Nursing Elites

1. Before administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure, what is the most important laboratory test result for the nurse to check?

• A. Potassium level
• B. Creatinine level
• C. Cholesterol level
• D. Blood urea nitrogen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the potassium level before administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia, so it is crucial to assess the potassium level to prevent complications like cardiac arrhythmias associated with low potassium levels.

2. The client with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is receiving daunorubicin (DaunoXome). Which of the following would indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing a toxic effect related to the medication?

• A. Fever
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Complaints of nausea and vomiting
• D. Crackles on auscultation of the lungs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Crackles on auscultation of the lungs would indicate a toxic effect related to daunorubicin, known to cause cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity can manifest as heart failure, abnormal ECG findings, or cardiomyopathy. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor for signs of cardiotoxicity to ensure timely intervention and prevent further complications. Fever, diarrhea, and complaints of nausea and vomiting are common side effects of daunorubicin but do not specifically indicate a toxic effect like cardiotoxicity.

3. A client receiving nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin) calls the health care provider's office complaining of side effects related to the medication. Which side effect indicates the need to stop treatment with this medication?

• A. Nausea
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Anorexia
• D. Cough and chest pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Pulmonary reactions such as cough and chest pain are serious side effects associated with nitrofurantoin that require immediate discontinuation of the medication to prevent potential severe respiratory complications.

4. The client has been taking omeprazole (Prilosec) for 4 weeks. The ambulatory care nurse evaluates that the client is receiving the optimal intended effect of the medication if the client reports the absence of which symptom?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Heartburn
• C. Flatulence
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, is used as an antiulcer agent to reduce gastric acid secretion. The optimal intended effect of omeprazole is the relief of pain and discomfort associated with gastric irritation, commonly referred to as heartburn. Therefore, the absence of heartburn indicates that the medication is working effectively in managing the client's gastric condition.

5. A client is prescribed calcium gluconate after thyroidectomy. The medication is most likely prescribed to:

• A. Treat thyroid storm.
• B. Prevent cardiac irritability.
• C. Treat hypocalcemic tetany.
• D. Stimulate the release of parathyroid hormone.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After a thyroidectomy, the parathyroid glands can be inadvertently removed or damaged, leading to a decrease in calcium levels and potentially causing hypocalcemic tetany. Calcium gluconate is given to supplement calcium levels and prevent or treat hypocalcemia-related symptoms, such as muscle spasms and tetany.

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