Nursing Elites

1. A client has a new prescription for Losartan. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

• A. Serum potassium
• B. Serum sodium
• C. Serum calcium
• D. Serum magnesium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), can cause hyperkalemia. The nurse should monitor the client's serum potassium levels closely because Losartan can increase potassium levels, potentially leading to serious complications such as arrhythmias. Monitoring serum sodium, calcium, or magnesium levels is not typically necessary when a patient is prescribed Losartan, as these values are not directly affected by this medication.

2. A patient states he experiences anxiety and has panic attacks at least once a week. What might be helpful for this patient?

• A. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• B. Lithium
• C. Alprazolam (Xanax)
• D. Spironolactone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Alprazolam (Xanax) is a medication commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. It belongs to the class of medications known as benzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain to produce a calming effect. Phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug, not typically used for anxiety or panic attacks. Lithium is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, not anxiety. Spironolactone is a diuretic primarily used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure, not anxiety or panic attacks.

3. While teaching a client with a new prescription for Warfarin, which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will avoid eating large amounts of green leafy vegetables.
• B. I will take my medication at the same time every day.
• C. I will increase my intake of foods high in potassium.
• D. I will report any signs of bleeding to my provider.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because Warfarin interacts with vitamin K, found in green leafy vegetables, not potassium. The client should avoid consuming large amounts of foods high in vitamin K to maintain the effectiveness of Warfarin therapy. Increasing potassium intake is not a concern related to Warfarin therapy, so this statement indicates a need for further teaching. Choices A, B, and D are all correct statements indicating good understanding of Warfarin therapy. Avoiding large amounts of green leafy vegetables helps prevent fluctuations in vitamin K levels, taking medication consistently maintains therapeutic levels, and reporting any signs of bleeding is essential for monitoring and managing potential side effects of Warfarin.

4. A client has a new prescription for Metronidazole to treat an infection. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
• B. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
• C. Increase your intake of dairy products while taking this medication.
• D. Avoid direct sunlight while taking this medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction is to avoid alcohol while taking Metronidazole. This is crucial to prevent a disulfiram-like reaction, which can result in severe nausea and vomiting. Alcohol should be avoided for at least 48 hours after completing the medication course as well. Choice B is incorrect because Metronidazole can be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Choice C is incorrect because there is no need to increase dairy product intake while on Metronidazole. Choice D is incorrect because there is no specific instruction to avoid direct sunlight while taking this medication.

5. A client has a new prescription for radioactive iodine to treat Hyperthyroidism. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Expect a metallic taste in the mouth.
• B. Avoid contact with pregnant women for 1 week.
• C. Administer iodine solution using a straw.
• D. Take thyroid replacement medication for 3 weeks after treatment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client undergoes radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism, they can emit radiation for a short time. To prevent radiation exposure to others, especially pregnant women, infants, and small children, clients should avoid close contact for about 1 week following therapy. This precaution is essential to protect vulnerable individuals from potential harm. Choice A is incorrect because a metallic taste in the mouth is not a common side effect of radioactive iodine treatment. Choice C is incorrect because administering iodine solution using a straw is not a standard practice in this treatment. Choice D is incorrect because taking thyroid replacement medication for 3 weeks after treatment is not a typical instruction associated with radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism.

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