Nursing Elites

1. A patient states he experiences anxiety and has panic attacks at least once a week. What might be helpful for this patient?

• A. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• B. Lithium
• C. Alprazolam (Xanax)
• D. Spironolactone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Alprazolam (Xanax) is a medication commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. It belongs to the class of medications known as benzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain to produce a calming effect. Phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug, not typically used for anxiety or panic attacks. Lithium is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, not anxiety. Spironolactone is a diuretic primarily used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure, not anxiety or panic attacks.

2. A healthcare professional reviewing a client's medical record notes a new prescription for verifying the trough level of the client's medication. Which of the following actions should the professional take?

• A. Obtain a blood specimen immediately prior to administering the next dose of medication.
• B. Verify that the client has been taking the medication for 24 hours before obtaining a blood specimen.
• C. Ask the client to provide a urine specimen after the next dose of medication.
• D. Administer the medication, and obtain a blood specimen 30 minutes later.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To verify trough levels of a medication, the healthcare professional should obtain a blood specimen immediately before administering the next dose of medication. This timing ensures an accurate representation of the medication's lowest concentration in the bloodstream, which is crucial for therapeutic monitoring and dose adjustments. Choice B is incorrect because waiting 24 hours after taking the medication would not provide an accurate trough level. Choice C is incorrect as urine specimens are not used to measure trough levels. Choice D is incorrect because obtaining a blood specimen 30 minutes after administering the medication would not reflect the trough level, as it is the lowest concentration before the next dose.

3. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who is prescribed Metformin. Which of the following laboratory values should the healthcare professional monitor to assess for potential adverse effects?

• A. Blood glucose
• B. Creatine kinase
• C. Hemoglobin A1c
• D. Serum creatinine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Metformin can lead to lactic acidosis, especially in individuals with impaired renal function. Monitoring the client's serum creatinine levels is crucial to assess kidney function because Metformin is eliminated by the kidneys, and impaired renal function can increase the risk of adverse effects. Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential for assessing the effectiveness of Metformin in managing diabetes but is not directly related to potential adverse effects of Metformin. Creatine kinase is not typically monitored in relation to Metformin therapy. Hemoglobin A1c is used to assess long-term glucose control in diabetes but is not specific for monitoring Metformin adverse effects.

4. A client is being educated about Fluticasone for treating Perennial Rhinitis. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should use the spray every 4 hours while I am awake.
• B. It can take as long as 3 weeks before the medication takes maximum effect.
• C. This medication can also be used to treat motion sickness.
• D. I can use this medication when my nasal passages are blocked.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct! While the client may experience some benefits of Fluticasone within a few hours, the maximum effects may not be seen until up to 3 weeks of consistent use. This understanding is important to manage expectations and ensure the client uses the medication effectively for the treatment of Perennial Rhinitis.

5. A client has a new prescription for Iron supplements. Which of the following instructions should be included in the teaching?

• A. Take the medication with a glass of orange juice.
• B. Avoid taking the medication with milk.
• C. Increase fiber intake to prevent constipation.
• D. Expect stools to be dark.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase fiber intake to prevent constipation when taking iron supplements. Iron supplements can lead to constipation as a common side effect. Increasing fiber intake helps promote healthy bowel movements and counteracts the constipating effects of iron. Choice A is incorrect because iron absorption is hindered by calcium found in milk. Choice B is incorrect as orange juice enhances iron absorption due to its vitamin C content. Choice D is incorrect as iron supplements can cause stools to appear dark, not bright red.

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