Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client with pericarditis. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report?

• A. Paradoxical pulse
• B. Dependent edema
• C. Pericardial friction rub
• D. Substernal chest pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A paradoxical pulse is a sign of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis that requires immediate intervention. It results from decreased cardiac output due to increased pressure in the pericardial sac. Reporting this finding promptly allows for timely treatment to prevent further deterioration. Dependent edema and substernal chest pain are common in pericarditis but are not as urgent as a paradoxical pulse. A pericardial friction rub is a classic finding in pericarditis and indicates inflammation but is not as critical as a paradoxical pulse.

2. 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.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for vancomycin 1 g IV every 12 hours. The client is scheduled to have the morning dose at 0700. The nurse should schedule the trough level to be drawn at which of the following times?

• A. 2100
• B. 900
• C. 1300
• D. 1800

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The trough level of vancomycin should be drawn just before the next dose is administered, typically about 30 minutes before the scheduled dose. Since the morning dose is at 0700, the trough level should be drawn at 1800. This timing ensures an accurate measurement of the lowest concentration of the drug in the client's system before the next dose is given. Choice A (2100) is too close to the next dose, choice B (900) is too early, and choice C (1300) is also too far from the next dose.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who is at 31 weeks of gestation. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of a potential prenatal complication?

• A. Periodic tingling of fingers
• B. Absence of clonus
• C. Leg cramps
• D. Blurred vision

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Blurred vision can be an indicator of serious conditions such as preeclampsia, which involves hypertension and can lead to significant maternal and fetal complications. Periodic tingling of fingers, absence of clonus, and leg cramps are common discomforts during pregnancy but are not typically associated with serious prenatal complications like preeclampsia. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

5. When teaching about safety risks for adolescents, what should be included?

• A. Adolescents are more likely to follow rules
• B. Peer influence to participate in high-risk behaviors can lead to injury
• C. Most injuries occur during sports activities
• D. Adolescents are aware of the dangers of substance use

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When educating about safety risks for adolescents, it is crucial to address the impact of peer influence on engaging in high-risk behaviors, which can result in injuries. Choice A is incorrect because adolescents are known to sometimes take risks and not always follow rules. Choice C is incorrect as injuries among adolescents can also happen outside of sports activities. Choice D is incorrect as adolescents may not always be fully aware of the dangers of substance use.

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