the medication is not needed based on their behavior.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the PN in this situation is to administer the analgesia as requested by the client. Pain management is based on the client's self-report of pain, which is the most reliable indicator of pain intensity. Analgesics should be given promptly when pain occurs and before it worsens. Following the administration of medication, the PN should discuss the situation with the charge nurse for further guidance or assessment.

5. A client who is in the rehabilitation facility with newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease (PD) has levodopa-carbidopa prescribed. During the care planning session for this client, the nurse discusses which aspects with the other members of the health care team? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Ask the dietician to avoid increasing the amounts of foods high in Vitamin B6.
• B. Lessening of tremors
• C. Remind others on the team that this medication will not relieve all symptoms of PD.
• D. Ask the evening shift nurses to give the last dose earlier in the day if the client has insomnia.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Levodopa-carbidopa is a medication commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). It can cause side effects such as hypotension with sudden position changes. To assist the client in managing this side effect, the physical therapy assistant can help avoid sudden position changes. Additionally, if insomnia occurs, adjusting the timing of the last dose earlier in the day can be beneficial. It is important to note that drowsiness can also be a side effect of the medication and should be reported to the nurse. Foods high in Vitamin B6 can interfere with the absorption of levodopa-carbidopa; hence, it is advisable to avoid increasing the consumption of such foods. Lastly, it is crucial to remind the team that while this medication helps alleviate symptoms like tremors, it may not relieve all symptoms of PD comprehensively.

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