Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a prescription for digoxin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take your pulse before taking the medication.
• B. Take the medication with an antacid.
• C. Double the dose if you miss one.
• D. Take the medication with a high-fiber meal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take your pulse before taking the medication.' When administering digoxin, it is crucial to monitor the pulse rate because digoxin can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate). Checking the pulse helps in assessing the heart rate before taking the medication, as bradycardia is a common side effect of digoxin. Choice B is incorrect because digoxin should not be taken with antacids, as they can reduce its absorption. Choice C is incorrect; the dose should never be doubled if a dose is missed. Choice D is incorrect because taking digoxin with a high-fiber meal can also affect its absorption. Therefore, the essential instruction for the client is to monitor the pulse before taking digoxin.

2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Encourage pursed-lip breathing.
• B. Administer oxygen at 6 L/min via nasal cannula.
• C. Place the client in a supine position.
• D. Restrict fluid intake to less than 1,500 mL/day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging pursed-lip breathing is essential for clients with COPD as it aids in improving ventilation and gas exchange. This technique helps keep the airways open longer during exhalation, preventing air trapping and promoting more effective breathing. Administering oxygen, placing the client in a supine position, or restricting fluid intake are not primary interventions for managing COPD and may not address the specific respiratory needs of the client.

3. When teaching a client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus about foot care, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Soak your feet in hot water every day.
• B. Apply lotion between your toes.
• C. Inspect your feet daily.
• D. Use over-the-counter products to remove corns.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inspecting the feet daily is crucial for clients with diabetes mellitus to detect early signs of injury or infection promptly. This practice helps prevent serious complications such as diabetic foot ulcers. Soaking feet in hot water daily can lead to skin dryness and increase the risk of injury. Applying lotion between toes can cause moisture buildup, leading to fungal infections. Using over-the-counter products to remove corns can result in skin damage and should be done under healthcare provider supervision.

4. When planning care for a client with a pressure ulcer, which intervention should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Massage the reddened area.
• B. Apply a donut-shaped cushion.
• C. Reposition the client every 3 hours.
• D. Use a transparent film dressing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with a pressure ulcer is to use a transparent film dressing. This dressing provides a protective barrier against external contaminants while allowing for wound inspection, promoting healing. Massaging the reddened area can cause further damage to the skin and should be avoided. Donut-shaped cushions can increase pressure on the ulcer site rather than alleviate it. Repositioning the client every 2 hours is a preventive measure for pressure ulcers, but once an ulcer has developed, using a transparent film dressing is a more appropriate intervention to facilitate healing and protect the wound site.

5. A healthcare provider is caring for a client who has acute renal failure. Which of the following laboratory results should the healthcare provider expect?

• A. Decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• B. Decreased creatinine
• C. Increased potassium
• D. Increased calcium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In acute renal failure, the kidneys are unable to excrete potassium efficiently, which can lead to hyperkalemia. As a result, an increased potassium level is a common finding in clients with acute renal failure. Hyperkalemia can have serious cardiac effects, making it essential for healthcare providers to monitor and manage potassium levels closely in clients with renal impairment. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because in acute renal failure, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels typically rise due to decreased renal function. Calcium levels are more likely to be decreased in acute renal failure due to impaired activation of vitamin D and subsequent decreased calcium absorption.

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