Nursing Elites

1. A client has a new prescription for Alteplase. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Administer the medication within 4 hours of the onset of symptoms.
• B. Reconstitute the medication with sterile saline.
• C. Administer heparin concurrently with the Alteplase infusion.
• D. Monitor for changes in level of consciousness.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Alteplase is a thrombolytic agent used to dissolve blood clots. Patients receiving Alteplase are at risk for bleeding complications, including intracranial bleeding. Monitoring for changes in the level of consciousness is crucial as it can indicate early signs of bleeding, such as increased intracranial pressure. This rapid assessment allows for timely intervention and prevention of further complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Administering Alteplase within 4 hours of symptom onset is related to the time-sensitive nature of thrombolytic therapy for conditions like acute myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. Reconstituting Alteplase with sterile saline is a correct step in preparing the medication for administration. Administering heparin concurrently with Alteplase is generally avoided due to the increased risk of bleeding.

2. A client with a UTI and a history of recurrent infections asks why the provider has not yet prescribed an antibiotic. The nurse should explain that the provider has to wait for the results of which of the following laboratory tests to identify which antibiotic to prescribe?

• A. Gram stain
• B. Culture
• C. Sensitivity
• D. Specific gravity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the case of a UTI, a sensitivity test is crucial as it identifies the most effective antibiotic to target the specific microorganism causing the infection. This test helps in prescribing the appropriate antibiotic for successful treatment and preventing antibiotic resistance. While a Gram stain and culture are important in diagnosing a UTI, the sensitivity test specifically determines the most suitable antibiotic. Specific gravity, on the other hand, is not related to identifying the appropriate antibiotic for a UTI.

3. When educating a client who has a prescription for Levothyroxine, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Take this medication with food.
• C. Take this medication at bedtime.
• D. Take this medication with antacids.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for taking Levothyroxine is on an empty stomach. This helps to enhance the absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Consuming it with food or antacids can impede its absorption, leading to decreased efficacy.

4. A client with angina is being taught how to use nitroglycerin transdermal ointment. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Remove the prior dose before applying a new dose.
• B. Rub the ointment directly into the skin until it is no longer visible.
• C. Cover the applied ointment with a clean gauze pad.
• D. Apply the ointment to the same skin area each time.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction is to remove the prior dose before applying a new one to prevent toxicity. Nitroglycerin ointment can cause adverse effects if accumulated doses are not removed. Rubbing the ointment until it's not visible or covering it with gauze may alter absorption. Applying it to the same area each time can lead to skin irritation or desensitization.

5. A client presents in the Emergency Department with chest pain. Which of the following conditions is least likely to cause chest pain?

• A. Arthritis
• B. Peptic ulcer disease
• C. Myocardial infarction
• D. Gastric reflux

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Arthritis is a condition primarily affecting the joints and is not known to cause chest pain. Peptic ulcer disease, myocardial infarction, and gastric reflux are conditions that can present with chest pain due to various reasons such as inflammation, ischemia, or reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, respectively.

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