Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a prescription for digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of digoxin toxicity?

• A. Constipation.
• B. Tachycardia.
• C. Visual disturbances.
• D. Hypertension.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Visual disturbances, such as blurred or yellow vision, are common signs of digoxin toxicity. While constipation (Choice A) is not typically associated with digoxin toxicity, tachycardia (Choice B) and hypertension (Choice D) are not characteristic manifestations of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the correct answer is visual disturbances (Choice C).

2. A client who has a new prescription for warfarin is being taught about the medication's adverse effects by a nurse. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. ''I should expect mild bruising around my elbows.''
• B. ''I should report a red rash to my provider.''
• C. ''I should stop taking this medication if I develop a cough.''
• D. ''I should expect black, tarry stools.''

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Black, tarry stools can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious adverse effect of warfarin that requires immediate medical attention. Option A is incorrect because while bruising is a common side effect of warfarin, it is not limited to the elbows. Option B is incorrect as a red rash is not a typical adverse effect of warfarin. Option C is also incorrect because developing a cough is not a reason to discontinue warfarin unless advised by a healthcare provider.

3. A healthcare provider is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare provider include?

• A. Take this medication with meals.
• B. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication.
• C. Take this medication at bedtime.
• D. Report any muscle pain to your healthcare provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication.' Clients taking metformin should avoid alcohol as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis. Choice A is incorrect because metformin is usually taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Choice C is incorrect as metformin is typically taken with meals, not at bedtime. Choice D is incorrect because muscle pain is not a common side effect of metformin.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus is being taught by a nurse on managing hypoglycemia. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid consuming carbohydrate-rich foods.
• B. Consume 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate.
• C. Drink a glass of water to raise blood glucose levels.
• D. Eat a snack before exercising to prevent hypoglycemia.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Consume 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate. Consuming 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets or juice, helps raise blood glucose levels quickly in cases of hypoglycemia. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding carbohydrate-rich foods during hypoglycemia can worsen the condition. Choice C is incorrect as drinking water does not effectively raise blood glucose levels. Choice D is incorrect as eating a snack before exercising is more related to preventing exercise-induced hypoglycemia, not managing hypoglycemia.

5. Which lab value is most critical to monitor in a patient receiving digoxin?

• A. Monitor potassium levels
• B. Monitor sodium levels
• C. Monitor calcium levels
• D. Monitor magnesium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor potassium levels in a patient receiving digoxin. Hypokalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of digoxin, leading to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring potassium levels helps prevent toxicity. Monitoring sodium levels (Choice B), calcium levels (Choice C), and magnesium levels (Choice D) are also important aspects of patient care, but potassium levels are most critical in patients on digoxin therapy.

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