Nursing Elites

1. Before administering lithium to a client with bipolar disorder who has been taking the medication for 1 year, the nurse should check to see that which of the following tests has been completed?

• A. Thyroid hormone assay
• B. Liver function tests
• C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• D. Brain natriuretic peptide

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the thyroid hormone assay. Long-term lithium use can result in thyroid dysfunction, making it crucial to monitor the client's thyroid function regularly to detect any abnormalities early and prevent potential complications. Liver function tests (choice B) are not specifically associated with lithium therapy. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (choice C) is a nonspecific test for inflammation and not directly related to lithium therapy. Brain natriuretic peptide (choice D) is a test used to diagnose heart failure and is not relevant to monitoring lithium therapy.

2. A client has a new prescription for Loperamide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
• B. Avoid activities that require alertness.
• C. Increase your intake of high-fiber foods.
• D. Expect your stools to be black and tarry.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Loperamide can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so clients should avoid activities that require alertness until they know how the medication affects them. Taking the medication with a full glass of water can help with absorption. Increasing intake of high-fiber foods is not directly related to Loperamide. Black, tarry stools are not expected side effects of this medication, so informing the client to expect this is incorrect.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing to initiate IV therapy for an older adult client. Which of the following actions should the professional plan to take?

• A. Use a blood pressure cuff to distend the veins.
• B. Select the antecubital area to insert the IV catheter.
• C. Distend the veins by using a blood pressure cuff.
• D. Direct the client to lower his arm below his heart.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The healthcare professional should distend the veins using a blood pressure cuff to make the veins more visible and accessible for IV catheter insertion. This technique helps reduce the risk of overfilling the vein, which can lead to complications such as hematoma formation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while selecting the antecubital area is often appropriate for IV insertion in adults, the key action in this scenario is to distend the veins using a blood pressure cuff to facilitate the procedure.

4. A client has a new prescription for Spironolactone. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as an adverse effect?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hypocalcemia
• D. Hyponatremia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which can lead to hyperkalemia as an adverse effect. Hyperkalemia can result in muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias, making it essential for the nurse to monitor potassium levels closely when a client is on Spironolactone. Choice B, Hypoglycemia, is incorrect because Spironolactone is not known to cause low blood sugar levels. Choice C, Hypocalcemia, and Choice D, Hyponatremia, are also incorrect as Spironolactone is not associated with decreased levels of calcium or sodium.

5. A client has a new prescription for Folic Acid. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will take this medication with food.
• B. I need to monitor for skin rash while taking this medication.
• C. I need to increase my intake of green, leafy vegetables.
• D. I will stop taking this medication if I feel nauseous.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Folic acid is naturally found in green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. Increasing the intake of these vegetables can supplement the prescribed folic acid and help maintain adequate levels in the body. It is essential to understand that dietary sources of folic acid can complement the medication and support overall health. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because taking folic acid with food, monitoring for skin rash, or stopping the medication if feeling nauseous do not directly relate to enhancing the therapeutic effects of folic acid through dietary intake.

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