Nursing Elites

1. A client is receiving meperidine (Demerol) for pain management. Which assessment finding requires immediate action?

• A. Constipation
• B. Drowsiness
• C. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
• D. Nausea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute indicates respiratory depression, a severe side effect of meperidine (Demerol) that necessitates immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Constipation, drowsiness, and nausea are common but less urgent side effects that do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk. Respiratory depression can lead to respiratory arrest and must be addressed promptly to ensure the client's safety and well-being.

2. When providing instructions to a client taking ciprofloxacin (Cipro), which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

• A. Avoid taking the medication with milk or antacids.
• B. Take the medication with a multivitamin.
• C. Consume extra dairy products while taking this medication.
• D. Take the medication with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid taking ciprofloxacin (Cipro) with milk or antacids. These can interfere with the medication's absorption. Consuming extra dairy products or taking it with a multivitamin is not recommended for the same reason. If gastrointestinal upset occurs, the medication can be taken with food to help alleviate the symptoms.

3. When reviewing laboratory results for a client receiving tacrolimus (Prograf), which laboratory result would indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the medication?

• A. Blood glucose of 200 mg/dL
• B. Potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L
• C. Platelet count of 300,000 cells/mm³
• D. White blood cell count of 6000 cells/mm³

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An elevated blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL indicates an adverse effect of tacrolimus. This finding suggests hyperglycemia, which is a known adverse effect of the medication. Other potential adverse effects of tacrolimus include neurotoxicity and hypertension. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial to detect and manage this adverse effect promptly. Choices B, C, and D are not directly associated with adverse effects of tacrolimus. Potassium, platelet count, and white blood cell count are important parameters to monitor for other reasons but not specifically for detecting adverse effects of tacrolimus.

4. Before administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure, what is the most important laboratory test result for the nurse to check?

• A. Potassium level
• B. Creatinine level
• C. Cholesterol level
• D. Blood urea nitrogen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the potassium level before administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia, so it is crucial to assess the potassium level to prevent complications like cardiac arrhythmias associated with low potassium levels.

5. The client who chronically uses nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been taking misoprostol (Cytotec). The nurse determines that the medication is having the intended therapeutic effect if which of the following is noted?

• A. Resolved diarrhea
• B. Relief of epigastric pain
• C. Decreased platelet count
• D. Decreased white blood cell count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Misoprostol is a gastric protectant administered to clients using NSAIDs to prevent gastric mucosal injury. Relief of epigastric pain signifies the medication's therapeutic effect as it indicates a reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms associated with NSAID use.

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