Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is providing teaching about digoxin administration to the parents of a toddler with heart failure. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. Limit your child's potassium intake while taking this medication.
• B. You can mix the medication with a half-cup of your child's favorite juice.
• C. Do not repeat the dose if your child vomits within one hour after taking the medication.
• D. Have your child drink a small glass of water after swallowing the medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement to include in the teaching about digoxin administration is to have the child drink a small glass of water after swallowing the medication. Water helps flush down the medication, preventing irritation in the esophagus. Choice A is incorrect because digoxin may interact with potassium levels, but strict restriction is not necessary. Choice B is incorrect as medications should not be mixed with juices unless specified by the healthcare provider due to possible interactions. Choice C is incorrect because if a child vomits after taking digoxin, the dose should not be repeated to avoid double dosing.

2. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will limit my intake of protein to prevent kidney damage.
• B. I will avoid taking ibuprofen for my headaches.
• C. I will monitor my blood glucose level before meals and at bedtime.
• D. I will reduce my intake of carbohydrates to manage my blood sugar.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Monitoring blood glucose levels before meals and at bedtime is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Option A is incorrect because limiting protein intake is not a primary focus for diabetes management. Option B is unrelated to diabetes management and focuses on pain relief. Option D mentions reducing carbohydrate intake, which is a common dietary recommendation for managing blood sugar levels, but it is not as specific as monitoring blood glucose levels at key times.

3. What is the most concerning electrolyte imbalance for a patient receiving digoxin?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is the most concerning electrolyte imbalance for a patient receiving digoxin because it can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Low potassium levels can potentiate the effects of digoxin on the heart, leading to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Hyperkalemia (Choice A) is not typically associated with digoxin use. Hyponatremia (Choice C) and Hypercalcemia (Choice D) are not directly related to digoxin therapy and do not pose the same risk of toxicity.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which of the following laboratory values should the professional report to the provider?

• A. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L
• B. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
• C. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• D. Magnesium 2.0 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sodium 140 mEq/L. An elevated sodium level can affect the effectiveness of digoxin therapy and may lead to toxicity. Therefore, it is crucial to report this value to the provider. Potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels are important as well, but elevated sodium can have a more direct impact on digoxin therapy in this scenario.

5. A patient is receiving radiation therapy. Which of the following skin care instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Apply a heating pad to the radiation site.
• B. Use scented lotions to moisturize the skin.
• C. Keep the radiation site covered with a bandage.
• D. Wear loose clothing over the radiation site.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct Answer: The nurse should instruct the patient to wear loose clothing over the radiation site. This helps prevent skin irritation and promotes healing by reducing friction and irritation on the treated area.\nChoice A is incorrect because applying a heating pad can further irritate the skin that is already sensitive due to radiation therapy.\nChoice B is incorrect because scented lotions may contain ingredients that could further irritate the skin.\nChoice C is incorrect because covering the radiation site with a bandage can trap moisture and lead to skin breakdown, increasing the risk of infection.

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