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. A client has a new prescription for Nitrofurantoin. Which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Take this medication with food.
• B. Avoid dairy products while taking this medication.
• C. Take this medication at bedtime.
• D. Increase your intake of vitamin C.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nitrofurantoin should be taken with food to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Taking it with a meal or a snack can help minimize stomach upset. Instructing the client to take the medication with food ensures optimal effectiveness and tolerability of the drug. Choice B is incorrect because there is no specific interaction between Nitrofurantoin and dairy products. Choice C is incorrect as there is no requirement to take Nitrofurantoin at bedtime. Choice D is also incorrect as increasing vitamin C intake is not necessary or relevant to taking Nitrofurantoin.

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

• A. Avoid taking aspirin while on this medication.
• B. Take this medication with food.
• C. Avoid eating foods high in potassium.
• D. Take this medication at bedtime.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to avoid taking aspirin while on Clopidogrel. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that can increase the risk of bleeding. Aspirin and other NSAIDs can further potentiate this risk, so they should be avoided while taking Clopidogrel to reduce the chance of bleeding complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. There is no specific instruction to take Clopidogrel with food or at bedtime. Avoiding foods high in potassium is not directly related to Clopidogrel use.

4. A healthcare professional is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a new prescription for Enoxaparin. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare professional include?

• A. Inject the medication into the muscle.
• B. Massage the injection site after administration.
• C. Rotate injection sites between the arms and thighs.
• D. Administer the medication in the abdomen.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction is to administer Enoxaparin in the abdomen as a subcutaneous injection. This method helps prevent bleeding complications associated with the medication. Massaging the injection site after administration should be avoided to reduce the risk of local irritation or bleeding. While rotating injection sites between the arms and thighs is a good practice for some medications, it is not recommended for Enoxaparin. Consistent administration in the abdomen ensures optimal absorption and helps avoid complications.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing laboratory findings and notes that a client's plasma Lithium level is 2.1 mEq/L. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the healthcare professional?

• A. Perform immediate gastric lavage.
• B. Prepare the client for hemodialysis.
• C. Administer an additional oral dose of lithium.
• D. Request a stat repeat of the laboratory test.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Performing immediate gastric lavage is the appropriate action for a client with severe lithium toxicity, indicated by a plasma lithium level of 2.1 mEq/L. Gastric lavage can help reduce the client's lithium level by removing the unabsorbed drug from the stomach.

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