Nursing Elites

1. A client was exposed to anthrax. Which of the following antibiotics should the nurse plan to administer?

• A. Ciprofloxacin
• B. Fluconazole
• C. Tobramycin
• D. Vancomycin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the case of anthrax exposure, the recommended antibiotic for prophylaxis and treatment is Ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin is effective against the anthrax bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. Fluconazole is an antifungal medication, Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used for bacterial infections, and Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic primarily used for Gram-positive bacterial infections. Therefore, the correct choice is Ciprofloxacin.

2. A client with a long history of smoking is being assessed by a nurse. Which finding is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

• A. Decreased anteroposterior chest diameter
• B. Increased breath sounds
• C. Prolonged expiratory phase
• D. Increased chest expansion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In COPD, a prolonged expiratory phase is a typical finding caused by airway obstruction and air trapping. This results in difficulty expelling air from the lungs, leading to the characteristic prolonged exhalation in individuals with COPD.

3. A client is prescribed nicotine replacement therapy. Which statement should the nurse include in this client's teaching?

• A. Smoking while taking this medication will increase your risk of a stroke.
• B. Make a list of reasons why smoking is a bad habit.
• C. Stopping this medication suddenly increases your risk for a heart attack.
• D. Rise slowly when getting out of bed in the morning.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client is prescribed nicotine replacement therapy, it is crucial to emphasize that smoking while using this therapy can increase the risk of a stroke. Smoking while on nicotine replacement therapy can lead to excessive nicotine levels in the body, elevating cardiovascular risks. Therefore, the nurse should educate the client on the importance of avoiding smoking while utilizing this medication. Choices B, C, and D are not relevant to the specific teaching required for a client on nicotine replacement therapy.

4. A client has been diagnosed with hypertension but does not take the antihypertensive medications because of a lack of symptoms. What response by the nurse is best?

• A. Do you have trouble affording your medications?
• B. Most people with hypertension do not have symptoms.
• C. You are lucky; most people get severe morning headaches.
• D. You need to take your medicine or you will get kidney failure.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Most people with hypertension are asymptomatic, although a small percentage do have symptoms such as headache. The nurse should explain this to the client. Asking about paying for medications is not related because the client has already admitted nonadherence. Threatening the client with possible complications will not increase compliance.

5. A client is on intravenous heparin to treat a pulmonary embolism. The client's most recent partial thromboplastin time (PTT) was 25 seconds. What action should the nurse anticipate?

• A. Decrease the heparin rate.
• B. Increase the heparin rate.
• C. No change to the heparin rate.
• D. Stop the heparin; start warfarin (Coumadin).

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For clients on heparin therapy, a PTT value of 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal range is required to ensure therapeutic anticoagulation. The normal PTT range is 25 to 35 seconds. In this case, the client's PTT of 25 seconds falls below the therapeutic range, indicating that the heparin dose is insufficient. Therefore, the nurse should anticipate increasing the heparin rate to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

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