Nursing Elites

1. A client has difficulty swallowing medications and is prescribed enteric-coated aspirin PO once daily. The client asks if the medication can be crushed to make it easier to swallow. Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?

• A. Crushing the medication might cause you to have a stomachache or indigestion.
• B. Crushing the medication is a good idea, and I can mix it in some ice cream for you.
• C. Crushing the medication would release all the medication at once, rather than over time.
• D. Crushing is unsafe, as it destroys the ingredients in the medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Crushing an enteric-coated medication can cause it to break down in the stomach instead of the intestines, potentially leading to gastrointestinal distress like stomachache or indigestion. It is important to take enteric-coated medications whole to ensure they are properly absorbed in the intestines and to prevent irritation to the stomach.

2. What is the therapeutic action of Phenytoin?

• A. Antidiabetic
• B. Anticonvulsant
• C. Mood stabilizer
• D. Antianxiety agent

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Phenytoin is primarily used as an anticonvulsant to prevent and control seizures. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain, making it effective in managing conditions like epilepsy. Antidiabetic medications are used to regulate blood sugar levels, mood stabilizers help manage mood disorders, and antianxiety agents are used to reduce anxiety symptoms, none of which are the primary therapeutic action of Phenytoin.

3. When should a blood sample be obtained for a peak serum level of gentamicin when administered by IV infusion for 1 hour at 0900?

• A. 1000
• B. 1030
• C. 1100
• D. 1130

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should obtain the blood sample for the peak serum level at 1030. This timing allows for 30 minutes to elapse after the completion of the 1-hour IV infusion, which is the recommended window for obtaining the peak serum level of gentamicin.

4. A client is prescribed Propranolol for dysrhythmia. Which action should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Hold Propranolol if the client's apical pulse is greater than 100/min.
• B. Monitor the client's blood pressure after administering Propranolol.
• C. Assist the client when transitioning to a sitting or standing position after taking Propranolol.
• D. Monitor the client's potassium levels for signs of Propranolol toxicity.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should plan to take when administering Propranolol to a client with dysrhythmia is to assist the client when transitioning to a sitting or standing position. Propranolol can cause orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness during position changes, so it is essential to help the client move slowly to prevent falls or injuries. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because holding Propranolol based on pulse rate, monitoring blood pressure after administration, and monitoring potassium levels are not directly related to the common side effect of orthostatic hypotension associated with Propranolol.

5. What symptom would alert the healthcare professional to hold Albuterol and notify a healthcare professional immediately?

• A. Insomnia
• B. Paradoxical bronchospasm
• C. Nausea
• D. Headache

Correct answer: B

Rationale: If a patient experiences paradoxical bronchospasm after taking Albuterol, the medication should be withheld, and a healthcare professional should be notified immediately. Paradoxical bronchospasm is a serious adverse reaction where the airways constrict instead of dilating, leading to breathing difficulties. This condition requires prompt medical attention to assess and manage the patient's respiratory status. The other options, insomnia, nausea, and headache, are not typically associated with the need to hold Albuterol and notify a healthcare professional immediately.

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