Nursing Elites

1. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. What is an important teaching point for the nurse to provide?

• A. Take folic acid supplements as prescribed.
• B. Avoid alcohol completely.
• C. Expect to see immediate results.
• D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct teaching point for a patient prescribed methotrexate is to take folic acid supplements as prescribed. Methotrexate can lead to a folate deficiency, which is why supplementing with folic acid is essential to reduce the risk of side effects such as mouth sores, nausea, and liver problems.

2. When assessing a client with a chest tube connected to suction, which observation indicates that the chest tube is functioning properly?

• A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.
• B. Intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber.
• C. No fluctuation in the water seal chamber.
• D. Steady bubbling in the suction control chamber.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Steady bubbling in the suction control chamber is the correct observation that indicates the chest tube is functioning properly. This steady bubbling signifies that the suction is actively maintaining the desired pressure level within the system, ensuring proper drainage and lung re-expansion. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber, intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber, or no fluctuation in the water seal chamber are not indicative of optimal chest tube function and may require further assessment or intervention.

3. A client who underwent a total hip replacement is receiving discharge teaching from a nurse. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid crossing your legs at the knees.
• B. Sit only in low chairs for comfort.
• C. Bend at the waist to pick up objects.
• D. Sleep on the affected side to prevent discomfort.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to avoid crossing the legs at the knees. This advice helps prevent dislocation of the new hip joint, which is a common concern after a total hip replacement surgery. Crossing the legs can place stress on the hip joint and increase the risk of dislocation. It is important for the client to follow this precaution to promote proper healing and reduce complications postoperatively.

4. A 32-year-old woman presents with a 10-month history of an intermittent burning sensation in the epigastrium that is sometimes related to eating. She has heard about bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. She has had no change in her weight and denies dysphagia. Her laboratory tests are normal. Which of the following would you recommend?

• A. Serum qualitative test for H. pylori
• B. Refer for endoscopy
• C. Obtain an upper GI series
• D. Treat her for H. pylori infection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The patient presents with dyspepsia, described as an intermittent burning sensation in the epigastrium, sometimes related to eating. In individuals under 45 years without warning signs such as anemia, weight loss, or dysphagia, a serum qualitative test for H. pylori is recommended to document H. pylori infection, especially if the patient has not been previously treated. It's important to note that a serum IgG can remain positive post-eradication. If H. pylori-positive patients do not respond to treatment, an endoscopy would be the next step for evaluation. An upper GI series is less sensitive than endoscopy in detecting lesions of the upper GI tract and cannot specifically detect H. pylori. Empiric therapy for H. pylori without confirmation is not recommended.

5. In a patient with a history of chronic iron deficiency anemia requiring a recent blood transfusion and an extensive GI work-up, which statement is true based on their medications?

• A. A dedicated small bowel series has a high likelihood of being positive
• B. 81 mg of aspirin per day decreases the benefit of using a COX II inhibitor
• C. The patient should have a provocative arteriogram with heparin infusion to identify the source of blood loss
• D. Hormonal therapy has been shown to be effective in decreasing blood loss due to arteriovenous malformations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Taking even a low dose of aspirin per day, such as 81 mg, can reduce the protective effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa that is gained from using a COX II selective inhibitor. Aspirin can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, which can counteract the benefits of COX II inhibitors in protecting the stomach lining.

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