Nursing Elites

1. A patient in the emergency department reports taking sildenafil (Viagra) and nitroglycerin 1 hr before sexual activity. Which finding should the nurse immediately report to the physician?

• A. WBC of 3200 cells/mm³
• B. RR of 26 breaths/min
• C. Temp of 38°C
• D. BP of 70/50

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: BP of 70/50. When sildenafil (Viagra) is taken with nitroglycerin, it can cause severe hypotension that is unresponsive to treatment. The combination of these medications can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. It is crucial to immediately report hypotension in this scenario as it poses a significant risk to the patient's life. It is recommended to allow at least 24 hours to elapse between the last dose of sildenafil and nitroglycerin to prevent such adverse effects. The other vital signs and lab values may be abnormal but do not have the immediate life-threatening implications that severe hypotension does in this context.

2. A nurse is caring for a school-age child with primary nephrotic syndrome who is taking prednisone. After 1 week of treatment, which manifestation indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?

• A. Decreased edema
• B. Increased abdominal girth
• C. Decreased appetite
• D. Increased protein in the urine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a child with nephrotic syndrome, the presence of edema is due to fluid retention caused by protein loss in the urine. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, helps reduce inflammation and decrease the loss of protein in the urine, leading to a decrease in edema. Therefore, decreased edema is an indication that the prednisone treatment is effective in managing the nephrotic syndrome. Increased abdominal girth would indicate fluid retention and worsening of the condition. Decreased appetite is a nonspecific symptom and not a direct indicator of prednisone efficacy. Increased protein in the urine would indicate ongoing renal impairment and the ineffectiveness of the treatment.

3. When teaching a parent of a 2-month-old infant with acute gastroenteritis who is bottle feeding, which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. Offer Pedialyte between formula feedings.
• B. Feed the infant every 6 hours.
• C. Give diluted apple juice if the infant becomes dehydrated.
• D. Switch to soy-based formula permanently.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the case of acute gastroenteritis in a 2-month-old infant who is bottle feeding, the nurse should recommend offering Pedialyte between formula feedings. This helps prevent dehydration and ensures that the infant receives essential electrolytes and fluids to aid in recovery. Pedialyte is specifically formulated to help replace lost fluids and electrolytes due to vomiting and diarrhea, making it a suitable choice for infants with gastroenteritis. Choice B is incorrect because infants with acute gastroenteritis should be fed more frequently to prevent dehydration. Choice C is incorrect as apple juice is not recommended for infants with gastroenteritis; Pedialyte or oral rehydration solutions are preferred. Choice D is incorrect because switching to soy-based formula permanently is not necessary for managing acute gastroenteritis; Pedialyte and continuing with the current formula are more appropriate.

4. During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, what action is crucial for a nurse to take?

• A. Administer meperidine for pain.
• B. Apply cold compresses to the child's joints.
• C. Limit the child's fluid intake.
• D. Maintain bed rest for the child.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, maintaining bed rest is crucial to reduce oxygen consumption and alleviate pain. Movement can worsen the crisis by increasing sickling of red blood cells, leading to further tissue damage and pain. Bed rest helps to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and promote healing. Administering meperidine for pain (Choice A) is not recommended due to the risk of normeperidine accumulation and potential neurotoxicity. Applying cold compresses (Choice B) may cause vasoconstriction, worsening the vaso-occlusive crisis. Limiting fluid intake (Choice C) is not appropriate as adequate hydration is essential to prevent dehydration and maintain blood flow.

5. When providing teaching to the family of a school-age child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Limit the child's movement of the large joints.
• B. Encourage the child to perform independent self-care.
• C. Provide the child with a soft mattress for sleeping.
• D. Schedule a 2-hour daily nap for the child in the afternoon.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the child to perform independent self-care is essential when managing juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This instruction helps minimize pain and stiffness in the child's joints while promoting mobility and independence. It is crucial for the child to learn self-management skills early to cope better with the condition in the long term.

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