Nursing Elites

1. A client receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer may experience which of the following side effects that the nurse should monitor for?

• A. Fatigue
• B. Nausea
• C. Skin irritation
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During radiation therapy for breast cancer, one common side effect is skin irritation due to the impact of radiation on the skin cells. This side effect should be closely monitored by the nurse. Fatigue may also occur as a side effect of radiation therapy, but skin irritation is more specific to the treatment area and is a priority in this case. Nausea and weight gain are not typically associated with radiation therapy for breast cancer, making them incorrect choices.

2. A client with asthma is prescribed a corticosteroid inhaler. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use the inhaler as needed for acute symptoms.
• B. Rinse the mouth after each use.
• C. Take the medication only during asthma attacks.
• D. Administer a bronchodilator after using the corticosteroid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction is to rinse the mouth after each use of a corticosteroid inhaler to prevent oral candidiasis (thrush). Choice A is incorrect because corticosteroid inhalers are usually used on a regular schedule to control asthma symptoms, not just for acute symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as corticosteroid inhalers are typically used for long-term management, not just during asthma attacks. Choice D is incorrect as administering a bronchodilator after using a corticosteroid is not a standard practice and is not necessary for the effectiveness of the corticosteroid inhaler.

3. A parent is being taught by a nurse how to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Which statement by the parent indicates an understanding of how to place the infant in the crib at bedtime?

• A. Place the infant on their stomach to sleep.
• B. Place the infant on their side to sleep.
• C. Place the infant on their back to sleep.
• D. Allow the infant to sleep with a pacifier.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Place the infant on their back to sleep.' This statement indicates an understanding of the recommended sleep position to reduce the risk of SIDS. Placing infants on their back is the safest sleep position according to guidelines to prevent SIDS. Choices A and B are incorrect as placing the infant on their stomach or side increases the risk of SIDS. While allowing the infant to sleep with a pacifier can also reduce the risk of SIDS, the most crucial step is placing the infant on their back for sleep.

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

• A. Take this medication at bedtime to prevent dizziness.
• B. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.
• C. Take this medication with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
• D. This medication can increase your blood pressure.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction that the nurse should include for a client prescribed hydrochlorothiazide is to increase their intake of potassium-rich foods. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion, so increasing potassium-rich foods helps prevent hypokalemia. Option A is incorrect because hydrochlorothiazide is usually taken in the morning to prevent diuresis at night. Option C is not necessary as hydrochlorothiazide can be taken with or without food. Option D is incorrect because hydrochlorothiazide is used to lower blood pressure, not increase it.

5. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for prednisone. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will avoid crowded places to reduce my risk of infection.
• B. I will take this medication on an empty stomach.
• C. I will stop taking this medication if I experience nausea.
• D. I will take this medication for 2 weeks and then stop.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'I will avoid crowded places to reduce my risk of infection.' When taking prednisone, clients should avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of infection due to its immunosuppressive effects. Choice B is incorrect because prednisone is usually taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Choice C is incorrect because clients should not stop taking prednisone abruptly, even if they experience nausea. Choice D is incorrect because prednisone should be tapered off gradually under healthcare provider guidance instead of being stopped abruptly after 2 weeks.

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