Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing the medication metformin with a client who has diabetes. Which of the following side effects should the nurse discuss?

• A. Gastrointestinal upset
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Weight loss
• D. Frequent urination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gastrointestinal upset. Metformin can cause gastrointestinal upset, especially when first starting therapy. It is important to take it with food to reduce these effects. Increased appetite (choice B) and weight loss (choice C) are not common side effects of metformin but may occur due to improved blood sugar control. Frequent urination (choice D) is a symptom of uncontrolled diabetes and not a side effect of metformin.

2. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is taking prednisone. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of this medication?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypertension. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, can lead to hypertension as an adverse effect. Prednisone can cause sodium and water retention, leading to increased blood pressure. Options A, B, and D are incorrect. Weight loss is not typically associated with prednisone use; instead, weight gain is more common. Hypoglycemia is not a common adverse effect of prednisone; in fact, it can elevate blood sugar levels. Hyperkalemia is also not a typical adverse effect of prednisone; instead, it can cause hypokalemia, or low potassium levels.

3. A client is prescribed digoxin and has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer digoxin without any modifications
• B. Administer the medication at a lower dose
• C. Monitor serum potassium levels
• D. Discontinue the medication if potassium levels rise

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. In this case, the nurse should administer the digoxin without any modifications. Lowering the dose (Choice B) may not be necessary if the potassium level is not critically low. Monitoring serum potassium levels (Choice C) is important but should not delay the administration of digoxin. Discontinuing the medication (Choice D) is not the initial action to take unless the potassium levels become severely low and life-threatening.

4. A community health nurse is reviewing primary prevention for West Nile virus with a group of patients in a rural health clinic. What instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Eliminate areas of standing water.
• B. Wear a mask when outdoors.
• C. Ensure food is cooked thoroughly.
• D. Avoid contact with sick individuals.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Eliminate areas of standing water.' Standing water provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which spread West Nile virus. By eliminating standing water, individuals can reduce the risk of mosquito breeding and the transmission of the virus. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Wearing a mask when outdoors, ensuring food is cooked thoroughly, and avoiding contact with sick individuals are not directly related to primary prevention strategies for West Nile virus.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a prescription for home oxygen. Which information should the nurse teach?

• A. Use a humidifier with the oxygen
• B. Wear cotton socks when the oxygen is in use
• C. Avoid all types of smoking materials
• D. Use a nasal cannula during meals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Wear cotton socks when the oxygen is in use.' This information is important as wearing cotton socks helps prevent static electricity, which can pose a fire risk when oxygen is in use. Choice A is incorrect as using a humidifier with oxygen is not necessary for all clients and may not be part of standard discharge teaching. Choice C is incorrect as it is a common safety measure to avoid all types of smoking materials when using oxygen. Choice D is incorrect as using a nasal cannula during meals is not specifically related to the safety concerns associated with home oxygen use.

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