Nursing Elites

1. An elderly client is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She has surgery followed by chemotherapy with fluorouracil (Adrucil) IV. What should the nurse do if she notices crystals and cloudiness in the IV medication?

• A. Discard the solution and order a new bag
• B. Warm the solution
• C. Continue the infusion and document the finding
• D. Discontinue the medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Crystals in the solution are not normal and should not be administered to the client. Discarding the solution and ordering a new bag is the correct action to ensure the client's safety. Warming the solution, as suggested in answer B, will not resolve the issue of crystals and cloudiness, which could potentially harm the client. Continuing the infusion, as in answer C, could pose a risk to the client due to the presence of abnormal substances. Answer D, discontinuing the medication, would typically require a doctor's order and should be done after discarding the contaminated solution.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with laryngeal cancer. Which finding ascertained in the health history would not be common for this diagnosis?

• A. Foul breath
• B. Dysphagia
• C. Diarrhea
• D. Chronic hiccups

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Diarrhea is not a common finding in clients with laryngeal cancer. Foul breath (A), dysphagia (B), and chronic hiccups (D) are expected findings associated with laryngeal cancer. Foul breath can result from tissue breakdown in the mouth and throat. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can occur due to the tumor's location affecting the swallowing mechanism. Chronic hiccups can be a symptom of irritation to the phrenic nerves from the cancer.

3. When teaching clients with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia nearing discharge from a residential care facility, what is an essential topic to include?

• A. pathophysiology of the disease and expected symptoms.
• B. how to recognize and manage symptoms of relapse.
• C. the need to take extra medication when feeling stressed.
• D. the importance of contact with follow-up care daily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When educating clients with Schizophrenia nearing discharge, it is crucial to focus on teaching them how to recognize and manage symptoms of relapse. Clients are usually aware of these symptoms, such as feeling anxious and overwhelmed, before the onset of psychosis. This early stage is vital for intervention, which involves finding a safe environment, seeking help, avoiding stressors, and reducing stimuli. Understanding and managing relapse symptoms empower clients to take proactive steps in their care. Choices A and C are not as immediate and practical as recognizing symptoms of relapse for client safety and well-being. While contact with follow-up care is important, it is not as urgent and specific as knowing how to manage relapse symptoms for immediate intervention.

4. The physician orders the antibiotics ampicillin (Omnipen) and gentamicin (Garamycin) for a newly admitted client with an infection. The nurse should:

• A. administer both medications simultaneously.
• B. give the medications sequentially, and flush well between them.
• C. ask the physician or pharmacy which medication to give first and how long to wait before giving the other drug.
• D. start one medication now and begin the other medication in 2-4 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A client with an infection needs both antibiotics as soon as possible. However, the pH of ampicillin is 8-10, and the pH of gentamicin is 3-5.5, making them incompatible when given together. Flushing well between drugs is necessary to prevent interaction. Choice C is incorrect because the nurse, not the physician or pharmacy, should determine the correct administration sequence. Consulting with the pharmacist is appropriate if uncertain. Choice D is incorrect because delaying the second medication by several hours can slow the treatment of the client's infection, as both antibiotics are needed promptly to address the infection effectively. Therefore, the correct action is to give the medications sequentially and flush well between them to prevent any potential interactions.

5. When caring for African-American clients, what is an important consideration regarding their needs?

• A. Families may have specific needs.
• B. Special hair, skin, and nail care might be required.
• C. Cultural diets should be respected.
• D. Clients are generally future-oriented.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct answer: Special hair, skin, and nail care might be required. African-American clients may have specific hair, skin, and nail care needs due to their unique characteristics such as curly hair and melanin-rich skin. It is important for healthcare providers to be knowledgeable about these needs to provide appropriate care. Option A is incorrect as it does not address the specific care aspect related to the clients themselves. Option C is incorrect as assuming all African-American clients follow cultural diets is a stereotype and may not apply to every individual. Option D is incorrect as being future-oriented is not a characteristic that is universally applicable to African-American clients and does not directly impact nursing care considerations.

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