Nursing Elites

1. A client is receiving dietary instructions from a nurse regarding warfarin sodium (Coumadin) therapy. The nurse advises the client to avoid which food item?

• A. Grapes
• B. Spinach
• C. Watermelon
• D. Cottage cheese

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Spinach. Spinach is high in vitamin K, which antagonizes the effects of warfarin sodium, an anticoagulant medication. Clients taking warfarin should avoid consuming foods rich in vitamin K, like spinach, to maintain the medication's effectiveness. Grapes (choice A), watermelon (choice C), and cottage cheese (choice D) do not interfere with the effects of warfarin, so they are safe for the client to consume while on warfarin therapy.

2. A client has a prescription to take guaifenesin (Humibid) every 4 hours, as needed. The nurse determines that the client understands the most effective use of this medication if the client states that he or she will:

• A. Watch for irritability as a side effect.
• B. Take the tablet with a full glass of water.
• C. Take an extra dose if the cough is accompanied by fever.
• D. Crush the sustained-release tablet if immediate relief is needed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Guaifenesin is an expectorant used to help loosen mucus and make coughs more productive. Taking it with a full glass of water helps decrease the viscosity of secretions, making it easier to expel mucus from the respiratory tract. It is important not to crush sustained-release tablets, as this can alter the intended release of the medication and lead to potential adverse effects.

3. A client is diagnosed with an acute myocardial infarction and is receiving tissue plasminogen activator, alteplase (Activase, tPA). Which action is a priority nursing intervention?

• A. Monitor for renal failure.
• B. Monitor psychosocial status.
• C. Monitor for signs of bleeding.
• D. Have heparin sodium available.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a client receiving tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase) for an acute myocardial infarction is to monitor for signs of bleeding. Alteplase is a thrombolytic medication that can lead to hemorrhage as a complication. Therefore, closely monitoring the client for any signs of bleeding is essential to promptly address and manage this potential adverse effect.

4. A client is being taught about the use of enoxaparin (Lovenox) for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

• A. Inject the medication subcutaneously.
• B. Avoid massaging the injection site after administration.
• C. Administer the medication at the same time each day.
• D. Do not expel the air bubble from the syringe before injection.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is administered subcutaneously at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels. Injecting the medication into the muscle is incorrect, as it should be given subcutaneously. Massaging the injection site should be avoided to prevent bruising. The air bubble in the prefilled syringe should not be expelled, as it ensures the full dose is administered.

5. After administering acetylcysteine (Mucomyst), 20% solution diluted in 0.9% normal saline by nebulizer, the nurse should have which item available for potential use?

• A. Ambu bag
• B. Intubation tray
• C. Nasogastric tube
• D. Suction equipment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Acetylcysteine is administered via inhalation as a mucolytic. It helps liquefy secretions, making it easier for the client to clear them. However, in some cases, the increased volume of liquefied secretions may be challenging for the client to manage, leading to the potential need for suction equipment to assist in clearing the airway. Therefore, the nurse should have suction equipment available after administering acetylcysteine to address any issues related to excessive secretions.

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