Nursing Elites

1. A client is instructed to take levothyroxine (Synthroid). The medication should be taken:

• A. With food
• B. At lunchtime
• C. On an empty stomach
• D. At bedtime with a snack

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Taking it with food or at bedtime can interfere with its absorption, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, it is essential for the client to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.

2. A client has been prescribed furosemide (Lasix), and the nurse is monitoring for adverse effects associated with this medication. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as a potential adverse effect? Select one that doesn't apply.

• A. Nausea
• B. Tinnitus
• C. Hypotension
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to adverse effects such as tinnitus, hypotension, and hypokalemia. While nausea is a common side effect of many medications, it is not typically associated with furosemide. Therefore, the nurse should recognize nausea as a potential adverse effect that doesn't apply to furosemide.

3. A client with Crohn's disease is scheduled to receive an infusion of infliximab (Remicade). The nurse assisting in caring for the client should take which action to monitor the effectiveness of treatment?

• A. Monitoring the leukocyte count for 2 days after the infusion
• B. Checking the frequency and consistency of bowel movements
• C. Checking serum liver enzyme levels before and after the infusion
• D. Carrying out a Hematest on gastric fluids after the infusion is completed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To monitor the effectiveness of infliximab (Remicade) treatment in a client with Crohn's disease, the nurse should observe the frequency and consistency of bowel movements. Infliximab is an immunomodulator that works to reduce inflammation in the colon, leading to improvements in bowel symptoms such as frequency and consistency. Monitoring these bowel patterns can provide valuable insight into the response to the medication and the overall management of Crohn's disease. Checking the leukocyte count (Choice A) is not specific to monitoring the effectiveness of infliximab for Crohn's disease. Checking serum liver enzyme levels (Choice C) may be important for liver function but does not directly monitor the effectiveness of infliximab. Carrying out a Hematest on gastric fluids (Choice D) is not relevant to monitoring the effectiveness of infliximab in Crohn's disease.

4. The healthcare provider should anticipate that the most likely medication to be prescribed prophylactically for a child with spina bifida (myelomeningocele) who has a neurogenic bladder would be:

• A. Prednisone
• B. Sulfisoxazole
• C. Furosemide (Lasix)
• D. Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Children with spina bifida, especially those with a neurogenic bladder, are at an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Sulfisoxazole, an antibiotic, is commonly prescribed prophylactically to prevent UTIs in this population. Prednisone (Choice A) is a corticosteroid and is not typically used for prophylaxis in this scenario. Furosemide (Lasix) (Choice C) is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention and hypertension, not for preventing UTIs. Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) (Choice D) is used to boost the immune system, not for UTI prophylaxis in this case.

5. A client with hypertension is prescribed losartan (Cozaar). Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

• A. Avoid foods high in potassium.
• B. Take the medication with grapefruit juice.
• C. Monitor blood pressure weekly.
• D. Report any swelling of the lips or face.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed losartan (Cozaar) is to report any swelling of the lips or face. Losartan can cause angioedema, which is a serious side effect that requires immediate medical attention. Clients do not need to avoid potassium-rich foods unless specifically instructed by their healthcare provider. Taking the medication with grapefruit juice is not recommended as it can interact with certain medications. Additionally, monitoring blood pressure regularly is important, but it should not be limited to a weekly basis; blood pressure should be monitored as per the healthcare provider's recommendation.

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