Nursing Elites

1. A client is being discharged with a new prescription for metoprolol. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Do not discontinue this medication suddenly.
• B. Take this medication in the evening to decrease the risk of falls.
• C. Monitor your heart rate before taking this medication.
• D. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed metoprolol is to monitor their heart rate before taking the medication. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate), so it is essential for clients to check their heart rate before each dose. Choice A is incorrect because abruptly stopping metoprolol can lead to adverse effects, so it should not be discontinued suddenly. Choice B is incorrect because there is no specific recommendation to take metoprolol at night to reduce falls. Choice D is incorrect because grapefruit juice can interact with metoprolol, affecting its absorption, and should be avoided.

2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with hyperkalemia?

• A. Administer calcium gluconate
• B. Administer insulin
• C. Administer sodium bicarbonate
• D. Administer a diuretic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer calcium gluconate. In hyperkalemia, the priority is to protect the heart from potential complications like arrhythmias. Calcium gluconate is the first-line treatment as it stabilizes the cardiac cell membrane. Insulin (Choice B) and sodium bicarbonate (Choice C) can be used in conjunction with other treatments to shift potassium into cells, but calcium gluconate is the priority. Administering a diuretic (Choice D) is not the primary intervention for hyperkalemia and can even worsen the condition by reducing potassium excretion.

3. A client is receiving brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Cleanse equipment before removal from the client's room
• B. Limit the client's visitors to 30 minutes per day
• C. Discard the client's linens in a double bag
• D. Discard the radioactive source in a biohazard bag

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take when caring for a client receiving brachytherapy is to limit the client's visitors to 30 minutes per day. This is crucial to reduce exposure to radiation and maintain safety during the brachytherapy procedure. Cleansing equipment before removal from the client's room may be important for infection control but is not directly related to brachytherapy procedures. Discarding the client's linens in a double bag and discarding the radioactive source in a biohazard bag are incorrect choices as they do not specifically address the safety measures needed during brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

4. A client is prescribed albuterol. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication before meals.
• B. You might experience tremors while taking this medication.
• C. Limit your caffeine intake while taking this medication.
• D. Take this medication at bedtime.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Albuterol can cause tremors as a common side effect. Instructing the client about this potential side effect is crucial for their awareness and preparedness. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because taking albuterol before meals, limiting caffeine intake, or taking it at bedtime are not specific instructions related to managing the side effects of albuterol like tremors.

5. A client is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of hypocalcemia?

• A. Constipation
• B. Numbness and tingling of the fingers
• C. Increased thirst
• D. Frequent urination

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Numbness and tingling of the fingers are classic signs of hypocalcemia, a condition that may result from inadvertent damage to the parathyroid glands during a thyroidectomy. These symptoms occur due to decreased levels of calcium in the bloodstream affecting nerve function. Choices A, C, and D are not typical manifestations of hypocalcemia. Constipation is more associated with hypercalcemia, increased thirst can be seen in diabetes or dehydration, and frequent urination is a symptom more commonly linked to conditions like diabetes or urinary tract issues.

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