Nursing Elites

1. A client is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?

• A. Decreased heart rate
• B. Increased energy levels
• C. Weight loss
• D. Improved mental clarity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increased energy levels are a key indicator of the effectiveness of levothyroxine in treating hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine works to regulate thyroid hormone levels, which can lead to improved energy levels as the body's metabolism is restored. While the other options may also improve with treatment, increased energy levels directly reflect the correction of the thyroid hormone imbalance. Decreased heart rate can be an indicator of overmedication, weight loss can be attributed to increased metabolism but may not directly reflect the effectiveness of levothyroxine, and improved mental clarity is a more general cognitive improvement that may not directly relate to thyroid function.

2. A client with a new prescription for an antihypertensive medication is being provided discharge instructions by a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse give?

• A. Be sure to limit your potassium intake while taking the medication.
• B. You should check your blood pressure every 8 hours while taking this medication.
• C. Your medication dosage will be increased if you develop tachycardia.
• D. Change positions slowly when you move from sitting to standing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement for the nurse to provide is to instruct the client to change positions slowly when moving from sitting to standing. This is crucial because antihypertensive medications can cause orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness when changing positions quickly. Checking blood pressure every 8 hours is unnecessary and could lead to over-monitoring. There is no direct relationship between the medication and potassium intake. Increasing the medication dosage due to tachycardia is not a typical response and may not be accurate.

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

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Plan to take the medication at bedtime.
• C. Expect increased swelling of the ankles.
• D. Limit fluid intake in the morning.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When educating a client about taking Hydrochlorothiazide, the nurse should advise taking the medication with food or after meals to prevent gastrointestinal upset. This medication is a diuretic, so it is important to maintain adequate fluid intake throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Taking it at bedtime is not necessary, and increased swelling of the ankles is not an expected side effect of this medication. Limiting fluid intake in the morning is not necessary and could lead to dehydration, which is a potential side effect of this diuretic.

4. A nurse is evaluating teaching for a client who has Rheumatoid Arthritis and a new prescription for Methotrexate. Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will be sure to return to the clinic at least once a year to have my blood drawn while I'm taking methotrexate.
• B. I will take this medication on an empty stomach.
• C. I'll let the doctor know if I develop sores in my mouth while taking this medication.
• D. I should stop taking oral contraceptives while I'm taking methotrexate.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ulcerations in the mouth, tongue, or throat are often the first signs of methotrexate toxicity and should be reported to the provider immediately.

5. A client who has a new prescription for erythromycin is receiving teaching from a healthcare provider. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should take this medication with a full glass of water.
• B. I should avoid direct sunlight while taking this medication.
• C. I will take this medication on an empty stomach.
• D. I should take an antacid 30 minutes before taking this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Erythromycin should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water to increase absorption. Taking it with milk (choice A) or an antacid (choice D) can interfere with its absorption. Avoiding direct sunlight (choice B) is not directly related to the administration of erythromycin.

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