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 Prednisone. Which of the following instructions should be included in the discharge teaching?

• A. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.
• B. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice.
• C. Take this medication with food.
• D. Decrease your intake of sodium-rich foods.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.' Prednisone can lead to potassium depletion, making it important for clients to increase their intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, and spinach to prevent potential complications. Choice B is incorrect because grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications, but it is not a specific concern with Prednisone. Choice C is incorrect as Prednisone can be taken with or without food. Choice D is also incorrect because there is no direct relationship between Prednisone and sodium-rich foods.

3. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical history of a client who is scheduled for surgery and takes Warfarin daily. Which of the following laboratory results should the healthcare provider monitor?

• A. Potassium level
• B. INR
• C. BUN
• D. Platelet count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The INR (International Normalized Ratio) is the most important lab value to monitor in a client taking warfarin. Warfarin is an anticoagulant, and the INR reflects the effectiveness of anticoagulation therapy. Monitoring the INR helps ensure the client is within the therapeutic range to prevent both clotting and bleeding complications.

4. A client has a new prescription for Nevirapine, an NNRTI. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in discharge teaching?

• A. Take this medication with food to increase absorption.
• B. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
• C. Take this medication at the same time every day.
• D. Take this medication on an empty stomach.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement to include in discharge teaching about Nevirapine, an NNRTI, is to advise the client to avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can interact with Nevirapine and lead to potential adverse effects or decreased effectiveness. Choice A is incorrect because Nevirapine should be taken without food or on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Choice C is a general recommendation for most medications but not specifically for Nevirapine. Choice D is incorrect as Nevirapine should not be taken on an empty stomach.

5. A client is taking metformin for type 2 diabetes. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?

• A. Increased urine output
• B. Decreased fasting blood glucose
• C. Decreased hemoglobin A1C
• D. Decreased polyuria

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A decrease in hemoglobin A1C is a more specific indicator of metformin's effectiveness in controlling blood glucose levels over a longer period compared to fasting blood glucose levels. Hemoglobin A1C reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, providing a more comprehensive view of glycemic control. Increased urine output (choice A) is not a direct indicator of metformin's effectiveness and can be influenced by various factors. Decreased fasting blood glucose (choice B) can fluctuate due to various reasons and may not provide a reliable long-term assessment of metformin's efficacy. Decreased polyuria (choice D) refers to a symptom rather than a direct measure of metformin's effectiveness in managing diabetes.

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