Nursing Elites

1. An older adult with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease has been experiencing fecal incontinence, with no recent change in stool character noted by the nurse. What is the nurse's most appropriate intervention?

• A. Keep a food diary to identify foods that worsen the client's symptoms
• B. Provide the client with a bland, low-residue diet
• C. Toilet the client on a frequent, scheduled basis
• D. Collaborate with the primary provider to secure an order for loperamide

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for an older adult with Alzheimer's disease experiencing fecal incontinence and no change in stool character is to toilet the client on a frequent, scheduled basis. Scheduled toileting can help manage incontinence by establishing a routine for bowel movements, which may aid in reducing episodes of fecal incontinence.

2. What instruction should a patient with a history of hypertension be provided when being discharged with a prescription for a thiazide diuretic?

• A. Avoid foods high in potassium.
• B. Take the medication at bedtime.
• C. Monitor weight daily.
• D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a patient with a history of hypertension being discharged with a prescription for a thiazide diuretic is to monitor weight daily. This is important because thiazide diuretics can cause fluid imbalances, and monitoring weight daily can help detect significant changes early. Choice A, avoiding foods high in potassium, is not directly related to thiazide diuretics. Choice B, taking the medication at bedtime, may vary depending on the specific medication but is not a universal instruction. Choice D, limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day, is not appropriate as adequate hydration is important to prevent complications like hypokalemia.

3. What health promotion teaching should prioritize to prevent drug-induced hepatitis?

• A. Finish all prescribed courses of antibiotics, regardless of symptom resolution
• B. Adhere to dosing recommendations of over-the-counter analgesics
• C. Ensure that expired medications are disposed of safely
• D. Ensure that pharmacists regularly review drug regimens for potential interactions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Adhering to dosing recommendations of over-the-counter analgesics is crucial in preventing drug-induced hepatitis. Overdosing on analgesics can lead to liver damage, making it essential to follow the recommended dosages to reduce the risk of hepatotoxicity.

4. An elderly female client comes to the clinic for a regular check-up. The client tells the nurse that she has increased her daily doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the past month to control joint pain. Based on this client's comment, what previous lab values should the nurse compare with today's lab report?

• A. Look at last quarter's hemoglobin and hematocrit to assess for dehydration.
• B. Look for an increase in today's LDH compared to the previous one to assess for possible liver damage.
• C. Expect to find an increase in today's APTT compared to last quarter's due to bleeding.
• D. Determine if there is a decrease in serum potassium due to renal compromise.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client increases their daily doses of acetaminophen for joint pain, it raises concerns about possible liver damage due to acetaminophen overdose. LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) levels can indicate liver function, so comparing today's levels with previous ones can help assess for liver damage caused by acetaminophen overuse.

5. A 45-year-old woman presents with fatigue, weight gain, and constipation. Laboratory tests reveal low TSH and high free T4 levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Hypothyroidism
• B. Hyperthyroidism
• C. Thyroiditis
• D. Thyroid cancer

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presentation of low TSH and high free T4 levels is characteristic of hyperthyroidism, which is consistent with the symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, and constipation described in the case. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormone leading to a hypermetabolic state, which can manifest with these symptoms.

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