Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional in a provider's office is monitoring serum electrolytes for four older adult clients who take digoxin. Which of the following electrolyte values increases a client's risk for Digoxin toxicity?

• A. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL
• B. Calcium 10.3 mg/dL
• C. Potassium 3.4 mEq/L
• D. Potassium 4.8 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Potassium 3.4 mEq/L. Potassium 3.4 mEq/L is below the expected reference range and puts a client at risk for digoxin toxicity. Low potassium levels can lead to fatal dysrhythmias, especially in older clients taking Digoxin, as potassium plays a crucial role in the heart's electrical activity. Choices A and B are related to calcium levels, which do not directly increase the risk of Digoxin toxicity. Choice D, Potassium 4.8 mEq/L, is within the expected reference range and would not increase the risk of Digoxin toxicity.

2. When teaching a client with a new prescription for Furosemide, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication at bedtime.
• B. Avoid eating foods high in potassium.
• C. Change positions slowly.
• D. Take this medication with meals.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with a new prescription for Furosemide is to change positions slowly. Furosemide is a diuretic that can lead to orthostatic hypotension, causing dizziness and increasing the risk of falls. By advising the client to change positions slowly, the nurse helps prevent these potential adverse effects. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Taking Furosemide at bedtime (Choice A) is not necessary as it can be taken at any time of the day. Avoiding foods high in potassium (Choice B) is more relevant for clients taking potassium-sparing diuretics. Taking Furosemide with meals (Choice D) may lead to increased diuretic effects and frequent urination.

3. When educating a client who has a new prescription for Levothyroxine to treat hypothyroidism, which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Take the medication first thing in the morning before eating.
• B. Take the medication at bedtime to avoid drowsiness.
• C. Take the medication with food to prevent nausea.
• D. Take the medication with a glass of milk.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken first thing in the morning before eating to ensure optimal absorption. Taking it on an empty stomach helps prevent interactions with food or other medications that may decrease its effectiveness. It is important to follow this timing recommendation to maintain consistent thyroid hormone levels in the body. Choice B is incorrect as taking Levothyroxine at bedtime may lead to inconsistent absorption and affect its efficacy. Choice C is incorrect because taking Levothyroxine with food can interfere with its absorption. Choice D is incorrect as Levothyroxine should be taken with a full glass of water, not milk, to aid in proper absorption.

4. A client has a prescription for Prednisone for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will increase my intake of potassium-rich foods.
• B. I should take my medication with food.
• C. I will decrease my intake of calcium-rich foods.
• D. I should avoid eating grapefruit while taking this medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Prednisone can cause hypokalemia, leading to low potassium levels. Increasing the intake of potassium-rich foods helps prevent this imbalance. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because taking Prednisone with food, decreasing calcium-rich foods, or avoiding grapefruit are not specifically related to addressing the side effect of hypokalemia associated with Prednisone.

5. A client is taking Ritonavir, a protease inhibitor, to treat HIV infection. The nurse should monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

• A. Increased TSH level
• B. Decreased ALT level
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Hyperlipidemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hyperlipidemia, characterized by increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, can occur as an adverse effect of Ritonavir. Monitoring lipid levels is essential to detect and manage this potential side effect in clients taking this medication for HIV infection.

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