Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is reviewing a client's medication list during a routine visit. Which action is most important to ensure medication safety?

• A. Ask the client about any allergies to medications
• B. Review the purposes of each medication
• C. Check for potential drug interactions
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A comprehensive review of allergies, medication purposes, and potential interactions is crucial for ensuring medication safety. Asking about allergies helps prevent adverse reactions, reviewing medication purposes ensures the correct use of each drug, and checking for potential drug interactions reduces the risk of harmful effects when medications interact. Choosing 'All of the above' is the correct answer because all three actions are essential steps to enhance medication safety. Options A, B, and C individually play vital roles in promoting medication safety, making option D the most appropriate choice.

2. A client with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid). What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach
• B. Take the medication with food
• C. Report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism
• D. Do not discontinue the medication abruptly

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism.' Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations or tremors, may indicate an excessive dose of levothyroxine and should be reported to the healthcare provider for proper adjustment of the medication. Choice A is incorrect because levothyroxine is usually taken in the morning on an empty stomach to maximize absorption. Choice B is incorrect because taking levothyroxine with food can interfere with its absorption. Choice D is incorrect because discontinuing levothyroxine abruptly can lead to a worsening of hypothyroidism symptoms.

3. The nurse is assessing a newborn and notes that the infant has a yellowish tint to the skin. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Reassure the parents that this is normal
• B. Monitor the infant's bilirubin levels
• C. Increase the frequency of feedings
• D. Administer phototherapy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a newborn presents with a yellowish tint to the skin, it can indicate jaundice, which is caused by elevated bilirubin levels. Monitoring the infant's bilirubin levels is crucial to assess the severity of jaundice and determine the need for further intervention. Reassuring the parents without proper assessment could lead to delayed treatment if jaundice is present. Increasing the frequency of feedings may not address the underlying cause of jaundice. Administering phototherapy is a treatment option that should be based on bilirubin level assessment and healthcare provider's recommendation.

4. Which nonfood item is the most common cause of respiratory arrest in young children?

• A. Broken rattles
• B. Buttons
• C. Pacifiers
• D. Latex balloons

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Latex balloons. Latex balloons can pose a significant choking hazard to young children if inhaled, potentially leading to respiratory arrest. Broken rattles, buttons, and pacifiers are not typically known to cause respiratory arrest in young children. While these items can present choking hazards as well, the most common cause of respiratory arrest among young children is due to inhaling latex balloons.

5. What is the most important action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter?

• A. Irrigate the catheter daily.
• B. Change the catheter every 72 hours.
• C. Apply antibiotic ointment at the insertion site.
• D. Ensure the catheter bag is always below bladder level.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most crucial action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in a client with an indwelling urinary catheter is to ensure that the catheter bag is always below bladder level. This positioning helps prevent backflow of urine, reducing the risk of CAUTIs. Irrigating the catheter daily (Choice A) is unnecessary and can introduce pathogens. Changing the catheter every 72 hours (Choice B) is not recommended unless clinically indicated to prevent introducing new pathogens. Applying antibiotic ointment at the insertion site (Choice C) is not the most important action to prevent CAUTIs; proper hygiene and maintaining a closed system are more critical.

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