Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse expect to be elevated?

• A. Serum albumin.
• B. Ammonia.
• C. Bilirubin.
• D. Prothrombin time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ammonia. In clients with cirrhosis, impaired liver function can lead to elevated levels of ammonia in the blood. Elevated ammonia levels can result in hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by altered mental status. Serum albumin (Choice A) is typically decreased in cirrhosis due to the liver's reduced synthetic function. Bilirubin (Choice C) levels can be elevated in liver disease but may not always be the most specific marker for cirrhosis. Prothrombin time (Choice D) is prolonged in cirrhosis due to impaired liver synthesis of clotting factors.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has depression and reports taking St. John's wort along with citalopram. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following conditions as a result of an interaction between these substances?

• A. Serotonin syndrome
• B. Tardive dyskinesia
• C. Pseudo-parkinsonism
• D. Acute dystonia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serotonin syndrome. When a client takes St. John's wort, a herbal supplement, along with citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), there is a risk of developing serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms such as confusion, agitation, fever, sweating, shivering, tremors, muscle rigidity, and in severe cases, seizures and coma. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor the client for these symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because tardive dyskinesia is associated with long-term use of antipsychotic medications, pseudo-parkinsonism is a side effect of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol, and acute dystonia is a side effect of antipsychotic medications characterized by sustained muscle contractions.

3. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Take this medication at bedtime.
• C. Take this medication with food.
• D. Take this medication with a calcium supplement.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take this medication on an empty stomach.' Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Taking it with food or at bedtime can interfere with its absorption. Calcium supplements should also be avoided when taking levothyroxine as they can reduce its absorption.

4. A client is being taught about a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. This medication will decrease my potassium levels.
• B. I should eat a banana every day to increase my potassium intake.
• C. I will stop taking this medication if I experience a cough.
• D. I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Clients taking furosemide should avoid alcohol because it can lead to dehydration and potential interactions with the medication. Choices A and B are incorrect because furosemide is a diuretic that can actually lower potassium levels, so the client should not expect an increase in potassium levels or solely rely on bananas for potassium intake. Choice C is incorrect because a cough is not a common side effect of furosemide and should not be a reason to stop taking the medication.

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

• A. Take this medication at bedtime.
• B. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
• C. Eat 3 large meals each day.
• D. Report any muscle pain to your provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include for a client prescribed metformin is to avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol consumption while on metformin increases the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious condition. Taking metformin at bedtime (choice A) is not a standard instruction. Eating 3 large meals each day (choice C) is not specific to metformin use and may not be suitable for all individuals. Reporting muscle pain (choice D) is important but not directly related to metformin use.

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