Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer a high dose of morphine to a patient with terminal cancer. What is the nurse's primary consideration before administration?

• A. Ensure the family is aware of the dosage to be administered.
• B. Monitor the patient for respiratory depression.
• C. Administer the morphine in divided doses.
• D. Delay administration until the next assessment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the patient for respiratory depression. When administering a high dose of morphine, the nurse's primary consideration should be to monitor the patient for respiratory depression, as morphine can slow down breathing, especially in higher doses. Option A is incorrect because the primary focus should be on the patient's well-being and safety rather than family awareness at this point. Option C is not the best approach as the immediate concern is monitoring the patient closely for any adverse effects. Option D is not advisable as delaying administration without a valid reason can compromise pain management in a terminal cancer patient.

2. A newly licensed nurse tells a charge nurse that he is unsure about accepting telephone medication prescriptions. Which of the following providers should the charge nurse identify as having the legal ability to give telephone medication prescriptions?

• A. Anesthesiologists
• B. Physician assistants
• C. Hospital pharmacists
• D. Nurse practitioners

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anesthesiologists. Anesthesiologists are licensed providers who have the legal authority to give telephone medication prescriptions. Physician assistants (choice B), hospital pharmacists (choice C), and nurse practitioners (choice D) do not typically have the legal ability to provide medication prescriptions over the phone. In this scenario, the charge nurse should inform the newly licensed nurse that anesthesiologists are one of the providers who can legally give telephone medication prescriptions.

3. A nurse is teaching a client about levothyroxine for primary hypothyroidism. Which of the following statements should the nurse use when teaching the client?

• A. Take this medication until your symptoms are gone and then discontinue
• B. Symptoms improve immediately after starting the medication
• C. The medication decreases the overproduction of the thyroid hormone thyroxine
• D. Tremors, nervousness, and insomnia may indicate your dose is too high

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tremors, nervousness, and insomnia indicate that the dose may be too high, requiring a dose adjustment.

4. The nurse is caring for a patient in restraints. Which essential information will the nurse document in the patient's medical record to provide safe care?

• A. Straps with quick-release buckles attached to bed side rails.
• B. Attempts to distract the patient with television are unsuccessful.
• C. Bilateral radial pulses present, 2+, hands warm to the touch.
• D. Released from restraints, active range-of-motion exercises completed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because documenting bilateral radial pulses being present, 2+, and hands warm to the touch is crucial when caring for a patient in restraints. This information helps in monitoring circulation and assessing the patient's well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not provide essential information related to the patient's safety and well-being while in restraints.

5. Which intervention is most effective for managing a patient with constipation?

• A. Increase the patient's fluid intake.
• B. Administer a stool softener as prescribed.
• C. Provide the patient with a high-fiber diet.
• D. Teach the patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention for managing constipation in a patient is to administer a stool softener as prescribed. Stool softeners help relieve constipation by making the stool easier to pass, especially in postoperative patients. Increasing fluid intake can be beneficial but may not address the underlying cause of constipation. While a high-fiber diet is important for bowel health, it may not provide immediate relief for constipation. Teaching a patient to perform Valsalva maneuvers is not recommended for managing constipation as it can lead to adverse effects like increasing intra-abdominal pressure.

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