Nursing Elites

1. A client with a new prescription for sumatriptan tablets to treat migraine headaches should report which of the following symptoms to the nurse?

• A. Chew the tablet well before swallowing
• B. Report swelling of the eyelids after dosage
• C. Repeat dose in 1 hour for unrelieved headache
• D. Take daily to prevent headaches

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because swelling of the eyelids is a side effect of sumatriptan tablets that requires immediate reporting to the healthcare provider to prevent further complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Chewing the tablet well before swallowing is not necessary for sumatriptan tablets. Repeating the dose in 1 hour for unrelieved headache is incorrect as this medication should not be repeated within 24 hours. Taking sumatriptan daily for headache prevention is also incorrect as it is used for acute treatment, not prevention.

2. A patient with severe pain and leg swelling is admitted. What should the nurse assess for?

• A. Check for signs of deep vein thrombosis.
• B. Assess for compartment syndrome.
• C. Increase the patient's fluid intake.
• D. Prepare the patient for surgery to relieve pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient presents with severe pain and leg swelling, the nurse should assess for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can develop due to increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to compromised circulation and potential tissue damage. It is crucial to identify compartment syndrome promptly as it may require immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Checking for signs of deep vein thrombosis (Choice A) is also important in a patient with leg swelling, but in this scenario, the focus should be on assessing for compartment syndrome due to the severity of the symptoms. Increasing fluid intake (Choice C) may not address the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms. Preparing the patient for surgery (Choice D) without a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis is premature and may not be the appropriate initial intervention.

3. A patient is admitted and is placed on fall precautions. The nurse teaches the patient and family about fall precautions. Which action will the nurse take in accordance with hospital policy?

• A. Encourage visitors during visiting hours.
• B. Keep the patient on fall precautions until discharge.
• C. Check on the patient every shift.
• D. Raise all four side rails.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patients on fall precautions need continuous monitoring until discharge to prevent falls. While encouraging visitors during visiting hours (Choice A) is important for the patient's well-being, it is not related to fall precautions. Checking on the patient every shift (Choice C) is an essential nursing intervention, but keeping the patient on fall precautions is more specific to preventing falls. Raising all four side rails (Choice D) is not recommended as it can restrict the patient's mobility and is considered a restraint practice.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer ampicillin 500 mg IV bolus every 6 hours. Available is ampicillin 500 mg in 50 mL dextrose 5% in water (D5W) to infuse over 20 minutes. The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver how many mL/hr?

• A. 100 mL/hr
• B. 150 mL/hr
• C. 200 mL/hr
• D. 250 mL/hr

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To infuse 50 mL over 20 minutes, the pump should be set to 150 mL/hr. This calculation ensures the correct rate for the infusion of the medication. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the correct calculation based on the given information.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer a high dose of morphine to a patient with terminal cancer. What is the nurse's primary consideration before administration?

• A. Ensure the family is aware of the dosage to be administered.
• B. Monitor the patient for respiratory depression.
• C. Administer the morphine in divided doses.
• D. Delay administration until the next assessment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the patient for respiratory depression. When administering a high dose of morphine, the nurse's primary consideration should be to monitor the patient for respiratory depression, as morphine can slow down breathing, especially in higher doses. Option A is incorrect because the primary focus should be on the patient's well-being and safety rather than family awareness at this point. Option C is not the best approach as the immediate concern is monitoring the patient closely for any adverse effects. Option D is not advisable as delaying administration without a valid reason can compromise pain management in a terminal cancer patient.

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