Nursing Elites

1. A client with a new prescription for an antihypertensive medication is being provided discharge instructions by a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse give?

• A. Be sure to limit your potassium intake while taking the medication.
• B. You should check your blood pressure every 8 hours while taking this medication.
• C. Your medication dosage will be increased if you develop tachycardia.
• D. Change positions slowly when you move from sitting to standing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement for the nurse to provide is to instruct the client to change positions slowly when moving from sitting to standing. This is crucial because antihypertensive medications can cause orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness when changing positions quickly. Checking blood pressure every 8 hours is unnecessary and could lead to over-monitoring. There is no direct relationship between the medication and potassium intake. Increasing the medication dosage due to tachycardia is not a typical response and may not be accurate.

2. A healthcare professional is reviewing the medication list of a client who has a new prescription for Digoxin to treat heart failure. Which of the following medications places the client at risk for Digoxin toxicity?

• A. Spironolactone
• B. Calcium channel blockers
• C. Loop diuretics
• D. ACE inhibitors

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Loop diuretics, such as Furosemide, can increase the risk of Digoxin toxicity by causing hypokalemia. Hypokalemia enhances the toxic effects of Digoxin on the heart, leading to an increased risk of Digoxin toxicity. Spironolactone (Choice A) is less likely to cause hypokalemia and does not significantly increase the risk of Digoxin toxicity. Calcium channel blockers (Choice B) and ACE inhibitors (Choice D) do not directly increase the risk of Digoxin toxicity through hypokalemia; therefore, they are not the medications that place the client at risk for Digoxin toxicity.

3. A client has a new prescription for a Nitroglycerin transdermal patch. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Apply the patch to a different site each day.
• B. Remove the patch at bedtime each day.
• C. Apply the patch over an area with little or no hair.
• D. Keep the patch on for 24 hours at a time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a Nitroglycerin transdermal patch is to remove it each day, usually at bedtime, to prevent tolerance. Keeping the patch on for 24 hours at a time can lead to tolerance development. Applying the patch to a different site each day is not necessary, as long as the area is rotated to prevent skin irritation. Applying the patch over an area with little or no hair is not a critical instruction for the Nitroglycerin patch.

4. What is the therapeutic use of Phenytoin?

• A. Replacement in hypothyroidism to restore normal hormonal balance
• B. Diminished accumulation of acid in the gastric lumen with lessened gastroesophageal reflux
• C. Diminished seizure activity, termination of ventricular arrhythmias
• D. Prevention of thrombus formation, prevention of extension of existing thrombi

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Phenytoin is primarily used to diminish seizure activity and is effective in terminating ventricular arrhythmias. It works by stabilizing neuronal membranes, reducing repetitive neuronal firing, and limiting the spread of seizure activity in the brain. While phenytoin does not have a direct role in preventing thrombus formation or extending existing thrombi, it is crucial in managing seizures and certain arrhythmias.

5. When providing teaching to a client with a prescription for Phenytoin, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication at bedtime.
• B. Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods.
• C. Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
• D. Avoid eating foods high in potassium.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Brush and floss your teeth regularly.' Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, a side effect that affects the gums. It is crucial for the client to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent oral health complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While the timing of medication administration and dietary considerations are important, they are not directly related to preventing the specific side effect of gingival hyperplasia caused by Phenytoin.

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