Nursing Elites

1. A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who has a urinary tract infection (UTI). Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse verify with a provider?

• A. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
• B. Hyoscyamine
• C. Oxybutynin
• D. Phenazopyridine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Oxybutynin. Oxybutynin can worsen urinary retention, so the nurse should verify this prescription with the provider. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Choice A) is a common antibiotic used to treat UTIs and does not require verification. Hyoscyamine (Choice B) is an anticholinergic medication used for bladder spasms and does not typically worsen UTI symptoms. Phenazopyridine (Choice D) is a urinary analgesic that helps relieve pain, burning, and discomfort caused by a UTI, which may not necessarily require verification in this scenario.

2. What is the primary goal when caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

• A. Maintain the patient's oxygen saturation above 90%.
• B. Administer bronchodilators as prescribed.
• C. Improve the patient's nutritional intake.
• D. Encourage the patient to limit physical activity.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to maintain the patient's oxygen saturation above 90% when caring for a patient with COPD. In COPD, impaired gas exchange leads to decreased oxygen levels in the blood. By ensuring oxygen saturation remains above 90%, healthcare providers can prevent hypoxia and its complications. Administering bronchodilators as prescribed (Choice B) is an important intervention in managing COPD symptoms, but it is not the primary goal. Improving the patient's nutritional intake (Choice C) and encouraging the patient to limit physical activity (Choice D) are also essential aspects of COPD management, but they are not the primary goal when caring for a patient with this condition.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer a high dose of morphine to a patient with terminal cancer. What is the nurse's primary consideration before administration?

• A. Ensure the family is aware of the dosage to be administered.
• B. Monitor the patient for respiratory depression.
• C. Administer the morphine in divided doses.
• D. Delay administration until the next assessment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the patient for respiratory depression. When administering a high dose of morphine, the nurse's primary consideration should be to monitor the patient for respiratory depression, as morphine can slow down breathing, especially in higher doses. Option A is incorrect because the primary focus should be on the patient's well-being and safety rather than family awareness at this point. Option C is not the best approach as the immediate concern is monitoring the patient closely for any adverse effects. Option D is not advisable as delaying administration without a valid reason can compromise pain management in a terminal cancer patient.

4. A client reports severe pain unrelieved by pain medication in a limb with traction. What is the nurse's priority?

• A. Increase the dosage of pain medication.
• B. Assess for compartment syndrome.
• C. Wait for the healthcare provider to address the issue.
• D. Reposition the client to alleviate the pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for compartment syndrome. Severe unrelieved pain in a limb with traction can be a sign of compartment syndrome, a surgical emergency. Prompt assessment is crucial to prevent potential complications. Increasing pain medication dosage without addressing the underlying cause may delay necessary interventions. Waiting for the healthcare provider may lead to a critical delay in treatment. Repositioning the client may not alleviate the pain if it is due to compartment syndrome, and it is crucial to assess for this condition first.

5. A client with leukemia is considered for a bone marrow transplant. Which principle of healthcare ethics is being practiced by minimizing harm to the client?

• A. Justice
• B. Beneficence
• C. Nonmaleficence
• D. Autonomy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle that focuses on avoiding harm to the patient. In this scenario, by considering a bone marrow transplant for the client with leukemia, healthcare professionals are practicing nonmaleficence by aiming to minimize harm. Choice A, Justice, pertains to fairness in the distribution of resources and decisions, which is not the primary focus in this situation. Choice B, Beneficence, involves promoting the patient's well-being, which is related but not directly addressing the act of minimizing harm. Choice D, Autonomy, refers to respecting the patient's right to make decisions about their own care, which is not the key principle at play when minimizing harm in this context.

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