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. Prior to administering a blood transfusion, what should the healthcare professional do first?

• A. Prime the IV tubing with normal saline.
• B. Verify the client's identity.
• C. Obtain the blood product from the blood bank.
• D. Check the client's vital signs.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying the client's identity is the essential initial step before administering a blood transfusion. This action is crucial to confirm that the correct blood product is being administered to the right client, thereby preventing any potential errors or adverse reactions. Ensuring patient safety is paramount in healthcare, and verifying the client's identity is a fundamental safety measure that should always be prioritized.

3. A client with a new diagnosis of hypertension is being taught about lifestyle changes. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. You should limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day.
• B. You should increase your sodium intake to at least 2,300 mg per day.
• C. You should limit your physical activity to avoid increasing your blood pressure.
• D. You should avoid eating dairy products to help lower your blood pressure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement to include in teaching a client with hypertension is to limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day. Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure and lead to complications. Increasing sodium intake, limiting physical activity, and avoiding dairy products are not recommended for managing hypertension. Clients with hypertension should follow a heart-healthy diet low in sodium, engage in regular physical activity, and monitor their blood pressure regularly to control hypertension effectively.

4. What action should be taken to prevent respiratory complications in a client who is postoperative?

• A. Encourage the use of an incentive spirometer.
• B. Restrict fluid intake.
• C. Place the client in a supine position.
• D. Administer a cough suppressant.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer is crucial in preventing respiratory complications postoperatively. The incentive spirometer helps the client perform deep breathing exercises, which can prevent atelectasis (lung collapse) and promote lung expansion. This, in turn, reduces the risk of respiratory complications such as pneumonia. Restricting fluid intake, placing the client in a supine position, and administering a cough suppressant are not appropriate actions for preventing respiratory complications in a postoperative client.

5. A client with a new diagnosis of hypertension is receiving teaching from a healthcare provider. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will decrease my intake of potassium.
• B. I will increase my intake of vitamin K.
• C. I will decrease my intake of sodium.
• D. I will increase my intake of magnesium.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'I will decrease my intake of sodium.' Lowering sodium intake is essential in managing hypertension as it helps reduce blood pressure levels. Excess sodium can lead to fluid retention and increased blood volume, putting more strain on the heart and blood vessels. Therefore, this response indicates an understanding of the teaching provided. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because decreasing potassium intake, increasing vitamin K intake, and increasing magnesium intake are not primary dietary modifications recommended for hypertension. While potassium and magnesium can be beneficial for overall health, reducing sodium intake is the key dietary change to manage hypertension effectively.

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