Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed methadone. Which of the following client statements indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I understand methadone slows my breathing.
• B. I understand methadone may cause me to have trouble sleeping.
• C. I will avoid alcohol while I’m taking this medication.
• D. I’ll change positions slowly, especially when standing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because methadone typically causes sedation and respiratory depression, not trouble sleeping. The statement about trouble sleeping indicates a need for further teaching. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because understanding that methadone slows breathing, avoiding alcohol while taking the medication, and changing positions slowly to prevent dizziness are all appropriate client statements when prescribed methadone.

2. A healthcare provider is preparing to administer a dose of levothyroxine. Which of the following should the healthcare provider do?

• A. Give it with food
• B. Assess the patient's heart rate
• C. Administer it in the evening
• D. Give it with calcium supplements

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's heart rate. Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement medication that can increase metabolism. One of the potential side effects of levothyroxine is tachycardia (rapid heart rate). Therefore, it is essential for the healthcare provider to assess the patient's heart rate before administering the medication to monitor for any signs of tachycardia. Giving levothyroxine with food may affect its absorption, so it is typically recommended to administer it on an empty stomach. Administering it in the evening is not necessary unless specifically prescribed by the healthcare provider, and giving it with calcium supplements can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine.

3. A client is being taught how to use crutches by a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Place weight on the underarms.
• B. Keep the elbows extended when walking.
• C. Support your weight on your hands.
• D. Hold the crutches 10 cm in front of you when standing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Support your weight on your hands.' When using crutches, it is important to support your weight on your hands rather than underarms to prevent injury to the axillary nerves and blood vessels. Placing weight on the underarms can lead to nerve damage and circulatory issues. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Keeping the elbows extended when walking is important for stability, holding the crutches slightly in front of you allows for proper balance, and supporting weight on the hands maintains the correct weight-bearing position.

4. While caring for a client in active labor, a nurse notes late decelerations in the FHR on the external fetal monitor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Change the client's position
• B. Palpate the uterus to assess for tachysystole
• C. Increase the client's IV infusion rate
• D. Administer oxygen at 10 L/min via nonrebreather mask

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct initial action for the nurse to take is to change the client's position. This intervention can alleviate pressure on the umbilical cord, potentially improving fetal oxygenation and addressing the underlying cause of late decelerations. Palpating the uterus to assess for tachysystole or increasing the IV infusion rate are not the first-line interventions for addressing late decelerations. Administering oxygen at a high flow rate via a nonrebreather mask may be necessary but is not the priority action in this situation.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client who is NPO and has an NG tube for suction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Mix medications with enteral feedings.
• B. Clamp the NG tube for 30 minutes after medication administration.
• C. Insert medications directly into the NG tube without dilution.
• D. Connect the NG tube to continuous suction after medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when administering medications to a client with an NG tube for suction who is NPO is to clamp the NG tube for 30 minutes after medication administration. This is done to allow for proper absorption of the medications before resuming suction. Choice A is incorrect because medications should not be mixed with enteral feedings as it may affect the drug's effectiveness. Choice C is incorrect as medications should not be inserted directly into the NG tube without dilution, as this can cause clogging or affect the tube. Choice D is incorrect because connecting the NG tube to continuous suction after medication administration can interfere with the absorption of the medications.

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