Nursing Elites

1. A patient with gout is prescribed allopurinol. What should the nurse include in the patient teaching?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Increase intake of high-purine foods.
• C. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
• D. Expect immediate pain relief.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When educating a patient prescribed allopurinol for gout, the nurse should emphasize taking the medication with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset. It is important to instruct the patient to maintain adequate hydration by consuming plenty of fluids, preferably water, to help prevent kidney stone formation and facilitate the drug's effectiveness. Allopurinol does not provide immediate pain relief but rather works to lower uric acid levels over time, reducing the frequency of gout attacks. Choices B and C are incorrect as increasing high-purine foods can exacerbate gout symptoms, and limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day is not recommended for gout patients who should maintain good hydration. Choice D is incorrect because allopurinol does not offer immediate pain relief.

2. A client with a severe head injury is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Which finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Urine output of 100 mL/hour.
• B. Intracranial pressure (ICP) of 20 mm Hg.
• C. Respiratory rate of 12 breaths/minute.
• D. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 70 mm Hg.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An Intracranial Pressure (ICP) of 20 mm Hg is at the upper limit of normal and may indicate increased intracranial pressure, which is a critical finding in a client with a severe head injury. Elevated ICP can lead to further brain damage and must be addressed promptly to prevent complications such as herniation. Monitoring and managing ICP are crucial in the care of patients with head injuries in the ICU.

3. A patient with hyperthyroidism is prescribed propylthiouracil (PTU). What is the primary purpose of this medication?

• A. Increase thyroid hormone production
• B. Suppress thyroid hormone production
• C. Enhance iodine absorption
• D. Stimulate the thyroid gland

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Propylthiouracil (PTU) is a medication used to treat hyperthyroidism by suppressing the production of thyroid hormones. It works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, thereby reducing their levels in the body. This helps to alleviate the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and restore thyroid hormone levels to normal range.

4. A client with chronic renal failure is scheduled to receive epoetin alfa (Epogen). Which laboratory result should the nurse review before administering the medication?

• A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• B. Creatinine clearance
• C. Hemoglobin level
• D. Serum potassium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to review the hemoglobin level before administering epoetin alfa (Epogen) to assess its effectiveness in stimulating red blood cell production. Hemoglobin level is a crucial indicator to monitor in clients with chronic renal failure receiving this medication. Choice A (Blood urea nitrogen) and Choice B (Creatinine clearance) are commonly monitored in renal failure but are not specifically relevant to assessing the effectiveness of epoetin alfa. Choice D (Serum potassium) is important to monitor due to potential imbalances in renal failure, but it is not directly related to evaluating the effectiveness of epoetin alfa.

5. The community health nurse is working in a multi-ethnic health center. In what situation should the nurse intervene?

• A. An Asian-American mother reports using cupping to treat an infection, resulting in a pattern of red round marks on her toddler's back.
• B. A Hispanic pregnant client who is often late for appointments arrives late for today's appointment.
• C. A Native-American individual being interviewed will not make direct eye contact when asked about violence in the home.
• D. An African-American infant who is spitting up milk has lost 6 ounces since last week's clinic visit.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because losing weight in an infant, especially when combined with spitting up milk, requires immediate intervention to address potential health concerns. Choice A deals with a cultural practice that may not necessarily pose an immediate health risk. Choice B, while important, does not present an immediate health threat. Choice C relates to cultural differences in communication and does not necessarily indicate a need for immediate intervention in terms of health.

Similar Questions