Nursing Elites

1. A client who had a kidney transplant is receiving therapy with cyclosporine (Sandimmune). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?

• A. I need to obtain a yearly influenza vaccine.
• B. I need to have dental checkups every 3 months.
• C. I need to self-monitor my blood pressure at home.
• D. I need to call the health care provider (HCP) if my urine volume decreases or my urine becomes cloudy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that can reduce the effectiveness of vaccines. Clients should avoid vaccinations without consulting their health care provider to prevent potential complications or reduced efficacy of the vaccines.

2. When administering etanercept (Enbrel) to a client with rheumatoid arthritis for 3 weeks, what is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

• A. Assessing the injection site for itching and edema
• B. Monitoring white blood cell counts and platelet counts
• C. Evaluating for fatigue and joint pain in the client
• D. Checking for a metallic taste in the mouth and loss of appetite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority when administering etanercept (Enbrel) to a client with rheumatoid arthritis is to monitor white blood cell counts and platelet counts. Etanercept can lead to infections and pancytopenia, making it crucial to assess for changes in these blood parameters to detect any potential complications early on.

3. A client with diabetes mellitus visits a health care clinic. The client's diabetes mellitus was previously well controlled with daily glyburide (DiaBeta). However, the fasting blood glucose level has recently been in the range of 180 to 200 mg/dL. Which medication, if added to the client's regimen, may have contributed to the hyperglycemia?

• A. Prednisone
• B. Phenelzine (Nardil)
• C. Atenolol (Tenormin)
• D. Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Prednisone is known to reduce the effectiveness of oral hypoglycemic medications like glyburide and insulin, which can result in hyperglycemia. Therefore, the addition of prednisone to the client's regimen could have contributed to the elevated fasting blood glucose levels observed.

4. A client with hyperparathyroidism has a serum calcium level of 13 mg/dL. Which medication should be prepared to administer as prescribed to the client?

• A. Calcium chloride
• B. Calcium gluconate
• C. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
• D. Large doses of vitamin D

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The normal serum calcium level ranges from 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL. In hypercalcemia, as seen in this client, Calcitonin (Miacalcin) is used to decrease plasma calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption. Calcium gluconate and calcium chloride are typically used for hypocalcemia, not hypercalcemia. Large doses of vitamin D should be avoided in hypercalcemia as they can exacerbate hypercalcemia by increasing calcium absorption from the intestines.

5. A client is taking levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Which symptom would indicate to the nurse that the client is taking too much medication?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Lethargy
• C. Tremors
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is taking an excessive dose of levothyroxine (Synthroid), it can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Tremors are a common sign of excessive medication, along with tachycardia and insomnia. Bradycardia, lethargy, and constipation are typical symptoms of hypothyroidism, indicating that the client may require a higher dose of levothyroxine rather than too much.

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