Nursing Elites

1. A client is receiving heparin therapy. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?

• A. PT
• B. aPTT
• C. INR
• D. Platelet count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The corrected answer is B: aPTT. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the laboratory value used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy. The aPTT should be maintained at 1.5 to 2 times the normal level to ensure therapeutic anticoagulation. Monitoring aPTT helps healthcare providers adjust heparin doses to achieve the desired anticoagulant effects and prevent complications such as bleeding or clotting. Choice A, PT (prothrombin time), is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. Choice C, INR (international normalized ratio), is also used to monitor warfarin therapy. Choice D, platelet count, is important for assessing the risk of bleeding, but it does not directly monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy.

2. When teaching a client with a prescription for Cephalexin, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with an antacid.
• B. Avoid dairy products while taking this medication.
• C. Expect your stools to turn black.
• D. Complete the full course of medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed with Cephalexin is to complete the full course of medication. This is crucial to ensure the infection is completely treated and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Taking Cephalexin with an antacid is generally not recommended as it may reduce its effectiveness. While dairy products can interfere with certain antibiotics, they do not have a direct interaction with Cephalexin. Stools turning black is not an expected side effect of Cephalexin.

3. A caregiver is being instructed by the healthcare provider of an adolescent client who has a new prescription for Albuterol, PO. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare provider include?

• A. You can take this medication to relieve an acute asthma attack.'
• B. Tremors are a potential adverse effect of this medication.'
• C. Long-term use of this medication can lead to hyperglycemia.'
• D. This medication can potentially slow the rate of skeletal growth.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tremors are a possible adverse effect of Albuterol due to its stimulation of beta2 receptors in skeletal muscles. It is important for the healthcare provider to educate the caregiver about potential side effects to enhance safety and monitoring of the adolescent client.

4. A client has a new prescription for Nitroglycerin to treat angina. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication only when chest pain occurs.
• B. Store the medication in a cool, dry place.
• C. Apply the patch to a different site each time.
• D. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include is to advise the client to apply the Nitroglycerin patch to a different site each time. This is crucial to prevent skin irritation and ensure consistent absorption of the medication. Rotating application sites is important as it helps maintain the effectiveness of the treatment and reduces the risk of skin reactions. Choice A is incorrect because Nitroglycerin is often used prophylactically to prevent angina episodes rather than just for acute chest pain. Choice B is not relevant to the administration or effectiveness of the medication. Choice D, while generally a good recommendation, is not directly related to the administration of Nitroglycerin.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a dose of Hydromorphone IV to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Administer the medication over 5 minutes.
• B. Administer a dose of Naloxone prior to giving the Hydromorphone.
• C. Assess the client's blood pressure prior to administration.
• D. Inject the medication into the client's subcutaneous tissue.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The healthcare professional should administer IV Hydromorphone slowly over 5 minutes to reduce the risk of hypotension and respiratory depression. Rapid administration can lead to adverse effects due to its potency. Choice B is incorrect because Naloxone is used as an antidote for opioid overdose, not routinely administered with Hydromorphone. Choice C is important but not specific to the administration of Hydromorphone. Choice D is incorrect as Hydromorphone is intended for intravenous use, not subcutaneous injection.

Similar Questions