Nursing Elites

1. A patient with type 1 diabetes is prescribed insulin glargine. What is the primary characteristic of this insulin?

• A. Rapid-acting
• B. Intermediate-acting
• C. Long-acting
• D. Short-acting

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Insulin glargine is classified as a long-acting insulin. It is designed to provide a consistent level of insulin over approximately 24 hours, helping to keep blood glucose levels stable throughout the day. This long duration of action makes it suitable for basal insulin replacement in patients with type 1 diabetes, providing a background level of insulin to mimic the body's natural release of insulin between meals and overnight.

2. The client has a nasogastric (NG) tube and is receiving enteral feedings. What intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications associated with the NG tube?

• A. Flush the NG tube with water before and after feedings.
• B. Check gastric residual volume every 6 hours.
• C. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees.
• D. Replace the NG tube every 24 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Keeping the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees is crucial in preventing aspiration, a common complication associated with nasogastric (NG) tubes and enteral feedings. This position helps reduce the risk of reflux and aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs, promoting client safety and preventing respiratory complications. Flushing the NG tube with water before and after feedings (Choice A) is not the primary intervention to prevent complications. Checking gastric residual volume every 6 hours (Choice B) is important but not directly related to preventing complications associated with the NG tube. Replacing the NG tube every 24 hours (Choice D) is not a standard practice and is not necessary to prevent complications if the tube is functioning properly.

3. A client has developed hepatic encephalopathy secondary to cirrhosis and is receiving care on the medical unit. The client's current medication regimen includes lactulose four times daily. What desired outcome should the nurse relate to this pharmacologic intervention?

• A. Two to three soft bowel movements daily
• B. Significant increase in appetite and food intake
• C. Absence of nausea and vomiting
• D. Absence of blood or mucus in stool

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lactulose is used in hepatic encephalopathy to reduce blood ammonia levels by promoting bowel movements. The desired outcome of lactulose therapy is typically two to three soft bowel movements daily, which helps in eliminating excess ammonia from the body, thus improving the client's condition.

4. 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.

5. A client with a new diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is prescribed pyridostigmine (Mestinon). Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching?

• A. Take the medication with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
• B. Take the medication 30 minutes before meals.
• C. Avoid dairy products while taking this medication.
• D. Take the medication at bedtime.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with myasthenia gravis prescribed pyridostigmine (Mestinon) is to take the medication 30 minutes before meals. This timing is crucial as it helps improve muscle strength for eating and swallowing. By taking the medication before meals, the client can experience enhanced muscle function during mealtime, which is especially important for managing the symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking the medication with food may decrease its effectiveness, avoiding dairy products is not necessary, and taking the medication at bedtime does not coincide with the optimal timing for enhancing muscle function during meals.

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