Nursing Elites

1. A provider prescribes phenobarbital for a client who has a seizure disorder. The medication has a long half-life of 4 days. How many times per day should the nurse expect to administer this medication?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Phenobarbital has a long half-life of 4 days, meaning it remains at therapeutic levels in the body for an extended period. Due to this prolonged duration of action, the nurse should expect to administer phenobarbital once a day to maintain therapeutic levels and effectiveness. Administering it more than once a day would lead to unnecessary dosing and potential adverse effects as the medication remains active in the body for an extended period.

2. A client has a new prescription for Calcitonin-salmon for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Swallow tablets on an empty stomach with plenty of water.
• B. Watch for skin rash and redness when applying calcitonin-salmon topically.
• C. Mix the liquid medication with juice and take it after meals.
• D. Alternate nostrils each time calcitonin-salmon is inhaled.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Calcitonin-salmon is commonly administered intranasally for postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is essential to alternate nostrils daily when inhaling the medication to ensure equal distribution and optimal absorption. This technique helps prevent irritation and congestion in one nostril and enhances the effectiveness of the medication. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because calcitonin-salmon is not swallowed, applied topically, or taken as a liquid medication after meals. Therefore, instructing the client to alternate nostrils during inhalation is the most appropriate teaching for this medication.

3. A client has a new prescription for Enoxaparin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Massage the injection site after administration.
• B. Aspirate before injecting the medication.
• C. Administer the medication into the abdomen.
• D. Administer the medication via intramuscular injection.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer the medication into the abdomen. Enoxaparin is a medication that is administered subcutaneously, typically in the abdomen to ensure proper absorption. Massaging the injection site should be avoided as it can lead to bruising or bleeding under the skin. Aspirating before injecting the medication is not necessary for subcutaneous injections like Enoxaparin. Administering the medication via intramuscular injection is incorrect as Enoxaparin should be given subcutaneously.

4. A client has a new prescription for Amiodarone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with meals.
• B. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
• C. Take this medication at bedtime.
• D. Increase your intake of sodium-rich foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to advise the client to avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking Amiodarone. Grapefruit juice can inhibit the metabolism of Amiodarone, leading to increased blood levels of the medication and raising the risk of adverse effects, such as cardiac toxicity. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking Amiodarone with meals, at bedtime, or increasing intake of sodium-rich foods are not necessary instructions for this medication.

5. When administering Phenytoin, what should you monitor?

• A. Behavior
• B. Therapeutic blood levels
• C. For signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When administering Phenytoin, monitoring the patient's behavior is important to assess for any changes that may indicate adverse effects. Monitoring therapeutic blood levels helps ensure the medication is within the effective range and not causing toxicity. Additionally, being vigilant for signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe skin reaction associated with Phenytoin use, is crucial for early detection and intervention. Therefore, monitoring behavior, therapeutic blood levels, and for signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome are all essential when administering Phenytoin.

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