Nursing Elites

1. A client is receiving discharge teaching about a new prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I should avoid foods high in potassium while taking this medication.
• B. I will check my pulse before taking the medication.
• C. I should avoid taking antacids simultaneously with this medication.
• D. I will take the medication at the same time every day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because clients taking digoxin should avoid foods high in potassium. High potassium levels can potentiate the effects of digoxin, leading to toxicity. Choices B, C, and D are correct statements regarding digoxin administration. Checking the pulse before taking the medication helps monitor for signs of digoxin toxicity. Avoiding taking antacids simultaneously prevents interactions that may reduce digoxin absorption. Taking the medication at the same time every day helps maintain a consistent blood level, ensuring optimal therapeutic effects.

2. A client is grieving the loss of her partner and expresses thoughts of not wanting to live. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Request additional support for the client from her family.
• B. Ask the client if she plans to harm herself.
• C. Inform the client that feeling this way is a normal response to grief.
• D. Suggest that the client seek counseling for support.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to ask the client if she plans to harm herself. This is crucial to assess the client's risk of self-harm or suicide. Providing immediate safety and appropriate interventions is the priority when a client expresses such thoughts. Requesting additional support from the family (Choice A) may be helpful but does not address the immediate safety concern. Informing the client that feeling this way is normal (Choice C) may invalidate her feelings and does not address the safety risk. Suggesting counseling (Choice D) may be beneficial in the long term but is not the immediate priority when assessing for self-harm or suicide risk.

3. A nurse is collecting data from an older adult client as part of a neurologic examination. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect as changes associated with aging?

• A. Slower light touch sensation
• B. Some vision and hearing decline
• C. Slower fine finger movement
• D. Some short-term memory decline

Correct answer: B

Rationale: As individuals age, it is common to experience changes in vision and hearing, leading to some decline in these senses. Slower light touch sensation and slower fine finger movement are also typical findings associated with aging. However, some short-term memory decline is more closely related to cognitive aging rather than typical age-related changes in the neurologic system. Therefore, the correct answer is the decline in vision and hearing. Decreased risk of depression is not a typical finding in aging; in fact, the risk of depression may increase as individuals age.

4. A nurse manager is assigning care of a client who is being admitted from the PACU following thoracic surgery. The nurse manager should assign the client to which of the following staff members?

• A. Charge nurse
• B. Registered nurse (RN)
• C. Practical nurse (PN)
• D. Assistive personnel (AP)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, a client who has undergone thoracic surgery and is being admitted from the PACU requires a high level of nursing care. Registered nurses (RNs) have the education and training necessary to provide the complex care and monitoring needed for a post-thoracic surgery client. Charge nurses may oversee units but may not always be directly involved in providing bedside care. Practical nurses (PNs) have a different scope of practice compared to RNs and may not have the advanced skills needed for post-thoracic surgery care. Assistive personnel (AP) provide valuable support but do not have the qualifications to manage the care of a client following thoracic surgery.

5. Which assessment data reflects the need for nurses to include the problem, “Risk for falls,” in a client’s plan of care?

• A. Recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL
• B. Opioid analgesic received one hour ago
• C. Stooped posture with an unsteady gait
• D. Expressed feelings of depression

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The recent administration of opioid analgesics increases the risk for falls due to potential side effects such as sedation and dizziness. Choice A, a recent serum hemoglobin level of 16 g/dL, is not directly related to the risk for falls. Choice C, stooped posture with an unsteady gait, may indicate an existing risk but does not directly reflect the need to include 'Risk for falls' in the care plan. Choice D, expressed feelings of depression, is important to address but is not directly associated with the risk for falls.

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