Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client receiving morphine via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional identify as an adverse effect of the medication?

• A. Diarrhea.
• B. Urinary retention.
• C. Hypotension.
• D. Bradycardia.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hypotension is a common adverse effect of morphine due to its vasodilatory properties. It can lead to a drop in blood pressure, which should be closely monitored during administration. Diarrhea (Choice A) is not a typical adverse effect of morphine. Urinary retention (Choice B) is a side effect of morphine due to its impact on the bladder muscles, but it is not classified as an adverse effect. Bradycardia (Choice D) is not a common adverse effect of morphine; instead, it tends to cause tachycardia.

2. What is the best intervention for a patient experiencing severe hypoglycemia?

• A. Administer IV dextrose
• B. Administer oral glucose
• C. Monitor blood sugar levels
• D. Recheck blood sugar in 15 minutes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best intervention for a patient experiencing severe hypoglycemia is to administer IV dextrose. This intervention is necessary to rapidly raise blood sugar levels in critical situations. Administering oral glucose may not be effective in severe cases as the patient may be unable to consume it. Monitoring blood sugar levels and rechecking blood sugar in 15 minutes are important steps but not the initial best intervention for severe hypoglycemia.

3. A client reports that the medication appears different than what they take at home. Which of the following responses should the nurse take?

• A. Did the healthcare provider discuss with you that there was a change in this medication?
• B. I recommend that you take this medication as prescribed.
• C. Do you know why this medication is being prescribed to you?
• D. I will call the pharmacist now to check on this medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Contacting the pharmacist is the most appropriate action to ensure the correct medication is being administered. This response addresses the client's concern directly and prioritizes patient safety. The other options do not directly address the issue of the medication discrepancy. Option A focuses on the healthcare provider's discussion, not the medication itself. Option B assumes that the current medication is correct without verification. Option C addresses the reason for the prescription but does not verify the medication's correctness.

4. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has acute pancreatitis. Which of the following laboratory results should the healthcare provider expect to be elevated?

• A. Serum sodium.
• B. Serum calcium.
• C. Serum glucose.
• D. Serum amylase.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Serum amylase levels are typically elevated in clients with acute pancreatitis as it is an enzyme released by the pancreas. Elevated serum sodium, calcium, or glucose levels are not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for digoxin. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will take my pulse before taking this medication.
• B. I should take this medication with food to prevent nausea.
• C. I will take this medication if my heart rate is less than 60/min.
• D. I should take this medication with food if I am not feeling well.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Taking the pulse before taking digoxin is crucial as it helps monitor the heart rate, as digoxin can cause bradycardia as a side effect. Option B is incorrect because digoxin should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Option C is incorrect because digoxin should be held and the healthcare provider should be contacted if the heart rate is less than 60/min. Option D is incorrect because digoxin should not be taken with food due to decreased absorption.

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