Nursing Elites

1. A client has a new prescription for Valproic Acid. The client should be informed that which of the following laboratory tests need to be completed periodically? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Thrombocyte count.
• B. Hematocrit.
• C. Amylase.
• D. Liver function tests.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Valproic acid can lead to thrombocytopenia, making it essential to monitor the client's thrombocyte count periodically. Additionally, valproic acid can cause pancreatitis, necessitating the monitoring of amylase levels. Furthermore, valproic acid carries a risk of hepatotoxicity, requiring regular monitoring of liver function tests.

2. A client has a new prescription for Atenolol. Which of the following instructions should be included by the healthcare provider?

• A. Take this medication in the morning.
• B. Monitor your heart rate regularly.
• C. Avoid foods high in potassium.
• D. Increase your fluid intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Atenolol is a beta-blocker that can cause bradycardia, leading to a decreased heart rate. Monitoring heart rate regularly is essential to detect any significant decreases promptly and seek medical attention. While choices A, C, and D may be relevant to the client's overall health, monitoring heart rate is the priority instruction due to the nature of Atenolol's effects. Taking the medication in the morning can be individualized based on the client's needs and preferences. Avoiding foods high in potassium and increasing fluid intake are generally beneficial but not directly related to managing the side effects of Atenolol.

3. A client has a new prescription for Furosemide. Which of the following dietary instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Increase your intake of bananas and oranges.
• B. Limit your intake of calcium-rich foods.
• C. Avoid drinking milk.
• D. Increase your intake of green, leafy vegetables.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Increase your intake of bananas and oranges.' Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can cause potassium loss leading to hypokalemia. To prevent this, clients should increase their intake of potassium-rich foods, such as bananas and oranges, to replenish potassium levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because limiting calcium-rich foods or avoiding milk is not necessary with Furosemide, and increasing intake of green, leafy vegetables does not specifically address the potential potassium loss associated with this medication.

4. A child is prescribed Amoxicillin 20 mg/kg/day PO to be administered every 12 hr. The child weighs 44 lb. The available medication is amoxicillin suspension 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL should be given per dose?

• A. 4 mL
• B. 5 mL
• C. 6 mL
• D. 3 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the dosage per administration: Convert the weight to kg (44 lb / 2.2 lb/kg = 20 kg). Then, (20 mg/kg/day x 20 kg) / 2 (for every 12 hr dosing) = 200 mg per dose. (200 mg / 250 mg) x 5 mL = 4 mL per dose. Therefore, the nurse should administer 4 mL of amoxicillin suspension per dose. Choice B, 5 mL, is incorrect because the calculation shows that 4 mL is the correct dose. Choices C and D are also incorrect as they are not in line with the calculated dosage based on the weight of the child and the concentration of the medication.

5. A client has a prescription for Acyclovir. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Expect to take this medication long-term.
• B. Increase fluid intake during therapy.
• C. Avoid sexual contact while on this medication.
• D. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience nausea.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client taking Acyclovir is to increase fluid intake during therapy. Acyclovir can cause nephrotoxicity, potentially leading to kidney damage. Increasing fluid intake helps prevent this adverse effect by promoting adequate renal function and drug elimination. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Acyclovir is usually prescribed for short-term use, there is no need to avoid sexual contact while on the medication, and nausea is not a common side effect that necessitates immediate consultation with a healthcare provider.

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