Nursing Elites

1. A patient with Parkinson’s disease who takes levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) comes to the clinic for a semi-annual physical examination. Which question is the most important for that nurse to ask?

• A. Have you noticed any swelling in your feet?
• B. Are you having vivid dreams or hallucination?
• C. Have you noticed any changes in your stool?
• D. Have you had your flu vaccine?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patients taking levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) are at increased risk for the psychiatric side effects of levodopa, including visual hallucinations, vivid dreams, nightmares, and paranoid ideation. The other questions are not directly related to problems that are likely to occur with this drug.

2. A patient is 1 hour postoperative following an open reduction internal fixation of the left tibia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Assess neurovascular status of the extremities every 4 hours
• B. Monitor the patient's pain level every 8 hours
• C. Assist the patient to the bathroom every 2 hours
• D. Keep the patient's left leg elevated on two pillows

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take 1 hour postoperative following an open reduction internal fixation of the left tibia is to assess neurovascular status of the extremities every 4 hours. This frequent assessment is crucial to monitor for any signs of complications such as impaired circulation or nerve damage. Monitoring every 4 hours allows for early detection of any issues, enabling timely intervention and prevention of potential complications. Monitoring the patient's pain level every 8 hours (choice B) is not as immediate or essential for postoperative care. Assisting the patient to the bathroom every 2 hours (choice C) may not be necessary if the patient is not ambulatory yet. Keeping the patient's left leg elevated on two pillows (choice D) can be beneficial but is not the priority in the immediate postoperative period compared to assessing neurovascular status.

3. A child with glomerulonephritis receiving corticosteroid treatment requires dietary teaching. What instruction should the nurse provide to the parent?

• A. Increase the child's intake of potassium-rich foods.
• B. Encourage the child to eat low-calorie snacks.
• C. Offer the child a variety of fresh fruits.
• D. Restrict the child's fluid intake.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to offer the child a variety of fresh fruits. Glomerulonephritis and corticosteroid use can lead to potassium depletion. Fresh fruits are a good source of potassium, which can help counteract the depletion caused by corticosteroids. Encouraging a variety of fresh fruits can provide necessary nutrients and help maintain a balanced diet for the child.

4. Which of the following is a common issue experienced by families of children with ASD?

• A. Financial limitations
• B. Social isolation
• C. Difficulty accessing needed services
• D. Difficulty obtaining early diagnosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Families of children with ASD commonly experience challenges in accessing needed services. This can include difficulties in obtaining appropriate therapies, educational support, and specialized interventions. While financial limitations and social isolation are also significant issues faced by these families, the primary concern often revolves around the challenges in accessing essential services for their children.

5. The nurse is teaching a patient with cancer about a new prescription for a fentanyl patch, 25mcg/hr. for chronic back pain. Which statement is the most appropriate to include in the teaching plan.

• A. You will need to change this patch every day, regardless of your pain level.
• B. This type of pain medication is not as likely to cause breathing problems.
• C. With the first patch, it will take about 24hrs before you feel the full effects.
• D. Use your heating pad for the back pain. It will also improve the patch’s effectiveness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Full analgesic effects can take up to 24 hours to develop with fentanyl patches. Most patches are changed every 72 hours. Has the same adverse effects as other opioids, including respiratory depression. Should avoid exposing the patch to external heat sources, because this may increase toxicity.

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