Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client with osteoporosis who is experiencing severe pain. The client's respiratory rate is 14/min. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer first?

• A. Promethazine
• B. Hydromorphone
• C. Ketorolac
• D. Amitriptyline

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Hydromorphone. Hydromorphone is an opioid analgesic commonly used to manage severe pain effectively. In this case, the client's stable respiratory rate of 14/min indicates that it is safe to administer an opioid for pain relief. Promethazine (choice A) is an antiemetic and antihistamine, not the first choice for severe pain management. Ketorolac (choice C) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may not be potent enough for severe pain relief associated with osteoporosis. Amitriptyline (choice D) is a tricyclic antidepressant, not typically used as a first-line medication for severe pain.

2. A client presents with symptoms suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following laboratory tests should be ordered to confirm this diagnosis?

• A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• B. Rheumatoid factor
• C. Antinuclear antibody
• D. Serum calcium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rheumatoid factor is a specific marker for rheumatoid arthritis. It is often elevated in clients with this autoimmune condition, helping to confirm the diagnosis. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and antinuclear antibody tests can be supportive but are not specific for rheumatoid arthritis. Serum calcium levels are not typically used to confirm this diagnosis.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of escitalopram. Which of the following should the nurse assess first?

• A. Mood changes
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Heart rate
• D. Liver function

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess for mood changes. When administering escitalopram, it is crucial to evaluate mood changes first because the medication may take some time to demonstrate its full effects on the patient's mood. Assessing blood pressure, heart rate, or liver function is not the priority when administering escitalopram, as these parameters are not directly impacted acutely by this medication.

4. A nurse is planning care to prevent complications in a client with immobility. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Massage lower extremities daily to prevent DVT
• B. Remove anti-embolism stockings for 3 hours each day
• C. Limit intake of foods high in calcium to prevent renal calculi
• D. Encourage the client to lie supine to prevent constipation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because removing anti-embolism stockings for short periods prevents skin breakdown while ensuring that the stockings remain effective in promoting circulation. Choice A is incorrect because massaging lower extremities daily does not prevent DVT; instead, it may dislodge a clot. Choice C is incorrect as limiting intake of foods high in calcium does not prevent renal calculi; rather, it may help reduce the risk of kidney stones. Choice D is incorrect because encouraging the client to lie supine does not prevent constipation; instead, encouraging mobility and adequate fluid intake can help prevent constipation in immobile clients.

5. A nurse is educating a patient about their new prescription for a statin medication. What should the nurse advise the patient to avoid while taking this medication?

• A. Drinking grapefruit juice
• B. Consuming high-protein meals
• C. Exercising regularly
• D. Taking the medication in the morning

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drinking grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can increase the risk of statin toxicity by interfering with the enzyme that metabolizes statin medications, leading to higher drug levels in the body. This interaction can potentially cause adverse effects. Therefore, patients should be advised to avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking statins. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Consuming high-protein meals, exercising regularly, and taking the medication in the morning are not contraindicated while on statin therapy. In fact, following a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and taking the medication at a consistent time each day can be beneficial for patients prescribed statins.

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