Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is receiving radiation therapy for cancer of the larynx. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Apply heat to the neck to relieve pain.
• B. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent gum irritation.
• C. Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash twice daily.
• D. Wear loose-fitting clothing to protect your skin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to use a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent gum irritation in clients undergoing radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer. Radiation therapy can cause oral mucositis and increase the risk of gum irritation, so using a soft-bristle toothbrush is recommended to minimize trauma to the gums and oral mucosa. Applying heat to the neck is contraindicated as it can exacerbate tissue damage caused by radiation. Rinsing the mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash is preferred over an alcohol-based one to prevent drying and irritation of the oral mucosa. Wearing loose-fitting clothing is advised to prevent friction and irritation on the skin, rather than tight-fitting clothing that may cause pressure ulcers or skin breakdown.

2. A client is receiving discharge teaching for a new prescription of metformin. Which of the following client statements demonstrates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will take this medication with my meals.
• B. I will take this medication at the same time every day.
• C. I will avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
• D. I will expect to experience weight gain while taking this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because clients taking metformin should avoid alcohol as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not specific to metformin but rather a general recommendation for some medications. Choice B is a good practice for medication adherence but does not relate specifically to metformin. Choice D is inaccurate as weight gain is not an expected side effect of metformin.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 hr postoperative following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The nurse notes that the client's indwelling urinary catheter has not drained in the past hour. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Irrigate the catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride.
• B. Reposition the catheter.
• C. Notify the provider.
• D. Increase the rate of the continuous bladder irrigation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should irrigate the catheter with 0.9% sodium chloride to help relieve any obstruction and ensure proper urinary drainage following a TURP. Repositioning the catheter may not address the underlying issue of obstruction. Notifying the provider should be done after attempting to resolve the drainage issue. Increasing the rate of continuous bladder irrigation is not the initial intervention for a catheter that is not draining.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic kidney disease. The nurse should identify which of the following laboratory values as an indication for hemodialysis?

• A. Glomerular filtration rate of 14 mL/min
• B. BUN 16 mg/dL
• C. Serum magnesium 1.8 mg/dL
• D. Serum phosphorus 4.0 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 14 mL/min is significantly low, indicating poor kidney function and the need for hemodialysis to remove waste products effectively. BUN, serum magnesium, and serum phosphorus levels are important in assessing kidney function and electrolyte balance but are not direct indicators for the initiation of hemodialysis. BUN (blood urea nitrogen) reflects the kidney's ability to filter waste products, serum magnesium levels are important for muscle and nerve function, and serum phosphorus levels are vital for bone health.

5. A client is being taught about patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Which statement should be included in the teaching?

• A. The PCA will deliver a double dose of medication when you push the button twice.
• B. Continuous PCA infusion is designed to allow fluctuating plasma medication levels.
• C. You should push the button before physical activity to allow maximum pain control.
• D. You can adjust the amount of pain medication you receive by pushing on the keypad.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement to include in the teaching about PCA is that the client can adjust the amount of pain medication they receive by pushing on the keypad. This empowers the client to control their pain management effectively. Choice A is incorrect because PCA systems are programmed to prevent double dosing when the button is pressed multiple times in quick succession. Choice B is incorrect as continuous PCA infusion aims to maintain a steady plasma medication level. Choice C is incorrect because it is not necessary to push the button before physical activity to ensure maximum pain control; the client should use the PCA as needed for pain relief.

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