Nursing Elites

1. When a patient is taking glucocorticoids and digoxin, which electrolyte should the nurse prioritize monitoring?

• A. Calcium
• B. Magnesium
• C. Sodium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should primarily monitor potassium levels in a patient taking glucocorticoids and digoxin. Glucocorticoids can lead to potassium loss, potentially increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity. Additionally, glucocorticoids may worsen hypokalemia induced by diuretics like thiazides and loops. While calcium, magnesium, and sodium are important electrolytes to monitor in various clinical situations, they are not the priority in this specific scenario of a patient on glucocorticoids and digoxin.

2. The healthcare provider is assessing abdominal girth for a pediatric client who presents with abdominal distension. Which nursing action is appropriate?

• A. Measuring the girth just below the umbilicus
• B. Measuring the girth just below the sternum
• C. Measuring the girth just above the pubic bone
• D. Measuring the girth around the largest portion of the abdomen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Measuring the girth around the largest portion of the abdomen ensures accurate assessment and tracking of abdominal distension. This method provides a more comprehensive measurement and helps healthcare providers monitor changes effectively.

3. When teaching parents of a school-aged child with a new diagnosis of osteomyelitis of the tibia, which statement by the parents indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. My child will have a cast until healing is complete.
• B. My child will receive antibiotics for several weeks.
• C. My child can return to playing sports once he is discharged.
• D. My child needs to be in contact isolation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Osteomyelitis of the tibia typically requires antibiotic therapy for at least 4 weeks. Surgery may be necessary if the infection does not respond to antibiotics. Weight-bearing should be avoided with osteomyelitis to prevent complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a cast until healing, returning to sports immediately, and contact isolation are not primary management strategies for osteomyelitis.

4. The caregiver is providing care to a pediatric client diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, who is prescribed daily prednisone. Which caregiver statement regarding administration of this drug indicates correct understanding of the teaching provided by the healthcare provider?

• A. I will administer this medication between meals.
• B. I will administer this medication at bedtime.
• C. I will administer this medication one hour before meals.
• D. I will administer this medication with meals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Prednisone should be administered with meals to reduce gastrointestinal upset. Taking prednisone with food helps to minimize stomach irritation and other gastrointestinal side effects associated with the medication.

5. What will the nurse caution the parents of a child who has had a nephrectomy that he will have to avoid?

• A. Contact sports
• B. Horseback riding
• C. Alcohol
• D. Diuretic medications

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Children who have only one kidney should avoid contact sports to prevent injury to that remaining organ.

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