Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider at an urgent care clinic is assessing an adolescent client who has an upper respiratory tract infection. Which of the following findings should the provider recognize as a manifestation of pertussis?

• A. Inflamed throat with exudate
• B. Purulent eye drainage
• C. Dry, hacking cough
• D. Koplik spots on buccal mucosa

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Dry, hacking cough.' A dry, hacking cough is a classic manifestation of pertussis. Pertussis typically presents with symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection, starting with a persistent, severe, and uncontrollable cough that can worsen at night. This cough is often followed by a high-pitched 'whoop' sound as the patient tries to catch their breath, hence the term 'whooping cough.' In contrast, options A, B, and D are not typically associated with pertussis. Inflamed throat with exudate may suggest a bacterial throat infection like streptococcal pharyngitis, purulent eye drainage is more indicative of a bacterial conjunctivitis, and Koplik spots on the buccal mucosa are specific to measles. Therefore, recognizing the dry, hacking cough as a manifestation of pertussis is crucial for early identification and appropriate management of the disease.

2. What important information should the nurse provide to a patient taking a tetracycline antibiotic?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Avoid exposure to sunlight and tanning beds.
• C. Do not take the medication with milk or other dairy products.
• D. The medication may cause permanent staining of your teeth.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Tetracycline antibiotics can bind to calcium in dairy products, decreasing the absorption of the antibiotic. This may result in reduced effectiveness of the medication. Additionally, tetracycline antibiotics can cause permanent staining of teeth, especially in children below 8 years of age and in pregnant women. Therefore, it is crucial for the patient to be aware of this potential side effect and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because tetracycline antibiotics should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset, exposure to sunlight is not a significant concern with tetracycline antibiotics, and the issue with dairy products is related to calcium binding and reduced absorption rather than an issue of empty stomach intake.

3. A patient is prescribed fluconazole (Diflucan) for a vaginal yeast infection. The nurse should be concerned if the patient is also taking which medication?

• A. Losartan (Cozaar)
• B. Simvastatin (Zocor)
• C. Lisinopril (Zestril)
• D. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When fluconazole is taken with statins like simvastatin, it can increase the levels of the statin in the blood, potentially leading to adverse effects such as muscle pain and weakness. Therefore, the nurse should be concerned if the patient is taking simvastatin along with fluconazole.

4. Why is the specific gravity for infants lower than for older children?

• A. Infants have a greater body surface area.
• B. Infants have a higher basal metabolic rate.
• C. Infants have a greater percentage of body weight that is water.
• D. Infants' kidneys are less able to concentrate urine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because infants' kidneys are less developed compared to older children, making them less efficient at concentrating urine. This results in a lower specific gravity in infants. The other choices do not directly explain why the specific gravity is lower in infants.

5. What is the most important statement to include when teaching a patient who is prescribed metronidazole (Flagyl)?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Avoid alcohol consumption.
• C. If you experience a metallic taste in your mouth, call your doctor.
• D. You can stop taking the medication once you feel better.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most crucial statement to include when teaching a patient prescribed metronidazole (Flagyl) is to avoid alcohol consumption. Mixing metronidazole and alcohol can lead to a disulfiram-like reaction, causing severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and headache. Therefore, it is essential to emphasize to the patient the importance of abstaining from alcohol while taking this medication to prevent adverse reactions.

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