Nursing Elites

1. A patient is 1 hour postoperative following an open reduction internal fixation of the left tibia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Assess neurovascular status of the extremities every 4 hours
• B. Monitor the patient's pain level every 8 hours
• C. Assist the patient to the bathroom every 2 hours
• D. Keep the patient's left leg elevated on two pillows

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take 1 hour postoperative following an open reduction internal fixation of the left tibia is to assess neurovascular status of the extremities every 4 hours. This frequent assessment is crucial to monitor for any signs of complications such as impaired circulation or nerve damage. Monitoring every 4 hours allows for early detection of any issues, enabling timely intervention and prevention of potential complications. Monitoring the patient's pain level every 8 hours (choice B) is not as immediate or essential for postoperative care. Assisting the patient to the bathroom every 2 hours (choice C) may not be necessary if the patient is not ambulatory yet. Keeping the patient's left leg elevated on two pillows (choice D) can be beneficial but is not the priority in the immediate postoperative period compared to assessing neurovascular status.

2. What is the most important statement to include when teaching a patient who is prescribed metronidazole (Flagyl)?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Avoid alcohol consumption.
• C. If you experience a metallic taste in your mouth, call your doctor.
• D. You can stop taking the medication once you feel better.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most crucial statement to include when teaching a patient prescribed metronidazole (Flagyl) is to avoid alcohol consumption. Mixing metronidazole and alcohol can lead to a disulfiram-like reaction, causing severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and headache. Therefore, it is essential to emphasize to the patient the importance of abstaining from alcohol while taking this medication to prevent adverse reactions.

3. The nurse is preparing to administer a daily dose of digoxin. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Analyze HR and rhythm
• B. Assess for Homan’s sign
• C. Check BP
• D. Palpate the pedal pulses

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before giving digoxin, the nurse will assess the HR and rhythm. The dosage will be held and the prescriber notified if the HR is below 60 bpm or if the cardiac rhythm has changes. Digoxin can cause bradycardia and electrical changes in the heart.

4. A child with glomerulonephritis receiving corticosteroid treatment requires dietary teaching. What instruction should the nurse provide to the parent?

• A. Increase the child's intake of potassium-rich foods.
• B. Encourage the child to eat low-calorie snacks.
• C. Offer the child a variety of fresh fruits.
• D. Restrict the child's fluid intake.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to offer the child a variety of fresh fruits. Glomerulonephritis and corticosteroid use can lead to potassium depletion. Fresh fruits are a good source of potassium, which can help counteract the depletion caused by corticosteroids. Encouraging a variety of fresh fruits can provide necessary nutrients and help maintain a balanced diet for the child.

5. A patient who has PUD and is receiving magnesium hydroxide (MOM) is experiencing an increased number of BM. Which is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Ask the HCP for a reduction in dose
• B. Encourage the patient to increase dietary fiber
• C. Administer the drug with an aluminum hydroxide antacid
• D. Instruct patient to keep an accurate stool count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: MOM is a rapid-acting antacid with a prominent adverse effect of diarrhea. To compensate, it usually is administered in combo with aluminum hydroxide which promotes constipation. A reduction in dose might be necessary if the diarrhea is severe, but this is not a priority action. Increasing dietary fiber and keeping a stool count are appropriate actions to implement after adding an antacid to counteract the diarrhea effect.

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